The Theatre World Award is an American honor presented annually to actors and actresses in recognition of an outstanding New York City stage debut performance, either on Broadway or

Off-Broadway An off-Broadway theatre is any professional theatre venue in New York City with a seating capacity between 100 and 499, inclusive. These theatres are smaller than Broadway theatres, but larger than off-off-Broadway theatres, which seat fewer th ...

. It was first awarded for the 1945–1946 theatre season.

History

In 1944, the Theatre World Awards were founded by Daniel Blum, Norman McDonald, and John Willis, recognizing "Promising Personalities", actors and actresses, in debut performances, in Broadway or Off-Broadway productions. In the first year Blum presented the awards in his apartment, at a cocktail party, to Betty Comden, Judy Holliday and John Raitt, and the second year to

Barbara Bel Geddes Barbara Bel Geddes (October 31, 1922 – August 8, 2005) was an American stage and screen actress, artist, and children's author whose career spanned almost five decades. She was best known for her starring role as Miss Ellie Ewing in the te ...

Marlon Brando Marlon Brando Jr. (April 3, 1924 – July 1, 2004) was an American actor. Considered one of the most influential actors of the 20th century, he received numerous accolades throughout his career, which spanned six decades, including two Academ ...

, and

Burt Lancaster Burton Stephen Lancaster (November 2, 1913 – October 20, 1994) was an American actor and producer. Initially known for playing tough guys with a tender heart, he went on to achieve success with more complex and challenging roles over a 45-yea ...

. At Blum's 1949 party, Carol Channing won. The ''

Theatre World ''Theatre World'' is an annual American theatre pictorial and statistical print publication. It includes Broadway, Off-Broadway, Off-Off-Broadway, and regional theatre, national theatrical awards, and obituaries. Theatre World "In 1944, three ...

'' editorial staff administered the Awards, under the supervision of Daniel Blum. In 1964, after Daniel Blum's death, John Willis supervised the Awards. In 1969, the award was renamed the ''Theatre World Award''. The early awards were a framed certificate, then a plaque, later in 1973, the bronze ''

Janus In ancient Roman religion and myth, Janus ( ; la, Ianvs ) is the god of beginnings, gates, transitions, time, duality, doorways, passages, frames, and endings. He is usually depicted as having two faces. The month of January is named for Jan ...

'' Award, sculpted by Harry Marinsky. In 1998, the Theatre World Awards were incorporated as a

501 (c) 3 A 501(c)(3) organization is a United States corporation, Trust (business), trust, unincorporated association or other type of organization exempt from federal income tax under section 501(c)(3) of Title 26 of the United States Code. It is one of t ...

nonprofit organization and are currently overseen by a board of directors independent of "

." Winners are selected by a committee of New York-based critics. That committee includes (as of May 2015) Roma Torre (NY1), David Cote (''Time Out7 New York'', NY1), Joe Dziemianowicz (''New York Daily News''), Peter Filichia (''The Newark Star-Ledger'', Eme⁷6ritus), Harry Haun (''Playbill''), Matthew Murray (TalkinBroadway.com), and Frank Scheck (''New York Post''). Viagas, Robert
"Dates Announced for 71st Annual Theatre World Awards; Chita Rivera To Be Honored"
playbill.com, May 1, 2015.Gans, Andrew
"Tom Hanks, Bertie Carvel, Valisia LeKae, Rob McClure and More Are Theatre World Award Winners"
playbill.com, May 7, 2013.Gans, Andre
"Theatre World Awards Presented to Tracie Bennett, Jeremy Jordan, Jennifer Lim and More June 5"
playbill.com, June 5, 2012. .

Special honorary awards

The ''Dorothy Loudon Starbaby Award'' was instituted in 2009, named in honor of actress and singer Dorothy Loudon (1925–2003) and since 2010 has been awarded by the Dorothy Loudon Foundation in connection with these awards. The first Starbaby Award was presented to

Susan Louise O'Connor Susan is a feminine given name, from Persian "Susan" (lily flower), from Egyptian '' sšn'' and Coptic ''shoshen'' meaning "lotus flower", from Hebrew ''Shoshana'' meaning "lily" (in modern Hebrew this also means "rose" and a flower in general), ...

(''

Blithe Spirit Blithe Spirit may refer to: * ''Blithe Spirit'' (play), a 1941 comic play written by Noël Coward * ''Blithe Spirit'' (1945 film), a British comedy film based on the play * ''Blithe Spirit'' (2020 film), a British-American comedy film based on th ...

''). Other recipients are Bobby Steggert (''

Ragtime Ragtime, also spelled rag-time or rag time, is a musical style that flourished from the 1890s to 1910s. Its cardinal trait is its syncopated or "ragged" rhythm. Ragtime was popularized during the early 20th century by composers such as Scott J ...

'' and '' Yank!'') (2009–10),Gans, Andre
Bobby Steggert to Receive Dorothy Loudon Starbaby Award at Theatre World Awards"
playbill.com, May 20, 2010. Seth Numrich ('' War Horse'') (2010–11),Gans, Andre
"Ellen Barkin, Patina Miller, John Larroquette, Jim Parsons, Tony Sheldon and More Win Theatre World Awards"
playbill.com, May 10, 2011. and Susan Pourfar (''Tribes''). In 2013, it was renamed ''Dorothy Loudon Award for Excellence in the Theater''. The first annual Lunt–Fontanne Award for Ensemble Excellence was presented at the 2010–11 Awards, to the cast of '' The Motherf**ker with the Hat'' –

Bobby Cannavale Roberto Michael Cannavale (; born May 3, 1970) is an American actor. He is best known for various television roles, including leading roles in '' Third Watch'', '' Vinyl'', and ''Mr. Robot'', as well as recurring roles in '' Will & Grace'', which ...

Chris Rock Christopher Julius Rock (born February 7, 1965) is an American stand-up comedian, actor, and filmmaker. Known for his work in comic film, television and stage, he has received multiple accolades, including three Grammy Awards for best come ...

