Sidney DuPont channels Sammy Davis Jr. in ‘That Old Black Magic’ cabaret performance

Sidney DuPont, a Philadelphia native, draws inspiration from Sammy Davis Jr. to pursue his passion for the arts. DuPont will celebrate Davis's legacy in "That Old Black Magic: Sammy Davis Centennial," a cabaret performance at Overture Center’s Capitol Theater on Thursday, March 20.

“Society often boxes people into one role, but Sammy didn’t let that define him,” DuPont said. “He was a singer, dancer, comedian, actor and musician. I try to emulate his versatile approach to my career.”

DuPont’s path to Broadway reflects his determination and a sense of purpose. A graduate of the Philadelphia Performing Arts High School, known for producing talented alumni, DuPont credits his early education for shaping his artistic journey.

“My drive developed early through my school’s rigorous training. It helped me become the artist I am today,” he shared.

While completing his degree at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, DuPont landed a role in the national tour of "A Chorus Line." After the tour, he signed with an agent and quickly booked roles in national tour of "Memphis: The Musical," then "Man of La Mancha" at The Shakespeare Theatre, "In the Heights" at Geva Theatre and "Gypsy" at North Carolina Theatre.

DuPont’s Broadway debut came at age 23 in "Beautiful: The Carole King Musical," where he performed as a swing. He also toured with the show’s national and Australian companies.

While in Australia, DuPont was approached by music director Jason Howland to audition for "Paradise Square" (originally "Hard Times"), a musical set in 1863 about Irish immigrants and Black Americans navigating life in New York City. DuPont won his first principal role as Washington Henry, an escaped enslaved man traveling on the Underground Railroad. The role earned him a Tony nomination for Best Featured Actor in a Musical and a Chita Rivera Award nomination for Outstanding Male Dancer in a Broadway Show in 2022.

Reflecting on his experience, DuPont says, “My life has been a whirlwind since then.”

He calls his role in "Paradise Square" “the most demanding I’ve ever played.” Collaborating with the creative team on the role helped him gain confidence, which led to his interest in writing and directing.

DuPont began writing during the "Beautiful" tour and later entered his work into competitions, winning one award and earning a runner-up prize. Though his writing career was sidelined by the pandemic, it’s now on the rise again. He is currently working on "Hippest Trip: The Soul Train Musical," a Broadway-bound show based on the iconic TV series that brought Black music and culture into American living rooms. The musical, created with playwright Dominique Morisseau, premiered in San Francisco last year.

“The all-female Black creative team is revolutionary and brilliant,” DuPont said. “It’s been amazing to collaborate with choreographer Camille A. Brown, who was one of my first dance teachers at the Philadanco Dance program. It’s a full-circle moment.”

DuPont has deep appreciation for the tech rehearsal process—those long, intense hours where the entire production, from cast and costumes to lighting and sound, comes together. He values the collaborative environment and the opportunity to connect with fellow artists.

“My university’s theater program required us to learn about all aspects of production,” he said. “We had to understand costumes, props, lighting and even how to sew. Audience members don’t realize how many people it takes to make a show come to life.”

Beyond performing, DuPont has stepped into roles as a director, editor, cinematographer and award-winning screenwriter. He continues to expand his creative reach, much like his idol, Sammy Davis Jr.

One memorable story DuPont will likely share at the Cabaret involves meeting Chita Rivera, a close friend of Davis. He first met Rivera as a teenager while rehearsing in NYC for a star-studded benefit gala, where his acrobatic dance moves impressed her. Later, while performing in "Paradise Square," Rivera visited the set. After watching DuPont’s duet with A.J. Shively, Rivera threw her shoe at him and slapped his face—out of love and admiration.

“She had tears in her eyes. It was such a strong, emotional reaction,” DuPont recalled.

DuPont notes that Davis influenced Rivera’s career, pushing her to take greater risks and step out of the ensemble.

“Sammy has inspired so many people, and he’s a big part of who I am today,” DuPont said.

As DuPont looks forward to his performance in "That Old Black Magic: Sammy Davis Centennial," he hopes the audience leaves feeling inspired.

“Sammy’s story resonates with everyone,” he said. “The music is going to be amazing, and it’s going to be a fun, intimate evening. I want people to leave the theater feeling inspired to be their best selves.”

Tickets for DuPont’s cabaret performance are available at overture.org. Ticket price includes hors d’oeuvres and a gourmet three-course meal by Catering a Fresco.

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