Keke Palmer will make her Broadway debut as Mary . She 's the first African - American actress to play the part on Broadway . After leading the Nickelodeon series `` True Jackson , VP , '' from 2008 to 2011 , Palmer moved on to more adult roles . Jean Reno will be her co - star . Palmer 's performances launch September 9 .
Keke Palmer will make her Broadway debut as Mary . She 's the first African - American actress to play the part on Broadway . Jean Reno will be her co - star . Palmer 's performances launch September 9 .