Peggy's family is part of the Black elite class in 1880s America. Her father, Arthur Scott (John Douglas Thompson), owns his own pharmacy, and doesn't approve of Peggy's writing aspirations. Peggy's mother, Dorothy Scott (played by Broadway legend Audra McDonald), is a talented pianist who wants nothing more than for Peggy and Arthur to reconcile over Peggy's dreams.

In real life, Denée's breakout role came in 2016 when she played Natasha Rostova in the Broadway musical Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812. She would be nominated for a Tony award for Best Actress in a Musical for her portrayal of Natasha.