, Annabella Sciorra, Elizabeth Rodriguez and Yul Vázquez. The award is in honor of the late

Alfred Lunt Alfred David Lunt (August 12, 1892 – August 3, 1977) was an American actor and director, best known for his long stage partnership with his wife, Lynn Fontanne, from the 1920s to 1960, co-starring in Broadway and West End productions. After th ...

and

Lynn Fontanne Lynn Fontanne (; 6 December 1887 – 30 July 1983) was an English actress. After early success in supporting roles in the West End theatre, West End, she met the American actor Alfred Lunt, whom she married in 1922 and with whom she co-starred i ...

and is presented to an outstanding Broadway or Off-Broadway ensemble. In 2022 an award for "Outstanding Ensemble" was presented to the 21 cast members making their Broadway debuts in the revival of ''

The Music Man ''The Music Man'' is a musical with book, music, and lyrics by Meredith Willson, based on a story by Willson and Franklin Lacey. The plot concerns con man Harold Hill, who poses as a boys' band organizer and leader and sells band instruments ...

''.

John Willis Award

A new award, the ''John Willis Award'', was first instituted for the 2012–13 season. It is given for "lifetime achievement in the theatre" to honor John Willis who created and maintained the Theatre World tradition for 66 years, encouraging new talent in an often challenging business." The first recipient was Alan Alda.

The award ceremony

The winners for the 2010–11 season were announced on May 10, 2011, with a ceremony held on June 7; the awards are traditionally presented by former award winners. The awards for the 2011–11 season were announced on May 8, 2012, and presented at a ceremony held on June 5, 2012, at the

Belasco Theatre The Belasco Theatre is a Broadway theater at 111 West 44th Street, between Seventh Avenue and Sixth Avenue, in the Theater District of Midtown Manhattan in New York City. Originally known as the Stuyvesant Theatre, it was built in 1907 a ...

. The awards for the 2012–13 season were announced on May 7, 2013, and the 69th Annual Theatre World Awards Ceremony was held on June 3 at the Music Box Theater. The awards for the 2013–14 season were announced on May 6, 2014, and the ceremony was held on June 2, 2014, at Circle in the Square. The awards for the 2014–15 season were announced on May 5, 2015; the ceremony will be held on June 1, 2015, at the Lyric Theatre.

Award winners

Past recipients, from ''1944—1945'' to ''2015—2016''

1995–1996

*Jordan Baker - ''

Suddenly Last Summer ''Suddenly Last Summer'' is a one-act play by Tennessee Williams, written in New York in 1957. It opened off Broadway on January 7, 1958, as part of a double bill with another of Williams' one-acts, '' Something Unspoken'' (written in London i ...

'' *Joohee Choi - ''

The King and I ''The King and I'' is the fifth musical by the team of Rodgers and Hammerstein. It is based on Margaret Landon's novel '' Anna and the King of Siam'' (1944), which is in turn derived from the memoirs of Anna Leonowens, governess to the chil ...

'' *Karen Kay Cody - '' Master Class'' * Viola Davis - '' Seven Guitars'' *Kate Forbes - ''

The School for Scandal ''The School for Scandal'' is a comedy of manners written by Richard Brinsley Sheridan. It was first performed in London at Drury Lane Theatre on 8 May 1777. Plot Act I Scene I: Lady Sneerwell, a wealthy young widow, and her hireling S ...

'' * Michael McGrath - ''Swinging on a Star'' * Alfred Molina - ''

Molly Sweeney ''Molly Sweeney'' is a two-act play by Brian Friel. It tells the story of its title character, Molly, a woman blind since infancy, who undergoes an operation to try to restore her sight. Like Friel's '' Faith Healer'', the play tells Molly's sto ...

'' *

Timothy Olyphant Timothy David Olyphant ( ; born May 20, 1968) is an American actor. He made his acting debut in an off-Broadway theater in 1995, in ''The Monogamist'', and won the Theatre World Award for his performance, and then originated David Sedaris' ''The ...

- ''The Monogamist'' *

Adam Pascal Adam Pascal (born October 25, 1970) is an American actor, singer, and musician, known for his performance as Roger Davis in the original 1996 cast of Jonathan Larson's musical '' Rent'' on Broadway, the 2005 movie version of the musical, and th ...

- ''

Rent Rent may refer to: Economics *Renting, an agreement where a payment is made for the temporary use of a good, service or property *Economic rent, any payment in excess of the cost of production *Rent-seeking, attempting to increase one's share of e ...

'' * Lou Diamond Phillips - ''The King and I'' * Daphne Rubin-Vega - ''Rent'' * Brett Tabisel - '' Big'' *Special Award - cast of ''

An Ideal Husband ''An Ideal Husband'' is a four-act play by Oscar Wilde that revolves around blackmail and political corruption, and touches on the themes of public and private honour. It was first produced at the Haymarket Theatre, London in 1895 and ran for ...

1996–1997

*Terry Beaver - '' The Last Night of Ballyhoo'' *Helen Carey - '' London Assurance'' * Kristin Chenoweth - '' Steel Pier'' * Jason Danieley - ''

Candide ( , ) is a French satire written by Voltaire, a philosopher of the Age of Enlightenment, first published in 1759. The novella has been widely translated, with English versions titled ''Candide: or, All for the Best'' (1759); ''Candide: or, Th ...

'' *

Linda Eder Linda Eder (; born February 3, 1961) is an American singer and actress. She made her Broadway debut in the musical '' Jekyll & Hyde'', originating the role of Lucy Harris, for which she was nominated for the Drama Desk Award. Eder has performed ...

- ''

Jekyll & Hyde ''Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde'' is a 1886 Gothic novella by Scottish author Robert Louis Stevenson. It follows Gabriel John Utterson, a London-based legal practitioner who investigates a series of strange occurrences between his old ...

