Ato Blankson-Wood joins MS. BLAKK FOR PRESIDENT; Wayne Brady departs

Wayne Brady is leaving the production due to vocal strain and a polyp that developed requiring immediate attention. Blankson-Wood takes over the title role.

https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Ato-Blankson-Wood-to-Replace-Wayne-Brady-in-MS-BLAKK-FOR-PRESIDENT-20260929

Updated On: 9/29/26 at 01:11 PM

It's a real beast of a part... Maybe not in length but the whole play hinges on the charisma and depth of the lead performer. The writing is great in parts... but the parts don't always hang together without some heavy lifting by Ms. Blakk. Wayne Brady seemed an odd choice but no doubt could carry the role. I've liked Blankson-Wood a lot in previous roles (I didn't see him in Cabaret) but wouldn't describe him as a force of personality, Interested to see how this plays out!

iluvtheatertrash said: "quizking101 said: "My personal thoughts - this definitely sucks, but I’m going to hope that Ato surprises me. I was honestly not happy with him in the CABARET revival and that he lacked chemistry with everyone on stage (though, aside from Skybell and Neuwirth, that OBC was rough).

"

I returned my ticket and took a refund for this very reason. Haven't liked him in anything I've seen him in, if I'm honest!"

Yes. I will be returning our tickets as well. Of the 3-4 things i have seen Ato in - I do. not. get. it. I wish there had been a better choice of replacement. This was not it.