Charlotte, January 20, 2026
Paul Oakley Stovall, a Tony Award-winning performer, is set to present his newest cabaret, ‘Breaking Free’, at Charlotte’s Booth Playhouse. The one-man show combines original music and storytelling to explore personal themes of self-discovery and resilience. Scheduled for January 23, the cabaret promises an engaging and intimate experience that encourages the audience to reflect on their own paths of evolution. With a distinguished career in theater, Stovall aims to connect with his audience through humor and vulnerability, offering a glimpse into his artistic journey.
Charlotte
Tony Winner Paul Oakley Stovall Brings ‘Breaking Free’ to Charlotte Stage
Tony Award-winning performer and writer Paul Oakley Stovall is set to bring his newest cabaret, ‘Breaking Free’, to Charlotte’s Booth Playhouse this week. The intimate one-man show, which blends storytelling, original music, and personal reflections, explores themes of self-discovery, resilience, and evolving as an individual and artist. Stovall describes the production as a deeply personal journey, akin to opening a private journal for the audience to witness.
An Evening of Personal Reflection and Theatrical Storytelling
Scheduled for a single performance on Friday, January 23, at 7:30 p.m. at the Booth Playhouse, ‘Breaking Free’ promises an engaging and interactive experience designed to connect audiences with the artist behind his impressive Broadway career. The cabaret offers a mix of lighthearted moments and more vulnerable stories, aiming to encourage audience members to reflect on their own paths to liberation. Stovall emphasizes the show’s goal to make people laugh, think, and potentially see themselves in a new light, challenging the self-imposed limits often encountered in life.
The performance will feature Stovall accompanied by his full band, including Broadway veteran Yassmin Alers, alongside Charlotte-based musicians and Blumey Awards alumni Harold Garcia and Jada Rankin as featured vocalists.
Paul Oakley Stovall’s Distinguished Career
Paul Oakley Stovall is widely recognized for his extensive career spanning over three decades in stage and screen. He is an award-winning actor and playwright with a diverse background. His notable acting credits include appearances in Broadway’s ‘The Lehman Trilogy’, as well as roles in television series such as ‘Chicago Fire,’ ‘Empire,’ ‘Shameless,’ and ‘The Chi.’ He also worked on films like ‘Shortbus’ and Robert Altman’s ‘The Company’.
Beyond his acting, Stovall has made significant contributions as a playwright. His hit play ‘Immediate Family’ was previously featured at the Goodman Theatre and Mark Taper Forum, directed by Phylicia Rashād. This play had its Southeast debut at the Booth Playhouse last summer, receiving strong reviews and influencing the direction of his new work. Stovall’s theatrical resume also includes ‘Play On!,’ ‘Words On Fire,’ and a role as George Washington in the national tour of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s ‘Hamilton: An American Musical’. He also co-produced the Tony Award-winning musical ‘A Strange Loop’.
A Connection to Charlotte and Public Service
Charlotte holds a special place for Stovall, who has frequently performed in the city, including previous cabarets like ‘Life Rules’ and ‘Love Rules’. He has described Charlotte as being integral to his growth as both a human being and a storyteller, calling ‘Breaking Free’ a “thank-you letter” to the city.
Stovall’s career extends beyond the arts into public service. He served as an advance press associate and media logistics coordinator for President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama, particularly during the 2012 Democratic National Convention held in Charlotte. This multifaceted background as an artist, writer, and public servant enriches his storytelling and provides a unique perspective to his work.
Tickets for ‘Breaking Free’ are currently available for purchase, with prices starting from $52.14.
Impact of ‘Breaking Free’
Stovall’s “Breaking Free” represents his most personal cabaret to date, serving as an exploration of his own narrative and inviting audiences to engage with universal themes of identity and personal liberation. The show builds on his previous works, offering a powerful and intimate experience that showcases his profound storytelling ability and musical talent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Paul Oakley Stovall?
Paul Oakley Stovall is a Tony Award-winning performer and writer with over three decades of experience in stage and screen. He is known for his acting roles in Broadway’s ‘The Lehman Trilogy’ and television shows like ‘Chicago Fire,’ ‘Empire,’ ‘Shameless,’ and ‘The Chi,’ as well as for his work as a playwright and his past service in public life with President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama.
What is ‘Breaking Free’?
‘Breaking Free’ is Paul Oakley Stovall’s newest cabaret, a personal one-man show that blends storytelling, original music, and reflections on identity to explore themes of self-discovery, resilience, and personal evolution.
When and where will ‘Breaking Free’ be performed in Charlotte?
‘Breaking Free’ is scheduled for a single performance on Friday, January 23, at 7:30 p.m. at the Booth Playhouse in Charlotte.
What themes does ‘Breaking Free’ explore?
‘Breaking Free’ explores themes of self-discovery, resilience, and what it means to evolve as both an artist and an individual, encouraging audience members to confront their own journeys of liberation from societal expectations and personal limitations.
Has Paul Oakley Stovall performed in Charlotte before?
Yes, Paul Oakley Stovall has frequently performed in Charlotte, including previous cabarets like ‘Life Rules’ and ‘Love Rules’. His play ‘Immediate Family’ also had its Southeast debut at the Booth Playhouse. He also played George Washington in ‘Hamilton’ during its Charlotte run and mentored local students.
Key Features of ‘Breaking Free’ and Paul Oakley Stovall’s Work
| Feature | Description | Geographic Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Artist | Paul Oakley Stovall, Tony Award-winning performer and writer | Nationwide |
| Production Name | ‘Breaking Free’ | State-level (Charlotte performances) |
| Event Type | Cabaret, one-man show blending storytelling and original music | Nationwide (format of the show) |
| Performance Dates (Charlotte) | Friday, January 23, at 7:30 p.m. | State-level (Charlotte) |
| Venue (Charlotte) | Booth Playhouse | State-level (Charlotte) |
| Themes Explored | Self-discovery, identity, resilience, breaking free from limitations | Nationwide (universal themes) |
| Notable Past Roles | ‘The Lehman Trilogy’ (Broadway), George Washington in ‘Hamilton’ (National Tour), ‘Chicago Fire’, ‘Empire’, ‘Shameless’, ‘The Chi’ | Nationwide |
| Political Service | Advance press associate and media logistics coordinator for President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama | Nationwide (with specific event in Charlotte) |
| Charlotte Connection | Frequent performer, calls Charlotte integral to his growth, ‘Breaking Free’ is a “thank-you letter” to the city | State-level (Charlotte) |
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