'' * Allison Janney - ''

Present Laughter ''Present Laughter'' is a comic play written by Noël Coward in 1939 but not produced until 1942 because the Second World War began while it was in rehearsal, and the British theatres closed. The title is drawn from a song in Shakespeare's ''T ...

'' * Daniel McDonald - ''Steel Pier'' * Janet McTeer - ''

A Doll's House ''A Doll's House'' ( Danish and nb, Et dukkehjem; also translated as ''A Doll House'') is a three-act play written by Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen. It premiered at the Royal Theatre in Copenhagen, Denmark, on 21 December 1879, having be ...

'' * Mark Ruffalo - '' This Is Our Youth'' *

Fiona Shaw Fiona Shaw (born Fiona Mary Wilson; 10 July 1958) is an Irish film and theatre actress. She is known for her roles as Petunia Dursley in the ''Harry Potter'' film series (2001–2010), Marnie Stonebrook in the fourth season of the HBO ser ...

- ''

The Waste Land ''The Waste Land'' is a poem by T. S. Eliot, widely regarded as one of the most important poems of the 20th century and a central work of Modernist poetry in English, modernist poetry. Published in 1922, the 434-line poem first appeared in the ...

'' *

Antony Sher Sir Antony Sher (14 June 1949 – 2 December 2021) was a British actor, writer and theatre director of South African origin. A two-time Laurence Olivier Award winner and a four-time nominee, he joined the Royal Shakespeare Company in 1982 a ...

- '' Stanley'' *

Alan Tudyk Alan Wray Tudyk ( ;; born March 16, 1971) is an American actor. His film work includes roles in '' 28 Days'' with Sandra Bullock (2000), ''A Knight's Tale'' with Heath Ledger (2001), '' Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story'' with Vince Vaughn (2004) ...

- ''Bunny Bunny'' *Special Award - cast of ''

Skylight A skylight (sometimes called a rooflight) is a light-permitting structure or window, usually made of transparent or translucent glass, that forms all or part of the roof space of a building for daylighting and ventilation purposes. History Open ...

1997–1998

Source: Theatre World * Max Casella – ''

The Lion King ''The Lion King'' is a 1994 American animated musical drama film produced by Walt Disney Feature Animation and released by Walt Disney Pictures. The 32nd Disney animated feature film and the fifth produced during the Disney Renaissance ...

'' *

Margaret Colin Margaret Colin (born May 26, 1958) is an American actress. She is known for her roles as Margo Hughes on '' As the World Turns'' and as Eleanor Waldorf-Rose on '' Gossip Girl''. Early life Margaret Colin was born in Brooklyn, New York City, and ...

– ''Jackie'' * Ruaidhri Conroy – '' The Cripple of Inishmaan'' *

Alan Cumming Alan Cumming (born 27 January 1965) is a British actor. His London stage appearances include ''Hamlet'', the Maniac in '' Accidental Death of an Anarchist'' (for which he received an Olivier Award), the lead in '' Bent'', The National Theatre ...

– ''

Cabaret Cabaret is a form of theatrical entertainment featuring music, song, dance, recitation, or drama. The performance venue might be a pub, a casino, a hotel, a restaurant, or a nightclub with a stage for performances. The audience, often dinin ...

'' * Lea DeLaria – '' On the Town'' * Edie Falco – '' Side Man'' *Enid Graham – ''Honour'' *

Anna Kendrick Anna Cooke Kendrick (born August 9, 1985) is an American actress. She has received various accolades, including a Satellite Award, five Teen Choice Awards, three MTV Movie Awards, and nominations for an Academy Award, a Primetime Emmy Award a ...

– '' High Society'' *

Ednita Nazario Edna María Nazario Figueroa (born April 11, 1955) is a Puerto Rican musician, singer, and composer who has achieved stardom both at home and abroad. She has been in the music business from a young age and has released twenty-three (23) studio ...

– '' The Capeman'' *

Douglas Sills Douglas Howard Sills (born July 5, 1960) is an American actor. Early life Sills was born in Detroit, Michigan, the son of Rhoda (Nemeth) and Archie Sills, and grew up in the suburb of Franklin, in a Jewish household. He was friends (and did ama ...

– ''The Scarlet Pimpernel'' *Steven Sutcliffe – ''

'' * Sam Trammell – '' Ah, Wilderness!'' *Special Award -

Eddie Izzard Edward John Izzard (; born 7 February 1962) is a British stand-up comedian, actor and activist. Her comedic style takes the form of what appears to the audience as rambling whimsical monologues and self-referential pantomime. Izzard's stand- ...

*Special Award - cast of '' The Beauty Queen of Leenane''

1998–1999

Jillian Armenante Jillian Armenante is an American television and film actress, known for playing the role of Donna Kozlowski on the TV show ''Judging Amy''. Life and career Armenante was born in Paterson, New Jersey, and grew up in Wyckoff, New Jersey. Her fe ...

- ''The Cider House Rules'' *James Black - '' Not About Nightingales'' *

Brendan Coyle David "Brendan" Coyle (born 2 December 1962) is an English-Irish actor. He won the Olivier Award for Best Performance in a Supporting Role for '' The Weir'' in 1999. He also played Nicholas Higgins in the miniseries '' North & South'', Robert ...

- '' The Weir'' * Anna Friel - '' Closer'' * Rupert Graves - ''Closer'' *Lynda Gravatt - ''The Old Settler'' * Nicole Kidman - '' The Blue Room'' * Ciaran Hinds - ''Closer'' *

Ute Lemper Ute Gertrud Lemper (; born 4 July 1963) is a German singer and actress. Her roles in musicals include playing Sally Bowles in the original Paris production of ''Cabaret'', for which she won the 1987 Molière Award for Best Newcomer, and Velm ...

- ''

Chicago (''City in a Garden''); I Will , image_map = , map_caption = Interactive Map of Chicago , coordinates = , coordinates_footnotes = , subdivision_type = List of sovereign states, Count ...

