A Broadway-aimed rock opera is in development — inspired by the music trio Labelle. Founding band member Nona Hendryx is writing the show, titled “Labelle,” in collaboration with Pulitzer Prize-winning and Tony Award-nominated playwright Lynn Nottage. “Labelle” is being developed by Nightbird Music (composed of Hendryx and Vicki Wickham), with ShowTown Productions (Nathan Gehan and Jamison Scott) serving as executive producers.
“Working with Lynn Nottage — a two-time Pulitzer Prize winner whose commitment to centering Black stories aligns so powerfully with my own vision — feels like the universe conspiring in the most beautiful way,” said Hendryx in a statement. “This rock opera will be an immersive celebration of artistic liberation, cultural defiance and the timeless power of women who refused to be contained. I cannot wait to bring our story to life in a way that honors our legacy while pushing the boundaries of what theatrical storytelling can be.”
The rock opera is expected to capture how Labelle broke barriers of race, gender and genre — blending rock, funk, soul and glam to forge a new sound that inspired generations of artists. The show’s creators hope to bring the band’s story and its sound to the stage in celebration of sisterhood and power.
Sarah Dash, Hendryx and Patti LaBelle comprised the original trio of the band. From its beginnings in the 1960s to its reinvention in the 1970s, Labelle introduced to the mainstream an Afrofuturist style and hit recordings, including “What Can I Do for You?,” “Nightbirds” and a popular version of “Lady Marmalade.”
Hendryx is an American vocalist, record producer, songwriter, musician and author who began her career as a founding member of Labelle. After Labelle disbanded, Hendryx launched a solo career through which her music spanned genres like soul, funk, hard rock and new wave. Hendryx is also recognized for her prolific work as an activist and multimedia artist, exploring concepts like Afrofuturism and advocacy for social causes.
Nottage earned a 2022 Tony nomination for her libretto to Broadway’s currently running Michael Jackson jukebox musical “MJ.” She was also Tony-nominated for penning the plays “Clyde’s” (also in 2022) and “Sweat” (2017), the latter for which she won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama. In 2009, Nottage’s play “Ruined” also won her a Pulitzer for Drama. In 2022, Nottage adapted her play “Intimate Apparel” into an opera which was produced Off-Broadway.
Further details about “Labelle,” including the show’s full creative team and a production timeline, will be announced.
