Hamilton! The Wiz! The Lion King and more! These aren’t just Broadway shows with songs firmly implanted into the cultural zeitgeist. They tell stories that transcend the stage and impact lives. These songs are at the core of the upcoming Black II Broadway preview shows. 

“The goal of the preview shows is to create a meaningful introduction that invites audiences into the heart of the storytelling while allowing the work to breathe, evolve, and connect in real time,” performer Terry Dyer said. “These previews are not about perfection; they’re about presence.” 

The shows are at The Foundry in Wilton Manors January 18-19, which intentionally coincides with MLK weekend. Dyer, LeNora Jaye, and Antonio Edwards are performers and producers and will be joined by J Blue, B Mack, Jesse Smith, and Sharde Ross. 

The goal of the show is to shine a light on Black music and stories, stories that often go untold. 

“I am participating because I feel that black artists, particularly black music, are unfortunately overwhelmingly under-represented in our community,” Edwards said. “The stories I look forward to telling are those of overcoming adversity and inspiration.” 

Dyer echoes that sentiment, saying, “Each song was selected because it adds a distinct voice to the larger conversation, bringing awareness to identity, resilience, joy, struggle, love, and transformation.” 

This preview run, along with another in April, lets producers see how audiences respond to the music, tone, and style of the show before culminating with the grand performance, on June 7, which serves as the closing event to FL BlaQ Out Pride. 

“The [previews] give us the opportunity to gauge resonance, feel the energy in the room, and understand which moments land most deeply with the audience before the full production takes shape,” Dyer said. 

Tickets are available through Eventbrite.