However, if theatre owners and operators were interested in showcasing more work by Black artists in light of the current focus on racial injustice, there are numerous plays and musicals with Black writers that could potentially make their way to Broadway. These shows have already been written, had successful productions elsewhere, and have backing from either commercial producers or non-profit presenters. Yet, bringing these shows to Broadway would require making space for producers and artists who may not have as much experience in the commercial theatre world as the industry veterans who typically dominate Broadway. Playwright Lynn Nottage, who has faced challenges in getting her work to Broadway in the past, is hopeful that the theatre scene will be more diverse and inclusive when it reopens. She believes that returning to a theatre environment that reflects the world she wants to live in, rather than the current reality, would be very exciting. It is worth noting that three major organizations control three-quarters of Broadway theatres: Shubert, Nederlander, and Jujamcyn. In order to put on a Broadway show, producers typically need to rent a theatre and agree to share box office earnings with one of the landlords. In recent years, availability has been scarce due to the success of Broadway, but industry experts predict a change next year due to the uncertainty surrounding the pandemic. The Shuberts, who own the most theatres, plan to come back with a variety of shows, including ones by Black writers, directors, and with Black subject matter. Some of the shows looking for theatres when Broadway reopens next spring include a revival of Ntozake Shange’s “For Coloured Girls Who Have Considered Suicide / When the Rainbow Is Enuf,” a revival of Charles Randolph-Wright’s “Blue,” and a new play by Keenan Scott II called “Thoughts of a Coloured Man.” Stephanie Ybarra, the artistic director of Baltimore Centre Stage, believes that “Thoughts of a Coloured Man” would do very well on Broadway. Several musicals are in a promising position, including "A Strange Loop" by Michael R Jackson, which recently won the Pulitzer Prize for drama. Despite not heading directly to Broadway, the show is set to have a non-profit run next summer at Woolly Mammoth in Washington before attempting a Broadway run. Additionally, two other musicals with Black writers, "Born for This" and "Paradise Square," are hoping for theatre productions next spring. "Born for This" has had productions in several cities and is being produced by Ron Gillyard, a music executive. "Paradise Square," which had a production at Berkeley Repertory Theatre, has Marcus Gardley as one of its book writers and is led by Canadian producer Garth Drabinsky, who is trying to make a comeback after serving time in prison for fraud. Gillyard, along with theatre industry veteran Jenny Gersten, is seeking to navigate Broadway with a fresh perspective. Nonprofit theatres have plays by Black writers planned for the upcoming season, including Roundabout Theatre Company's production of "Trouble in Mind" by Alice Childress, a play exploring racism in theatre. Todd Haimes, the Roundabout artistic director, expressed a commitment to showcasing lesser-known classics by artists of color. He expressed that the play is remarkable and not a completely unknown masterpiece, but rather a partially discovered one that was overlooked due to fear. Second Stage Theatre is planning to produce a new comedic play by Nottage in the fall of 2021, which had a previous run at the Guthrie Theatre in Minneapolis under the title "Floyd's." However, Nottage intends to rename it to avoid any association with George Floyd. A more diverse representation on Broadway is crucial for theatre artists as it offers better salaries and opportunities, ultimately enhancing their careers and expanding the reach of their work. Playwright Jocelyn Bioh, known for "School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play," is currently working on a new Afrobeat musical called "Goddess," which is based on a Kenyan myth and has plans for an initial production at Berkeley Rep. The goal is to eventually bring it to Broadway with the support of commercial producer Christine Schwarzman. Bioh acknowledges the diversity issue on Broadway and believes that raising awareness and nurturing fearless producers is key to addressing it. There are also three jukebox musicals by Black writers expected next year, including "Ain't Too Proud" by Dominique Morisseau and "Tina" by Katori Hall, both of which were put on hold due to the pandemic after opening in 2019. The upcoming production is centered around Michael Jackson, known as "MJ," with a book by Nottage and is set to debut in April. While musicals often rely on popular song catalogues for success, plays in today's Broadway industry are often dependent on star power for casting. For instance, Producer Robyn Goodman is attempting to bring Cheryl L West's "Jar the Floor," a play about four generations of Black women, to Broadway but is facing challenges finding well-known actors available for the production. Another play, "Blue," by Charles Randolph-Wright, focusing on a successful family of funeral home operators, is being produced by Brian Moreland, who also has "Thoughts of a Coloured Man" in the works. Moreland initially tried to secure a Broadway theatre for "Blue," directed by Phylicia Rashad, co-produced by John Legend, and starring Leslie Uggams and Lynn Whitfield, but had to settle for the Apollo Theatre in Harlem due to scheduling conflicts and the pandemic. There is ongoing discussion about reconsidering the classification of the Apollo Theatre as a Broadway venue. He is feeling optimistic again as he senses a change in the atmosphere. He expressed his willingness to take over a Broadway theater if given the opportunity. Ron Simons, the main producer of "For Coloured Girls," has joined forces with veteran Broadway producer Nelle Nugent in the hopes that her expertise will assist in securing a theater for the show. The production, which originally debuted on Broadway in 1976, was brought back to the stage at the Public Theatre last year. Camille A. Brown, the choreographer, will now be directing the show on Broadway, taking over from Leah C Gardiner who directed the production downtown. There are a number of shows by Black writers in development at nonprofit theaters that producers are hoping will make it to Broadway, including "Pass Over" by Antoinette Nwandu, "Toni Stone" by Lydia Diamond, and "Gun & Powder" by Angelica Chéri and Ross Baum. Additionally, there is "Dreaming Zenzile" about Miriam Makeba being developed by Somi Kakoma with Mara Isaacs, and a musical adaptation of "Hidden Figures" by Disney Theatrical Productions. Scott Rudin is also working on reviving August Wilson's "The Piano Lesson" and considering a commercial production of "The Black Clown" by Davóne Tines and Michael Schachter. Some of the newcomers to Broadway have experience in other areas of the entertainment industry. For example, film producer Lauren Shuler Donner is working on a stage adaptation of "The Secret Life of Bees," while film and television producer Lee Daniels plans to bring "Ain't No Mo'" to Broadway. Daniels faced resistance when discussing the show with Broadway producers due to its no-holds-barred comic fantasia theme. Despite this, he remains hopeful that the show will make it to Broadway after the pandemic. "It is the heart of New York City," he stated, "and we should be located in the center of New York City." c.2020 The New York Times Company.