Brian Moreland on Producing with Purpose and Bringing Joe Turner’s Come and Gone to Broadway
- Joel Crump
- 16 hours ago
- 3 min read
At Carmine’s, over classic Italian dishes and plenty of laughter, Broadway producer Brian Moreland joined Joel Crump for a candid conversation on Broadway Time at Carmine’s, offering insight into his journey, his impact, and his latest highly anticipated production.
Moreland, currently the only Black lead producer on Broadway, spoke openly about the weight of that distinction. “It doesn’t hit me until someone says it,” he shared. “It’s one of those things that shouldn’t be, but it is… my responsibility is to not mess it up, so others can come in and do the same thing.” His presence in the industry marks a significant moment, as diversity in producing leadership remains limited, even at the highest levels of theater.
That perspective carries directly into his newest project, Joe Turner’s Come and Gone by August Wilson, starring Taraji P. Henson and Cedric “The Entertainer,” and directed by Debbie Allen. The revival begins performances March 30 and is already generating major buzz. For Moreland, the story feels especially relevant today, centered on a man rebuilding his life after being wrongfully enslaved and searching for his family. “People are always trying to reconcile the past, make it better for the present, and shape the future,” he explained.
Bringing together this cast came together faster than expected. Taraji P. Henson, a longtime admirer of August Wilson, said yes almost immediately, while Cedric the Entertainer was eager to return to the stage after years in television. Together, they bring both emotional depth and humor to a production that balances history with humanity.
As a lead producer, Moreland’s role extends far beyond what audiences see. He oversees everything from financing and rights to assembling creative teams and managing large-scale productions. With more than $35 million in budgets under his leadership and teams of over 35 per show, he operates as what he calls “the captain of the ship.” His recent production of Othello, starring Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal, achieved 150 percent recoupment, a rare success in an industry where few shows fully return their investment.
Still, even at that level, the uncertainty never fully goes away. Moreland admitted he still wonders if audiences will show up. “Who’s going to come?” he said, recalling the same question he asked as a child about his own birthday parties. “And then people do. That makes me happy.”
The conversation also revealed how full circle this moment is for him. Early in his career, Moreland trained as a dancer and took classes with Debbie Allen, who now directs Joe Turner’s Come and Gone. That collaboration, along with his continued work on August Wilson’s plays, reflects a career built on both persistence and purpose. “The shows really choose me,” he said.
For those hoping to follow in his footsteps, Moreland emphasized learning every part of the industry and staying open to the journey. His own path included working backstage, in costume departments, and across multiple roles before becoming one of Broadway’s most influential producers.
Even with the scale and success of his work, the most meaningful moment remains opening night. After months of preparation, he described the final curtain as both a release and a reward. “There’s a huge sigh of relief… and then I have a big cry,” he said. “Because we made it.”
Through his work, Brian Moreland is not only producing major Broadway hits, he is helping shape a more inclusive and expansive future for the industry. For more information on Joe Turner’s Come and Gone, visit JoeTurnerBway.com.
