Principal Cast Announced for TLC’s CRAZYSEXYCOOL – THE TLC MUSICAL
A major new stage musical based on the story and music of the legendary 1990s R&B group TLC has now revealed its principal cast. CRAZYSEXYCOOL – THE TLC MUSICAL will make its world premiere at Arena Stage in Washington, D.C., in summer 2026 with a trio of talented performers bringing the iconic women of TLC to life onstage. The announcement is a key milestone for a production that aims to celebrate the group’s cultural legacy as well as dramatise the struggles and triumphs behind their extraordinary success.
The musical takes its title from TLC’s iconic 1994 album CRAZYSEXYCOOL, which remains one of the most influential R&B records in modern music history and includes enduring hits such as “Waterfalls,” “Creep,” “No Scrubs” and “Unpretty.” The show promises to explore the personal and professional journeys of Tionne “T-Boz” Watkins, Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes and Rozonda “Chilli” Thomas as they rose from humble beginnings to become one of the best-selling girl groups of all time.
In the newly cast roles, Holli’ Gabrielle Conway has been selected to portray T-Boz. Conway is a standout performer with an impressive theatre background. She has appeared on Broadway and has earned acclaim for her work in shows such as Lempicka and TINA: THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL. Her casting reflects a powerful combination of vocal ability, dramatic nuance and stage presence, qualities essential for conveying the depth and resilience that T-Boz embodies both onstage and in her music.
Joining Conway is Jade Milan, who will take on the role of Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes. Milan has built a strong reputation in musical theatre with performances in productions like THE LION KING and HELL’S KITCHEN, showcasing her ability to blend acting, vocal performance and movement. As Left Eye, she will channel one of Tammy’s most dynamic and expressive personalities, capturing both her brilliance as a rapper and her emotional complexity.
The third member of the TLC trio, Chilli, will be portrayed by Stoney B. Woods. Woods has a diverse performing background, including roles in Broadway’s THE BOOK OF MORMON and appearances in television productions. Her casting brings star quality and charisma to the part of Rozonda Thomas, helping to anchor the show’s portrayal of sisterhood, empowerment and resilience.
The official cast announcement was met with enthusiastic approval from the surviving TLC members themselves. In statements shared with the press, both T-Boz and Chilli spoke about the connection they felt when seeing Conway, Milan and Woods perform their music live onstage. They emphasised that the cast carries their story with “authenticity and grace,” and that audiences will be captivated by the performances. The real T-Boz noted that bringing the group’s life story and music to the theatre marked a “totally new and exciting challenge,” capturing the spirit of both the artists and their fans.
Behind the scenes, the creative leadership for CRAZYSEXYCOOL blends theatrical vision with musical reverence. The musical is written and directed by Kwame Kwei-Armah, an Olivier Award-winning artist known for his work on ONE LONE: THE BOB MARLEY MUSICAL and other critically acclaimed projects. His involvement signals a strong commitment to telling TLC’s story with emotional depth as well as dramatic impact, leaning into both the personal and cultural narratives that defined the group’s rise.
Choreography for the production is handled by Chloe O. Davis, whose work includes high-energy movement and theatricality. Her approach is expected to complement TLC’s distinct style and stage presence, bringing dynamic dance sequences and physical storytelling that resonate with audiences familiar with the group’s bold visual identity.
Music supervision and arrangements, crucial for transitioning real chart-topping hits into a cohesive theatrical score, are by David Holcenberg, with orchestrations by Holcenberg and Omar Edwards. This team will ensure that the musical numbers retain the spirit of the original recordings while serving the narrative flow of a staged story.
The production runs at Arena Stage’s Kreeger Theater from June 12 through August 9, 2026, with an official opening night scheduled for June 26. Tickets are already on sale, giving fans and theatre audiences an opportunity to secure seats to a show that promises a mix of powerful performance, nostalgia and insight into the lives of one of the most beloved acts in music history.
The choice of CRAZYSEXYCOOL as the subject of a musical reflects a broader trend in theatre of adapting music biographies and jukebox formats to the stage. This approach not only taps into existing fanbases but also allows creators to explore deeper themes within artists’ careers, such as the pressures of fame, financial struggles and personal relationships. In TLC’s case, the story includes both their groundbreaking achievements and the adversities they faced, including financial challenges arising from exploitative contracts and the tragic loss of Left Eye in 2002.
Ultimately, CRAZYSEXYCOOL – THE TLC MUSICAL aims to do more than just celebrate the hits. It seeks to illuminate how three young women from Atlanta reshaped pop culture and women’s voices in music while navigating personal hardships. With a cast of accomplished performers and a creative team focused on authenticity and innovation, the production is poised to offer an engaging experience for long-time fans and newcomers alike.
