Darrian Ford: A Reluctant Star
July 16, 2025
Broadway veteran, a recording artist, and the creator and star of The Cooke Book -The Music of Sam Cooke, Darrian Ford is elated to be returning to 54 Below with A Reluctant Star. Come hear the inspired alchemy of musical theater, jazz, and soul music as this brand new show includes some old faithfuls, fresh new standards and stories from a reluctant star. Keep your ears perked for reminiscent notes of Al Jarreau, Nancy Wilson, Mel Tormé, and Sam Cooke, a few of his heroes.
A Chicago native, Darrian Ford began his professional theater career at age 13 in Oscar Brown Jr’s The Great Nitty Gritty. At 15, he joined The Joseph Holmes Chicago Dance Theater, and at 19 moved to NYC to dance in the companies of Alvin Ailey and Donald Byrd/The Group. He made his Broadway debut as Charlie in Rodgers & Hammerstein’s State Fair, about which The New York Times said “…note the irrepressibly comic Darrian Ford.” He also appeared in The Who’s TOMMY (Broadway/first national), Smokey Joe’s Cafe (first national), for which he won The Black Theater Alliance Award for Best Actor in a Musical, and the first national tour of The Color Purple. Darrian also co-starred opposite Halle Berry in HBO’s Introducing Dorothy Dandridge as Fayard Nicholas of the legendary Nicholas Brothers and recurred on Disney’s “That’s So Raven.” In 2018, his release NEW STANDARDS (streaming on most music services) was ranked NACC #1 Best Debut Jazz Album.
Please note that all artists and acts are subject to change at any time.
Pricing
- $40.50 (includes $5.50 in fees) – $51.50 (includes $6.50 in fees)
- VIP Seating: $62.50 (includes $7.50 in fees)
- Premiums: $84.50 (includes $9.50 in fees)
- Prices shown are only valid for online purchases. Additional $6 in fees for all seating sections if purchased at the box office.
- $25 Food & Beverage Minimum