Watch an Exclusive Performance From Nina Simone Bio-Musical Little Girl Blue

Little Girl Blue, the musical inspired by the life of American singer-songwriter and civil rights activist Nina Simone, began performances at New World Stages March 5. Watch writer and star of the show, Laiona Michelle, in an exclusive performance of the title song above.

Little Girl Blue premiered at George Street Playhouse in New Brunswick, New Jersey, in 2019 and had a summer 2021 run as part of the Goodspeed by the River series. Michelle made her Broadway debut in 2015 in Amazing Grace.

Original director Devanand Janki helms the Off-Broadway run, and the original company of onstage musicians—Kenn Salters, Saadi Zain, and pianist Mark Fifer—return to accompany Michelle. Fifer also serves as the show's music director and arranger.

The production's all-female, BIPOC design team includes scenic designer Shoko Kambura, costume designer Ari Fulton, lighting designer Dawn Chiang, sound designer Twi McCallum, and wig designer Earon Nealey. Casting is by Jason Styres/The Casting Collaborative. Ernie Fimbres serves as production stage manager. Production management is by MZQ Productions, and general management is by Lisa Dozier/LDK Productions.

Rashad V. Chambers is the show's lead producer. Chambers is currently represented on Broadway with The Music Man and has been co-producer on Ain't Too Proud; Caroline, or Change; American Son; Betrayal; and The Inheritance.

[BroadwayBroads]

We just saw this last week! What a star Ms. Laiona is! She embodies queen Simone! 💙

[michaelparness]

I genuinely have chills.. she embodies Nina’s soft delicate genius and balances it with her strength and forceful presence so effortlessly and wonderfully.

[kecialewis]

So EXCITED to see this!! Beautiful backstory and performance Ms. Laiona!

[venuslove]

Looking forward to seeing it. I know its going to be a delight!!. And to represent i am going to wear something blue.

[WhippetOut]

As soon as Laiona started singing, she really channeled some of Nina Simone. Would love to see this show in the UK.

[janineklein]

This actress was Nina Simone.
This show needs to be on Broadway.