'' * Clarke Peters - ''

The Iceman Cometh ''The Iceman Cometh'' is a play written by American playwright Eugene O'Neill in 1939. First published in 1946, the play premiered on Broadway at the Martin Beck Theatre on October 9, 1946, directed by Eddie Dowling, where it ran for 136 perf ...

'' *

Toby Stephens Toby Stephens (born 21 April 1969) is an English actor who has appeared in films in the UK, US and India. He is known for the roles of Bond villain Gustav Graves in the 2002 James Bond film ''Die Another Day'' (for which he was nominated for the ...

- '' Ring Round the Moon'' * Sandra Oh - '' Stop Kiss'' *Special Award -

Jerry Herman Gerald Sheldon Herman (July 10, 1931December 26, 2019) was an American composer and lyricist, known for his work in Broadway theatre. One of the most commercially successful Broadway songwriters of his time, Herman was the composer and lyrici ...

1999–2000

Source: Theatre World *

Craig Bierko Craig Philip Bierko (born August 18, 1964) is an American actor and singer. Early life Bierko was born in Rye Brook, New York where his mother Pat ran The Harrison Players, a local community theatre. After graduating Blind Brook High School, ...

– ''

'' * Everett Bradley – '' Swing!'' * Gabriel Byrne – ''

A Moon for the Misbegotten ''A Moon for the Misbegotten'' is a play in four acts by Eugene O'Neill. The play is a sequel to O'Neill's '' Long Day's Journey into Night'', with the Jim Tyrone character as an older version of Jamie Tyrone. He began drafting the play late in 1 ...

'' * Ann Hampton Callaway – ''Swing!'' *

Toni Collette Toni Collette Galafassi (born Toni Collett; 1 November 1972) is an Australian actress, producer, singer, and songwriter. Known for her work in television and independent films, she has received various accolades throughout her career, inclu ...

– '' The Wild Party'' * Henry Czerny – ''

Arms and the Man ''Arms and the Man'' is a comedy by George Bernard Shaw, whose title comes from the opening words of Virgil's ''Aeneid'', in Latin: ''Arma virumque cano'' ("Of arms and the man I sing"). The play was first produced on 21 April 1894 at the Aven ...

'' * Stephen Dillane – '' The Real Thing'' * Jennifer Ehle – ''The Real Thing'' *

Philip Seymour Hoffman Philip Seymour Hoffman (July 23, 1967 – February 2, 2014) was an American actor. Known for his distinctive supporting and character roles—typically lowlifes, eccentrics, underdogs, and misfits—he acted in many films and theatrical produc ...

– '' True West'' *

Hayley Mills Hayley Catherine Rose Vivien Mills (born 18 April 1946) is an English actress. The daughter of Sir John Mills and Mary Hayley Bell, and younger sister of actress Juliet Mills, she began her acting career as a child and was hailed as a promising ...

– ''Suite in Two Keys'' *Cigdem Onat – '' The Time of the Cuckoo'' * Claudia Shear – '' Dirty Blonde'' *Special Award – Barry Humphries

2000–2001

Source: Theatre World *

Juliette Binoche Juliette Binoche (; born 9 March 1964) is a French actress and dancer. She has appeared in more than sixty feature films and has been the recipient of numerous accolades, including an Academy Award, a British Academy Film Award, a Silver Bear, ...

– '' Betrayal'' *

Macaulay Culkin Macaulay Macaulay Culkin Culkin (born Macaulay Carson Culkin; ) is an American actor. Often regarded as one of the most successful child actors of the 1990s, he was placed 2nd on VH1's list of the "100 Greatest Kid-Stars". Culkin rose to prom ...

– ''

Madame Melville ''Madame Melville'' is a play by Richard Nelson. It is set in Paris in 1966 and is about an American student, Carl, who finds himself alone in the flat of Claudie, one of his teachers. They find there is much to discover - about art, life, love ...

'' * Janie Dee – '' Comic Potential'' * Raúl Esparza – '' The Rocky Horror Show'' * Kathleen Freeman – ''

The Full Monty ''The Full Monty'' is a 1997 British comedy film directed by Peter Cattaneo, starring Robert Carlyle, Mark Addy, William Snape, Steve Huison, Tom Wilkinson, Paul Barber and Hugo Speer. The screenplay was written by Simon Beaufoy. The film is ...

'' *

Deven May Deven Shaw May (born April 3, 1971, in Whittier, California) is a Broadway performer, actor and photographer. He is most famous for his portrayal of the half-bat, half-human boy in Laurence O'Keefe's Off-Broadway musical '' Bat Boy'', for which h ...

– '' Bat Boy'' *

Reba McEntire Reba Nell McEntire (born March 28, 1955), or simply Reba, is an American country music singer and actress. Dubbed " the Queen of Country", she has sold more than 75 million records worldwide. Since the 1970s, McEntire has placed over 100 single ...

– '' Annie Get Your Gun'' *

Chris Noth Christopher David Noth ( ; born November 13, 1954) is an American actor. He is known for his television roles as NYPD Detective Mike Logan on ''Law & Order'' (1990–95), Big on ''Sex and the City'' (1998–2004), and Peter Florrick on ''The ...

– '' The Best Man'' * Joshua Park – '' The Adventures of Tom Sawyer'' *

Rosie Perez Rosa Perez (born September 6, 1964) is an American actress, choreographer, dancer, and activist. Her breakthrough came with her portrayal of Tina in the film ''Do the Right Thing'' (1989), followed by '' White Men Can't Jump'' (1992). Perez's per ...

�
''References to Salvador Dali Make Me Hot''
* Joely Richardson – ''Madame Melville'' * John Ritter – '' The Dinner Party'' * Special Award – Seán Campion * Special Award –

Conleth Hill Conleth Seamus Eoin Croiston Hill (born 24 November 1964) is an actor from Northern Ireland. He has performed on stage in productions in the UK, Ireland, Canada and the United States. He has won two Laurence Olivier Awards and received two T ...

