An essential American story
Introduces students to a groundbreaking artist whose achievements deserve far greater recognition.
The N’Kenge Foundation invites schools to become inaugural production partners for the first-ever school edition of That’s Love! The Dorothy Dandridge Musical. Discover the remarkable life, artistry, and legacy of Dorothy Dandridge—the groundbreaking performer who became the first Black woman nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actress (Carmen Jones, 1954). Through powerful musical storytelling, students will explore ambition, identity, representation, resilience, and the courage to break barriers. More than a musical, That’s Love! is an opportunity to bring an important chapter of American history to life through the transformative power of the arts.
Will your school be among the first to bring her story to the stage?
SYNOPSIS
She broke through Hollywood’s barriers—but the spotlight came at a price. That’s Love! brings Dorothy Dandridge’s extraordinary rise to the stage in a thrilling new musical about ambition, artistry, love, and the cost of becoming a legend.
From the Apollo to Hollywood, Dorothy fights to claim her place in an industry determined to limit her—to confine her talent, control her image, and deny her the roles worthy of her gifts. To achieve the stardom she was born to claim, she must risk more than rejection: her deepest relationships, her sense of self, and the freedom to live beyond the expectations imposed upon her. Along the way, she encounters icons including Lena Horne, Marilyn Monroe, Harry Belafonte, and the Nicholas Brothers, while confronting the forces that demand she choose between artistic integrity and opportunity, love and ambition, visibility and survival. Every triumph brings her closer to the spotlight—and closer to the sacrifices that threaten to consume her.
With soaring music, sizzling dance, passionate romance, and heartbreaking sacrifice, That’s Love! reveals the woman behind the legend—and the courage it took to overcome racism, sexism, exploitation, and the fear that success might cost her everything she loved. A dazzling, deeply moving celebration of a groundbreaking artist who risked it all to turn her dream into a legacy.
STAGE HISTORY
A production with a proven stage history
2
Sold-out performances
Carnegie Hall
5 / 3
Nominations / Wins
New York Theater Festival
Best Director, Best Singer, Best Choreographer — the most nominations and wins of any show that season
SRO
Standing room only
Laurie Beechman Theater
Stage reading
THE N’KENGE FOUNDATION
Where Young BIPOC Artists Take the Stage
The N’Kenge Foundation is a New Jersey–based 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded by internationally acclaimed, Tony-, Grammy-, and Emmy-nominated artist N’Kenge.
We invest in young BIPOC artists through education, mentorship, mental wellness programming, and financial literacy—preparing them not only for the stage, but for the life and career that follow.
OUR MISSION
“Changing Lives One Legacy at a Time”
The N’Kenge Foundation educates, mentors, inspires and uplifts through the transformative power of the arts, amplifying BIPOC voices and stories across all media platforms. We advance mental wellness and financial literacy through in-school and community initiatives, global training programs, and storytelling projects that empower young people to thrive and shape the world around them.
WHY THIS STORY, WHY NOW?
An American story students deserve to know
Meaningful student conversations
Connects performance with discussions about race, gender, opportunity, and representation.
Learning across departments
Builds bridges among theatre, music, history, English, and media studies.
A chance to shape something new
Gives the inaugural school partner a real role in developing the work for student performers and audiences.
WHAT BEING THE FIRST SCHOOL PARTNER MEANS
Help shape the first school edition
We are seeking a school partner to explore an inaugural student production of That’s Love! Interested schools will meet with the producing team to discuss the script’s development, educational goals, production needs, timeline, and available support—workshops, creative-team visits, script adaptations, and other services.
SUPPORT AVAILABLE
- Educator planning meetings
- Student workshops or masterclasses
- Historical background and classroom discussion materials
- Creative-team conversations or post-show talkbacks
- Guidance through the development and rehearsal process
PRODUCTION DETAILS
Flexible casting. Big-stage impact.
High school or college students
Principal Roles
- Dorothy Dandridge
- Vivian Dandridge
- Ruby Dandridge
- Otto Preminger
- Jack Denison / Anthony Quinn
- Earl Mills
Male Ensemble & Featured Tracks
- Harold Nicholas / Harry Belafonte / Ensemble
- Fayard Nicholas / Phil Moore / Ensemble
- Male Ensemble Track 1
- Male Ensemble Track 2
- Male Ensemble Track 3
- Male Ensemble Track 4
Female Ensemble & Featured Tracks
- Neva / Female Ensemble
- Zelda Wynn Valdes / Female Ensemble
- Female Ensemble Track 1
- Hedda Hopper / Female Ensemble
- Marilyn Monroe / Female Ensemble
- Female Ensemble
* Each ensemble member is a featured icon that can become an added actor if needed.
Whether you have a smaller drama department or a large performing arts program, the school edition can be adapted to your needs, creating opportunities for students to take part and shine.
SHAPED TOGETHER
A School Partnership Built Around Your Students
Every school has its own strengths, needs, and aspirations. The school edition of That’s Love! The Dorothy Dandridge Musical will be developed with a selected partner school through planning meetings focused on students, resources, and educational goals. Students gain opportunities to grow as performers and leaders, educators receive meaningful support, and the school community helps shape a production that reflects its shared identity.
Music & Vocal Requirements
Explore vocal demands, arrangements, orchestration, and accompaniment options—from opera and jazz to pop—based on your students’ abilities and interests. Students build musical confidence and performance skills; educators gain guidance for creating an inclusive, accessible experience; and the school community enjoys a production that showcases diverse student voices.
Technical & Production Needs
With approximately 20 locations per act, That’s Love! The Dorothy Dandridge Musical is designed to move audiences through Dorothy’s world—from the Apollo to Hollywood and beyond. A projection-based design or minimalist unit set can help establish each location through projected imagery, carefully selected props, lighting, and simple scenic elements.
During planning, the N’Kenge Foundation will work with the selected school partner to explore a practical staging approach based on the school’s performance space, projection capabilities, technical resources, and budget. This flexible approach can minimize the need for elaborate scene changes while giving students opportunities to explore scenic storytelling, projection design, lighting, and stagecraft.
A world of locations. One transformative story. A production shaped around your school.
The School Edition
Adapt the material for student performers and school audiences while honoring Dorothy Dandridge’s story, the musical’s artistic integrity, and its educational value. Students connect with history, representation, perseverance, and the arts; educators gain a flexible tool for interdisciplinary learning; and the school community comes together to celebrate creativity, achievement, and growth.
Schedule & Production Planning
Establish timelines, rehearsal expectations, planning milestones, and performance dates that fit your school calendar. Students feel prepared and supported; educators gain the structure needed to balance rehearsals with instruction; and families and community members can participate in a well-organized, memorable school event.
Your Students. Your Stage. A Story That Inspires.
The N’Kenge Foundation welcomes educators and school leaders interested in shaping the first school edition of That’s Love! Students can discover their talents, educators can expand learning through the arts, and the entire school community can celebrate Dorothy Dandridge’s legacy through music, history, storytelling, and shared achievement.
BECOME A SCHOOL PARTNER
Express interest in a school production
Tell us about your school and program. Our producing team will follow up to set up a conversation.