Nygel D. Robinson returns to Baltimore Center Stage for a high-energy celebration of sound, soul, and storytelling.
A performer and songwriter known for blending originality with reverence, Nygel will showcase his own music alongside bold reimaginations of Baltimore legends like Billie Holiday, Cab Calloway, and Dru Hill — all delivered with his signature twist.
Audiences will recognize Nygel as the co-creator of the Off-Broadway hit Mexodus, which world premiered at Baltimore Center Stage in 2024, and as the musical force behind Santa Claus Is Comin’: A Motown Christmas Revue, which brought joy to nearly 10,000 patrons last holiday season. His live remix of the U.S. National Anthem recently went viral, garnering more than 1.3 million views on Instagram— a testament to his dynamic, genre-blending style.
Joining him for this special spring concert are students from the Baltimore School for the Arts Dance program, soulful vocalist J. Aria, and Broadway powerhouse Melody A. Betts, whose show-stopping vocals captivated audiences throughout the run of Santa Claus Is Comin’: A Motown Christmas Revue.
Don’t miss this performance that honors Baltimore’s musical legacy with reimaginations for 2026!
Nygel D. Robinson is an artist based in New York City. Select theaters as a performer include Berkeley Rep, Baltimore Center Stage, Shakespeare Theatre Company, Mosaic Theatre, and Milwaukee Rep. As a writer and composer Nygel’s credits include Mexodus (Off-Broadway, Berkeley Rep, Baltimore Center Stage, Mosaic Theatre, The Public Theater), Santa Claus is Comin’: A Motown Chirstmas Revue at Baltimore Center Stage (and is also under commission to write a new original Christmas show), R&J: Fire on the Bayou with Kevin Ramsey which was workshopped at Goodspeed Opera House and The Hartt School, a folk adaptation of Oedipus Rex that was workshopped at the University of Chicago and many more small projects. Nygel’s style is a blend of hip hop, R&B, soul, folk, and traditional musical theatre. With the art he creates, he aims to make something that is accessible, catchy, innovative, and thought provoking. He’s THRILLED to be back at BCS, one of his artistic homes!
MELODY A BETTS was last seen as Aunt Em/Evillene in the Broadway production of The Wiz. Before that she was Chantel in the sold out World Premiere of The Factotum at the Lyric Opera of Chicago where she also played Grandma Tzeital/Fruma Sarah in the most recent production of Fiddler on The Roof. Regional Theater credits include: FANNIE, The Nativity (Goodman Theatre); Ragtime, Thoroughly Modern Millie, The Boys from Syracuse, Seussical the Musical, ELF (Drury Lane Oakbrook); Once on this Island, Nunsense, All Shook Up, The Drowsy Chaperone, Kiss Me Kate (Marriott Lincolnshire); Comedy of Errors, Pinocchio (Chicago Shakes); The Secret of My Success, Rock of Ages (Paramount Theater); The Color Purple, A Christmas Carol, Nunsense (Milwaukee Rep); Smokey Joe’s Café, Hairspray (New Theater); Witness Uganda, Extraordinary (A.R.T.). Broadway/Off Broadway: Waitress the Musical (Brooks Atkinson); Invisible Thread (Second Stage). National Tours: The Sound of Music; Waitress; The Wiz. TV: Jesus Christ Superstar LIVE, Chicago PD, Chicago Fire(NBC), I Can See Your Voice, Chicago Code(FOX); Power (STARZ), Southside (HBOMax). IG: @melodybettspage Unions: AEA, SAG-AFTRA, BMI. The world will be a better place when we start to see ourselves in each other. 1 Jo. 3:18 Text DUMELA to 41444 to support young dreamers at WIU!
J. Aria is a powerhouse vocalist redefining modern R&B with her soulful tone and commanding stage presence. Known for her standout single “DND,” she has graced stages at iconic venues like SOB’s, the Baltimore x Baltimore Festival, and Sofar Sounds. J. Aria has also graced the stage with influential 90s group Changing faces, A two-time Baltimore Crown Award nominee, J. Aria delivers artistry that resonates with the heart and inspires the ears.