2001–2002

Source: Theatre World *Justin Bohon – '' Oklahoma!'' * Simon Callow – ''The Mystery of Charles Dickens'' * Mos Def – '' Topdog/Underdog'' *

Emma Fielding Emma Georgina Annalies Fielding (born 07 October 1964 in Catterick, North Riding of Yorkshire) is an English actress. Biography The daughter of a British Army officer, Colonel Johnny Fielding, and Sheila Fielding, she was raised Catholic and ...

– '' Private Lives'' * Adam Godley – ''Private Lives'' * Martin Jarvis – ''

By Jeeves ''By Jeeves'', originally ''Jeeves'', is a musical with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, and lyrics and book by Alan Ayckbourn. It is based on the series of novels and short stories by P. G. Wodehouse that centre around the character of Bertie Woost ...

'' * Spencer Kayden – ''

Urinetown ''Urinetown: The Musical'' is a satirical comedy musical that premiered in 2001, with music by Mark Hollmann, lyrics by Hollmann and Greg Kotis, and book by Kotis. It satirizes the legal system, capitalism, social irresponsibility, populism, bu ...

'' * Gretchen Mol – '' The Shape of Things'' * Anna Paquin – ''

The Glory of Living ''The Glory of Living'' is a 1996 play by Rebecca Gilman. The play received its first production at the Circle Theatre Chicago in Forest Park, Illinois. The play has won several awards and was a finalist for the 2002 Pulitzer Prize for Drama. ...

'' *

Louise Pitre Louise Pitre (born January 1, 1957) is a Canadian actress in musical theatre. She performs on Broadway and in Canada. She is best known for her role as Donna Sheridan in the ABBA-themed musical ''Mamma Mia!'', which earned her a 2002 Tony Award n ...

– ''

Mamma Mia! Mama(s) or Mamma or Momma may refer to: Roles *Mother, a female parent *Mama-san, in Japan and East Asia, a woman in a position of authority *Mamas, a name for female associates of the Hells Angels Places * Mama, Russia, an urban-type settlemen ...

'' * David Warner – '' Major Barbara'' * Rachel Weisz – '' The Shape of Things''

2002–2003

Source: Theatre World *

Antonio Banderas José Antonio Domínguez Bandera (born 10 August 1960), known professionally as Antonio Banderas, is a Spanish actor and singer. Known for his work in films of several genres, he has received various accolades, including a Cannes Film Festival ...

– '' Nine'' * Tammy Blanchard – '' Gypsy'' *

Thomas Jefferson Byrd Thomas Jefferson Byrd (June 25, 1950 – October 3, 2020) was an American character actor who played in several of director Spike Lee's films. He was nominated for the Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Play for his performance in the 2003 ...

– '' Ma Rainey's Black Bottom'' *

Jonathan Cake Jonathan James Cake (born 31 August 1967) is an English actor who has worked on various TV programmes and films. His notable screen roles include Jack Favell in '' Rebecca'' (1997), Oswald Mosley in '' Mosley'' (1997), Japheth in the NBC telev ...

– ''

Medea In Greek mythology, Medea (; grc, Μήδεια, ''Mēdeia'', perhaps implying "planner / schemer") is the daughter of King Aeëtes of Colchis, a niece of Circe and the granddaughter of the sun god Helios. Medea figures in the myth of Jaso ...

'' * Victoria Hamilton – '' A Day in the Death of Joe Egg'' * Clare Higgins – ''

Vincent in Brixton ''Vincent in Brixton'' is a 2002 play by Nicholas Wright. The play premiered at London's National Theatre with Jochum ten Haaf in the title role. It transferred to the Playhouse Theatre and later to Broadway. It focuses on artist Vincent van ...

'' * Jackie Hoffman – '' Hairspray'' * Mary Stuart Masterson – ''Nine'' * John Selya – '' Movin' Out'' * Jochum ten Haaf – ''Vincent in Brixton'' *

Daniel Sunjata Daniel Sunjata Condon (born December 30, 1971) is an American actor who performs in film, television and theater. He is known for his role as Franco Rivera in the FX television series '' Rescue Me''. Early life and education Sunjata was born a ...

– '' Take Me Out'' * Marissa Jaret Winokur – ''Hairspray'' *Special Award – Peter Filichia *Special Award –

Ben Hodges Frederick Benjamin "Ben" Hodges III (born 16 April 1958) is a retired United States Army officer who served as commanding general, United States Army Europe. He is currently the Pershing Chair in Strategic Studies at the Center for European Poli ...

2003–2004

Source: Theatre World *

Shannon Cochran Shannon Cochran (born August 7, 1958) is an American actress. While she has numerous credits to her name, she is particularly recognizable as having played the mysterious Anna Morgan in the 2002 horror film '' The Ring''. Cochran played Pam Bee ...

– '' Bug'' * Stephanie D'Abruzzo – ''

Avenue Q ''Avenue Q'' is a musical comedy featuring puppets and human actors with music and lyrics by Robert Lopez and Jeff Marx and book by Jeff Whitty. It won Best Musical, Book, and Score at the 2004 Tony Awards. The show's format is a parody of ...

'' *Mitchel David Federan – '' The Boy From Oz'' *

Alexander Gemignani Alexander Cesare Gemignani (born July 3, 1979) is a Broadway actor, tenor, musician, and conductor. Gemignani was raised in Tenafly, New Jersey and graduated from Tenafly High School in 1997. He is a graduate of the University of Michigan's ...

– ''

Assassins An assassin is a person who commits targeted murder. Assassin may also refer to: Origin of term * Someone belonging to the medieval Persian Ismaili order of Assassins Animals and insects * Assassin bugs, a genus in the family ''Reduviid ...

'' * Hugh Jackman – ''The Boy From Oz'' * Isabel Keating – ''The Boy From Oz'' * Sanaa Lathan – '' A Raisin in the Sun'' *

Jefferson Mays Lewis Jefferson Mays (born June 8, 1965) is an American actor. He is the recipient of numerous accolades, including a Tony Award, a Helen Hayes Award, a Lucille Lortel Award, two Drama Desk Awards, two Outer Critics Circle Awards and three Obi ...

