By: Jewel Benton
Singer and actress Avis LaShawn, who has portrayed the late, great singer-songwriter Etta James for nearly a decade, will perform in At Last: An Etta Story in New York City for the first time at the Black Spectrum Theatre later this month (March 29–30, 2025).
“To say that I'm excited is an understatement,” she tells NYABJ Pulse. “It has been a heartfelt desire of mine to perform in New York. Broadway—who doesn’t want Broadway? But performing in New York, in general, is the ultimate dream for me. I don’t necessarily aspire to be famous, but I want my craft and the gift that God has given me to be respected, sought after, and protected by those I share it with.”
LaShawn’s love for performing began at just eight years old while attending T.H. Slater Elementary School. She recalls how her librarian, a “big, bodacious woman who wore wigs and makeup,” selected her and two other girls to play The Supremes for a Black History Month performance. Born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, LaShawn’s Southern and church roots nurtured her love for music. However, it was the costumes, rehearsals, and the thrill of performing Stop! In the Name of Love that cemented her passion for the stage.
“I’ve been hooked—wearing wigs and makeup—ever since,” she says. Today, she has over 10 acting credits and frequently performs as herself. Among her inspirations are Queen Latifah, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Angela Bassett, Aretha Franklin, Jill Scott, Ledisi, Marsha Ambrosius, and, of course, Etta James.
In the Blake Vision Entertainment-produced musical At Last, LaShawn portrays young Etta, while Karen Bryant plays the older version of the legendary singer. Initially, LaShawn auditioned for the lead role in Natural Woman: An Aretha Story, another Blake Vision production, but was met with an “immediate no.” However, the company later reached out with an opportunity that would define her career—playing Etta James. After portraying Etta James for nearly a decade, LaShawn feels the legendary singer has become a part of her—so much so that embodying her spirit on stage now comes effortlessly.
“Now, having played her, I have such a deep sense of empathy and respect for who she was and who she aspired to be,” LaShawn shares. “I believe she was just a little girl who wanted to be loved, but she was also tenacious. She was built of fire, determination, and anger. She carried all these big emotions in a small body, and the best way she knew how to express them was through music.”
The production explores Etta’s struggles with substance abuse and mental health, and LaShawn hopes audiences will walk away with a newfound understanding and empathy for those who battle similar challenges. She also encourages listeners to dive deeper into James’ catalog, beyond her signature hits, by exploring lesser-known gems like Market Place and Tough Lover.
When asked about her own legacy, LaShawn emphasizes the importance of the word—especially as a Black woman.
“A legacy isn’t necessarily about being well-known or a celebrity; it’s about the thoughts and feelings someone has when they think of you,” she says. “My desire is to leave a legacy of kindness and perseverance. Whether I was singing, acting, helping someone in a hospital, being a member of a church, an aunt, a partner, a daughter, or a friend—I want to be remembered as someone who gave my all in every role I played.”
Showtimes for At Last: Etta
Saturday, March 29, 2025, at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Sunday, March 30, 2025, at 4 p.m.
Tickets are available to purchase here.