His television work provided financial security and Mitchell used some of his salary to purchase a house and build a state-of-the-art recording studio. After his two TV series, he turned to stage work, landing the role of the hero's best friend in "Mail" (1988), which led to his Broadway debut. Famed impresario David Merrick cast Mitchell in the lead in an all-black revival of the Gershwin musical "Oh, Kay!" (1990), but critics and audience were not impressed with the show. Mitchell segued to the big screen in a small supporting role in the Bill Cosby vehicle "Ghost Dad" (1990) before landing a recurring role during the 1992-93 season of NBC's "Fresh Prince of Bel-Air". The stage beckoned again when Mitchell was selected as Gregory Hines replacement as musician Jelly Roll Morton in the award-winning "Jelly's Last Jam" in 1993. After succeeding Anthony Crivello as Valentin in "Kiss of the Spider Woman" the following year, he began to gain recognition as a musical performer of note. Garth Drabinsky, the producer of "Spider Woman", decided Mitchell was born to play Coalhouse Walker Jr. in "Ragtime" and over a three year-period, from initial readings through workshops and concept albums, Mitchell honed his characterization. He played the role in the Toronto premiere. the L.A. engagement and the Broadway opening in January 1998. Mitchell and co-star Audra McDonald anchored one of the musical's main stories and their first act duet of "Wheels of a Dream" was one of the high points in the show. The actor received a Tony nomination as Lead Actor in a Musical for his performance. Now recognized as a major figure in the theater, Mitchell seemed poised for success in other venues. Whether he would continue on stage or in features remains to be seen.