Shanice has been captivating audiences for decades with her signature voice and timeless hits like “I Love Your Smile” and “Saving Forever for You.” Now, she’s bringing her talent to the stage in “44,” a satirical musical about Barack Obama’s presidency, where she plays Michelle Obama.
For Shanice, this role is more than just another performance—it’s an opportunity to embody a woman she deeply admires.
“When they first mentioned “44” to me, I wasn’t sure,” Shanice said. “Politics can be such a tricky subject, and I didn’t want to be caught in the middle of that. But when I read the script, I saw that it wasn’t about bashing one side or the other—it’s smart, funny, and something that everyone can enjoy, no matter their political views.”
The production, running at the Kirk Douglas Theatre in Culver City, blends comedy and music with a fresh take on Obama’s presidency. The show has already gained attention for its humor and its R&B and soul-infused soundtrack.
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“I love that it has that soulful element,” Shanice said. “You can really hear the heart in it. And when you mix that with the energy of a live stage, it’s just electric.”
Shanice’s journey in entertainment began when she was a child. Raised in a musical household, she started taking vocal and dance lessons at an early age. “I grew up around music,” she said. “I even took classes with some incredible people.”
Shanice’s undeniable talent led her to sign with A&M Records as a teenager, where she quickly made a name for herself with her radiant smile and powerful voice.
Her breakout hit, “I Love Your Smile,” became an international sensation in the early ‘90s. The song, with its infectious melody and upbeat energy, remains one of the era’s most memorable tracks. “I still have people coming up to me, telling me they’ve played that song at their weddings, or that their kids love it now,” she said. “That means everything to me.”
Despite her success, the music industry was not always smooth sailing. She later transitioned into independence, starting her own label to maintain creative control. “I had to do things on my terms,” she said. “I wanted the freedom to create music that felt right to me, without the pressure of chasing trends.”
Beyond her career, Shanice is also a wife and mother, a role she cherishes as much as performing. She and her husband, actor Flex Alexander, have built a family while navigating the entertainment business together. “We get it,” she said. “We support each other completely. When he’s working, I’m cheering him on, and when I’m working, he’s doing the same for me.”
Raising children in the entertainment industry can be a challenge, but Shanice is committed to ensuring her kids have a solid foundation.
“I tell them all the time, stay true to who you are,” said Shanice. “Don’t just follow what’s popular—find your own path and stick with it.” Her daughter is a fan of Ariana Grande, while her son looks up to The Weeknd, showing that musical talent runs in the family.
Shanice also sees herself mentoring young artists. “Back in the day, labels really developed their artists,” she said. “They worked with us on everything—from interviews to stage presence. Now, they just put people out there based on their social media following. I’d love to help bring that kind of artist development back.”
Playing Michelle Obama is a major moment in Shanice’s career. The former First Lady is known for her intelligence, grace, and strength, and portraying her comes with great responsibility.
“I had to really study her—her movements, her voice, the way she carries herself,” Shanice said. “Michelle Obama is such a powerful woman, but she’s also warm and funny. I wanted to make sure I captured that.”
The show offers a fresh take on history, told with humor and music. “It’s not just history—it’s how Joe Biden kind of remembers it,” Shanice laughed. “That’s what makes it so entertaining. People are going to be singing these songs all the way to their cars.”
T.J. Wilkins, who plays Barack Obama, was another reason Shanice was drawn to the project. “When I heard T.J. was doing it, I was in,” she said. “He’s such an incredible talent, and the whole cast is amazing. We all bring something special to the table.”
With “44” opening, Shanice is excited about returning to the stage and reconnecting with audiences. “There’s nothing like performing live,” she said. “When you’re on stage, you only get one chance to get it right. That’s what makes it so thrilling.”
Beyond the play, she has plans to release more music and hopes to expand into film acting. “I’d love to play a completely different character—maybe even a villain,” she said. “That would be so much fun.”
Shanice is also embracing the digital age, connecting with fans in ways that weren’t possible earlier in her career. “I love that I can reach people directly now,” she said. “I can put out music, talk to my fans, and share what I’m working on—all without having to go through a label.”
As she continues to evolve as an artist and performer, Shanice remains grounded in the passion that started it all. “Music has always been my first love,” she said. “But I also love challenging myself, trying new things, and growing as an artist. 44 is just the beginning of this next chapter.”
For fans eager to see Shanice in action, “44” runs from February 23 to March 23 at the Kirk Douglas Theatre. “It’s going to be an experience,” she said. “You’ll laugh, you’ll sing, and you might even cry. But one thing’s for sure—you won’t forget it.”