– ''

I Am My Own Wife ''I Am My Own Wife'' is a play by Doug Wright based on his conversations with the German antiquarian Charlotte von Mahlsdorf. The one-man play premiered Off-Broadway in 2003 at Playwrights Horizons. It opened on Broadway later that year. The pla ...

'' *

Euan Morton Euan Douglas George Morton (born Iain Middleton on 13 August 1977) is a Scottish actor and singer. He is best known for his role as Boy George in the musical ''Taboo'', receiving nominations for the Laurence Olivier Award and Tony Award for his ...

– ''

Taboo A taboo or tabu is a social group's ban, prohibition, or avoidance of something (usually an utterance or behavior) based on the group's sense that it is excessively repulsive, sacred, or allowed only for certain persons.''Encyclopædia Britannica ...

'' * Anika Noni Rose – ''

Caroline, or Change ''Caroline, or Change'' is a musical with music by Jeanine Tesori and lyrics and book by Tony Kushner. The score combines spirituals, blues, Motown, classical music, and Jewish klezmer and folk music. The show ran both Off-Broadway and on Broadway ...

'' * John Tartaglia – ''Avenue Q'' * Jennifer Westfeldt – '' Wonderful Town'' *Special Award – Sarah Jones

2004–2005

Source: Theatre World * Christina Applegate – ''

Sweet Charity ''Sweet Charity'' is a musical with music by Cy Coleman, lyrics by Dorothy Fields and book by Neil Simon. It was directed and choreographed for Broadway by Bob Fosse starring his wife and muse Gwen Verdon alongside John McMartin. It is based on ...

'' * Ashlie Atkinson – '' Fat Pig'' * Hank Azaria – '' Spamalot'' * Gordon Clapp – ''

Glengarry Glen Ross ''Glengarry Glen Ross'' is a play by David Mamet that won the Pulitzer Prize in 1984. The play shows parts of two days in the lives of four desperate Chicago real estate agents who are prepared to engage in any number of unethical, illegal acts ...

'' * Conor Donovan – ''Privilege'' * Dan Fogler – '' The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee'' *

Heather Goldenhersh Heather Goldenhersh is an American actress. She has appeared on Broadway, on television, and in feature films. Early life Goldenhersh was born in Chicago, Illinois and grew up in St. Louis. She has said that she is "half-Jewish Jews ...

– '' Doubt'' *

Carla Gugino Carla Gugino (; born August 29, 1971) is an American actress. After appearing in ''Troop Beverly Hills'' (1989) and ''This Boy's Life'' (1993), she received recognition for her starring roles as Ingrid Cortez in the ''Spy Kids'' trilogy (2001� ...

– '' After the Fall'' *Jenn Harris – ''Modern Orthodox'' * Cheyenne Jackson – ''

All Shook Up "All Shook Up" is a song recorded by Elvis Presley, published by Elvis Presley Music, and composed by Otis Blackwell. The single topped the U.S. ''Billboard'' Top 100 on April 13, 1957, staying there for eight weeks. It also topped the ''Bil ...

'' * Celia Keenan-Bolger – ''The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee'' * Tyler Maynard – '' Altar Boyz''

2005–2006

Source: Theatre World * Harry Connick, Jr. – ''

The Pajama Game ''The Pajama Game'' is a musical based on the 1953 novel '' 7½ Cents'' by Richard Bissell. The book is by George Abbott and Richard Bissell; the music and lyrics are by Richard Adler and Jerry Ross. and dances were staged by Bob Fosse in hi ...

'' *Felicia P. Fields – ''

The Color Purple ''The Color Purple'' is a 1982 epistolary novel by American author Alice Walker which won the 1983 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction and the National Book Award for Fiction.

'' * Maria Friedman – '' The Woman in White'' *

Richard Griffiths Richard Thomas Griffiths (31 July 1947 – 28 March 2013) was an English actor of film, television, and stage. For his performance in the stage play '' The History Boys'', Griffiths won a Tony Award, a Laurence Olivier Award, the Drama Desk ...

– '' The History Boys'' * Mamie Gummer – '' Mr. Marmalade'' *

Jayne Houdyshell Jayne Houdyshell (born September 25, 1953) is an American, Tony-winning actress known for her performances on stage and screen. Houdyshell made her Broadway debut in the 2005 production of ''It's a Wonderful Life''. The following year she earn ...

– '' Well'' * Bob Martin – '' The Drowsy Chaperone'' *

Ian McDiarmid Ian McDiarmid (; born 11 August 1944) is a Scottish actor and director of stage and screen, best known for portraying the Sith Lord Emperor Sheev Palpatine / Darth Sidious in the ''Star Wars'' multimedia franchise. Making his stage debut in ' ...

– ''

Faith Healer Faith healing is the practice of prayer and gestures (such as laying on of hands) that are believed by some to elicit divine intervention in spiritual and physical healing, especially the Christian practice. Believers assert that the healing ...

'' * Nellie McKay – ''

The Threepenny Opera ''The Threepenny Opera'' ( ) is a " play with music" by Bertolt Brecht, adapted from a translation by Elisabeth Hauptmann of John Gay's 18th-century English ballad opera, '' The Beggar's Opera'', and four ballads by François Villon, with mu ...

'' *

David Wilmot David Wilmot (January 20, 1814 – March 16, 1868) was an American politician and judge. He served as Representative and a Senator for Pennsylvania and as a judge of the Court of Claims. He is best known for being the prime sponsor and ep ...

– '' The Lieutenant of Inishmore'' * Elisabeth Withers-Mendes – ''The Color Purple'' * John Lloyd Young – '' Jersey Boys''

2006–2007

* Fantasia Barrino – ''

The Color Purple ''The Color Purple'' is a 1982 epistolary novel by American author Alice Walker which won the 1983 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction and the National Book Award for Fiction.

