NEW YORK — The new Broadway musical, which centers around the life of jazz legend Louis Armstrong, opens with the iconic musician in a rehearsal space alongside a nameless pianist. This pianist holds a deeper significance than the audience may realize. Behind the keys is Brandon Louis Armstrong, the great-great nephew of the jazz legend himself.
“In that moment, I feel as though I’m communicating with my great-great uncle from a distance,” Brandon shares. “I get to reflect on our connection and check in on him.”
Brandon is stepping into the theatrical spotlight for the first time in “A Wonderful World: The Louis Armstrong Musical.” He embodies various roles, including a piano player, a teacher, and serves as an understudy for the role of Louis Armstrong.
“I approached this project with caution, pondering how I could merge my family history with my professional journey,” he explains. “I’m incredibly grateful, thankful, and genuinely thrilled to be involved.”
The musical “A Wonderful World,” featuring Tony Award-winner James Monroe Iglehart and sometimes James T. Lane as the lead, is a theatrical portrayal of one of jazz’s most pivotal figures. Armstrong is celebrated for timeless classics such as “Hello, Dolly,” “Cheek to Cheek,” and “A Wonderful World.”
The show delves beneath his beaming exterior, addressing his emergence from poverty, his four marriages, and his struggles against the discrimination that he faced, from the KKK in New Orleans to the gangsters in Chicago and the prejudice in Hollywood. Despite these adversities, Armstrong stands tall as a remarkable presence in the world of music.
“The essence of the show reflects that jazz embodies the choices we make between the notes,” Brandon says. “It’s not solely about always making the right choice; it is about being mindful and embracing where your choices lead.”
Raised in Los Angeles, Brandon grew up in a house rich with music, though none of his immediate family pursued a career in performance.
“My household was filled with jazz, gospel, R&B, and hip-hop. My mother also loved ’80s hair metal bands,” he recalls. “It was a collage of musical styles, transitioning seamlessly from Motown to Guns N’ Roses, then Kenny Rogers.”
His passion for music blossomed in high school performance groups, particularly show choir, which he joined after being invited specifically for his ability to accommodate lifting the girls. A performance of the classic musical “Ragtime” also profoundly impacted him.
“I was so moved that I thought, ‘I don’t care if I’m sweeping the floors. I just want to be part of that experience,’” he remembers.
He graduated from The American Musical and Dramatic Academy and embarked on some local theater projects, including portraying Donkey in “Shrek.” This eventually led him to join the third national tour of “Hamilton,” which began in Puerto Rico in 2019 under the direction of Lin-Manuel Miranda.
Brandon, however, refrained from using his famous last name to jumpstart his career. The press coverage surrounding his breakthrough rarely mentioned his familial connection. “I never, oddly enough, thought to assert my lineage,” he admits. “But in this project, it’s unavoidable.”
Iglehart, who is also a co-director, recalls the moment Brandon introduced himself during rehearsals. “When he mentioned his name, we were fascinated. Then he clarified, ‘No, I’m related,’” he recounts, explaining that Brandon’s ability won him the role, not his name.
“Our choice was based purely on talent,” Iglehart states. “I truly believe the most talented person should claim the role, and the fact that there was lineage made it feel even more significant.”
“Wonderful World” serves not just to celebrate Louis Armstrong, but also to honor Brandon’s grandfather, Louis Henry Armstrong, who often spoke proudly of their family’s legacy and would play jazz in the car, which sometimes embarrassed teenage Brandon.
“In moments like these, I think about how overwhelmingly proud he would be to see this,” Brandon shares. “It’s a nightly therapeutic experience for me.”
Though Brandon performs alongside other talented cast members, they typically do not seek his insights on what Louis Armstrong might have thought regarding specific scenes or lines, as the musician left behind many profound writings.
“The core of our show resonates with Louis’ voice, and I prefer that method,” Brandon explains. “It’s vital that this story reflects him rather than a modern interpretation layered over his narrative.”
In addition to his role as a rehearsal pianist, Brandon serves in the ensemble and portrays a music teacher who recognized Armstrong’s early talent. He anticipates the day he’ll perform as his great-great uncle.
“My main concern when that moment arrives is to hold back my tears throughout the performance,” he laughs. “The universe has undeniably paved a path for me, bringing me here to take the stage and carry on the legacy.”