LIMTF’S 2025 MASTERCLASS GUEST ARTIST:

MELBA MOORE

The Marvelous Melba Moore — A Tony-winning Broadway legend and 3x Grammy nominee. She began her Broadway career in HAIR, taking over the role of Sheila from Diane Keaton — becoming the first Black woman to replace a white actress in a lead role. She also made history as the first Black woman to play Fantine in Les Misérables.

From HAIR to PURLIE, her stage presence was unmatched. Her powerful voice spanned R&B, soul, rock, jazz, gospel, and pop — earning hits like “Lean On Me” and “Read My Lips,” and making her one of just three Black women ever Grammy-nominated in the Rock category. With a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, her legacy blazed trails across music, theater, and beyond.

Registration for LIMTF’s Summer 2025 Festival included participating in a Masterclass and Music Revue Performance, Raise Your Voice With Melba Moore. Students presented solos to Ms. Moore to perfect their performances for the show later that same day. Melba also performed in our revue, including her two signature songs from Purlie “Purlie” and “I Got Love”. We were absolutely honored to have this legendary musical icon join us this year and mentor our future stars of Broadway!