James Earl Jones II biography

James Earl Jones II

At Writers Theatre: Company and Sweet Charity

Regional credits include: the title role in the world premiere of Carlyle (Goodman Theatre); Satchmo at the Waldorf, The Secret Garden (as Ben Weatherstaff), The Good Book (as Man 1 in world premiere), and The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess (as Crown, later taking over the title role of Porgy) and Sondheim on Sondheim (Porchlight Music Theatre); Shrek: The Musical (Chicago Shakespeare Theater), Cymbeline (First Folio Theatre), Dreamgirls, The Full Monty, October Sky (world premiere—Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire), Mr. Rickey Calls a Meeting (Lookingglass Theatre), The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess (Court Theatre, Lyric Opera of Chicago, San Francisco Opera), The Wiz (Joseph Jefferson Award nomination, Theatre at the Center), Aida, Spamalot, Ragtime (Drury Lane Theatre), A Civil War Christmas (Northlight Theatre), Annie Get Your Gun (Ravinia Festival), 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Broadway In Chicago and Mason Street Warehouse), Dessa Rose (Apple Tree Theatre), Aspects of Love (Jedlicka Performing Arts Center), I Pagliacci (Intimate Opera), On the Town (New Classic Singers), The Gondoliers, Patience, H.M.S. Pinafore, and The Pirates of Penzance. Tour credits include: the first national tour of Tony Award-nominated The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess. Television and film credits include: Pokerhouse, Chicago Fire (NBC) and Empire (FOX). Thanks to family, friends & Stewart Talent. For Semaje.

[Bio as of May 2016]