'' *

Eve Best Emily "Eve" Best (born 31 July 1971) is an English actress and director. She is known for her television roles as Dr. Eleanor O'Hara in the Showtime series ''Nurse Jackie'' (2009–13), First Lady Dolley Madison in the ''American Experience'' ...

– ''

'' *

Mary Birdsong Mary Evans Birdsong (born April 18, 1968) is an American actress, comedian, writer, and singer. She has worked in the theater and voiceover work and is a regular cast member on '' Reno 911!'' Early life Birdsong was born in Florida and grew u ...

– ''Martin Short: Fame Becomes Me'' * Erin Davie – ''

Grey Gardens ''Grey Gardens'' is a 1975 American documentary film by Albert and David Maysles. The film depicts the everyday lives of two reclusive, upper-class women, a mother and daughter both named Edith Beale, who lived in poverty at Grey Gardens, a ...

'' * Xanthe Elbrick – ''

Coram Boy ''Coram Boy'' is a 2000 children's novel by Jamila Gavin. It won Gavin a Whitbread Children's Book Award. Stage adaptation The book was adapted for the stage by Helen Edmundson, with music by Adrian Sutton, and played for two runs on the Ol ...

'' * Johnny Galecki – ''

The Little Dog Laughed ''The Little Dog Laughed'' is a 2006 comedy play by Douglas Carter Beane. The four characters are an actor, Mitchell, his acerbic agent Diane, a hustler named Alex, and Alex's girlfriend Ellen. When Mitchell and Alex become involved in a physica ...

'' * Jonathan Groff – '' Spring Awakening'' *

Gavin Lee Gavin Lee (born 15 October 1971) is an English actor who has appeared on the stage in musical theatre, notably as Bert in the musical '' Mary Poppins'', in both the West End and on Broadway, and as Squidward Tentacles in the original Broadway ...

– ''

Mary Poppins It may refer to: * ''Mary Poppins'' (book series), the original 1934–1988 children's fantasy novels that introduced the character. * Mary Poppins (character), the nanny with magical powers. * ''Mary Poppins'' (film), a 1964 Disney film star ...

'' * Lin-Manuel Miranda – '' In the Heights'' * Bill Nighy – ''

The Vertical Hour ''The Vertical Hour'' is a play by David Hare. The play addresses the relationship of characters with opposing views on the 2003 invasion of Iraq, and also explores psychological tension between public lives and private lives. Productions The pl ...

'' *

Stark Sands Stark Bunker Sands (born September 30, 1978) is an American actor. He is known for his role as Tunny in the original Broadway cast of '' American Idiot'', and originating the role of Charlie Price in '' Kinky Boots'' on Broadway. He is a two-tim ...

– '' Journey's End'' * Nilaja Sun – ''No Child...'' * Special award –

Actors' Fund The Entertainment Community Fund, formerly The Actors Fund, is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that supports performers and behind-the-scenes workers in performing arts and entertainment, helping more than 17,000 people directly each year. S ...

2007–2008

De'Adre Aziza De'Adre Danielle Aziza (; born June 14, 1977) is an American actress and singer. Early life and education Aziza was born in Atlanta, Georgia and raised in Teaneck, New Jersey. She is the daughter of Donna Avery, retired part-time assistant prof ...

– '' Passing Strange'' *Cassie Beck – ''Drunken City'' * Daniel Breaker – ''Passing Strange'' *

Ben Daniels Ben Daniels (born 10 June 1964) is a British actor. Initially a stage actor, Daniels was nominated for an Olivier Award for Best Supporting Actor for ''Never the Sinner'' (1991), the Evening Standard Award for Best Actor for ''900 Oneonta'' ...

– '' Les Liaisons Dangereuses'' *

Deanna Dunagan Deanna Dunagan (born May 25, 1940) is an American actress. While principally active as a stage actress, she has also worked in television and film. She is best known for her Tony Award-winning portrayal of Violet Weston in Tracy Letts' '' Aug ...

– '' August: Osage County'' * Hoon Lee – '' Yellow Face'' *

Alli Mauzey Alli Mauzey (born in Anaheim Hills, California) is an American actress and singer best known for her performance as Glinda in the Broadway and 1st national tour productions of ''Wicked'' and for originating the role of Lenora in the musical '' ...

– '' Cry-Baby'' * Jenna Russell – ''

Sunday in the Park with George ''Sunday in the Park with George'' is a musical with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and book by James Lapine. It was inspired by the French pointillist painter Georges Seurat's painting ''A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande J ...

'' *

Mark Rylance Sir David Mark Rylance Waters (born 18 January 1960) is a British actor, playwright and theatre director. He is known for his roles on stage and screen having received numerous awards including an Academy Award, three BAFTA Awards, two Laurence ...

– '' Boeing-Boeing'' * Loretta Ables Sayre – ''

South Pacific The Pacific Ocean is the largest and deepest of Earth's five oceanic divisions. It extends from the Arctic Ocean in the north to the Southern Ocean (or, depending on definition, to Antarctica) in the south, and is bounded by the continen ...

'' *

Jimmi Simpson Jimmi Simpson (born November 21, 1975) is an American actor. He is best known for his work on television, which includes recurring roles as Liam McPoyle on ''It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia'' (2005–2013), Lyle the Intern on ''The Late Show ...

– ''

The Farnsworth Invention ''The Farnsworth Invention'' is a stage play by Aaron Sorkin adapted from an unproduced screenplay about Philo Farnsworth's first fully functional and completely all-electronic television system and David Sarnoff, the RCA president who stole the d ...

'' * Paulo Szot – ''South Pacific''

2008–2009

Source:Playbill.com * David Alvarez/ Trent Kowalik/ Kiril Kulish – '' Billy Elliot, The Musical'' * Chad L. Coleman – ''

Joe Turner's Come and Gone ''Joe Turner's Come and Gone'' is a play by American playwright August Wilson. It is the second installment of his decade-by-decade chronicle of the African-American experience, ''The Pittsburgh Cycle''. The play was first staged 1984 at the Euge ...

'' *Jennifer Grace – ''

Our Town ''Our Town'' is a 1938 metatheatrical three-act play by American playwright Thornton Wilder which won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama. The play tells the story of the fictional American small town of Grover's Corners between 1901 and 1913 thr ...

'' * Josh Grisetti – ''Enter Laughing, The Musical'' * Haydn Gwynne – ''Billy Elliot, The Musical'' * Colin Hanks – '' 33 Variations'' * Marin Ireland – '' reasons to be pretty'' *Susan Louise O'Connor – ''

'' *

Condola Rashad Condola Phylea Rashad (born December 11, 1986) is an American actress best known for her work in the theatre. She first broke out with a critically acclaimed performance in Lynn Nottage's off-Broadway play ''Ruined'' (2009), which won a Pulitzer ...

– ''

Ruined Ruins () are the remains of a civilization's architecture. The term refers to formerly intact structures that have fallen into a state of partial or total disrepair over time due to a variety of factors, such as lack of maintenance, deliberate ...

'' *

Geoffrey Rush Geoffrey Roy Rush (born 6 July 1951) is an Australian actor. He is known for his eccentric leading man roles on stage and screen. He is among 24 people who have won the Triple Crown of Acting, having received an Academy Award, a Primetime Emm ...

– ''

Exit the King ''Exit the King'' (french: Le Roi se meurt) is an absurdist drama by Eugène Ionesco that premiered in 1962. It is the third in Ionesco's "Berenger Cycle", preceded by '' The Killer'' (1958) and ''Rhinocéros'' (1959), and followed by ''A Stro ...

'' * Josefina Scaglione – ''

West Side Story ''West Side Story'' is a musical conceived by Jerome Robbins with music by Leonard Bernstein, lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, and a book by Arthur Laurents. Inspired by William Shakespeare's play '' Romeo and Juliet'', the story is set in the mid ...

'' *

Wesley Taylor Wesley Taylor (born August 13, 1986) is an American stage actor and writer, best known for his work in musical theatre and television. Theatre career In summer 2008, Taylor performed in Barrington Stage Company's production of the musical ''See ...

– ''

Rock of Ages Rock of Ages may refer to: Films * ''Rock of Ages'' (1918 film), a British silent film by Bertram Phillips * ''Rock of Ages'' (2012 film), a film adaptation of the jukebox musical (see below) Music * ''Rock of Ages'' (musical), a 2006 rock ...

'' *Dorothy Loudon Starbaby Award: Susan Louise O'Connor – ''Blithe Spirit'' *Special Award to the entire cast of '' The Norman Conquests'': Amelia Bullmore, Jessica Hynes, Stephen Mangan, Ben Miles, Paul Ritter and Amanda Root.

2009–2010

Source:Playbill.com * Nina Arianda – '' Venus in Fur'' * Chris Chalk – ''

Fences A fence is a barrier enclosing or bordering a field, yard, etc., usually made of posts and wire or wood, used to prevent entrance, to confine, or to mark a boundary. Fence or fences may also refer to: Entertainment Music * Fences (band), an Amer ...

'' * Bill Heck – '' The Orphans' Home Cycle'' *

Jon Michael Hill Jon Michael Hill (born 1985) is an American actor. He is best known for his roles as Detective Marcus Bell in the CBS series ''Elementary'' (2012–2019) and Detective Damon Washington in the ABC series ''Detroit 1-8-7'' (2010–2011). Life an ...

– ''

Superior Donuts ''Superior Donuts'' is a play by American playwright Tracy Letts. Its world premiere was staged by the Steppenwolf Theatre Company in Chicago in 2008. It premiered on Broadway in 2009. Synopsis The play focuses on the relationship between de ...

'' * Scarlett Johansson – ''

A View from the Bridge ''A View from the Bridge'' is a play by American playwright Arthur Miller. It was first staged on September 29, 1955, as a one-act verse drama with ''A Memory of Two Mondays'' at the Coronet Theatre on Broadway. The run was unsuccessful, and M ...

'' *Keira Keeley – '' The Glass Menagerie'' *

Sahr Ngaujah Michael Sahr Ngaujah (born September 7, 1976) is an American theater actor and director. Not long after his parents arrival from Sierra Leone via UK, Sahr was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Within five years his family relocated to Atlanta. He spen ...

– '' Fela!'' * Eddie Redmayne – '' Red'' *

Andrea Riseborough Andrea Louise Riseborough (born 20 November 1981) is an English actress and producer. She made her film debut with a small part in ''Venus'' (2006), and has since appeared in more prominent roles in '' Happy-Go-Lucky'' (2008), '' Never Let Me Go ...

– '' The Pride'' *

Heidi Schreck Heidi Schreck (born September 26, 1971) is an American playwright, screenwriter, and actress from Wenatchee, Washington. Her play '' What the Constitution Means to Me'', which she also performs in, was a finalist for the 2019 Pulitzer Prize for D ...

– '' Circle Mirror Transformation'' *

Stephanie Umoh Stephanie Jean Umoh (born January 9, 1986) is an American stage actress. She currently stars as Angelica Schuyler in ''Hamilton''’s first national tour. She played the role of Sarah in the 2009 Broadway theatre revival of the musical ''Ragt ...

– ''

'' * Michael Urie – ''

The Temperamentals ''The Temperamentals'' is a 2009 play by Jon Marans. It chronicles the founding of the Mattachine Society, the first sustained LGBT rights organization in the United States, and the love affair of two of its founding members, Harry Hay ( Thomas ...

'' *Dorothy Loudon Starbaby Award: Bobby Steggert - ''Ragtime'' and '' Yank!''

2010–2011

Source:Playbill.com *

Ellen Barkin Ellen Rona Barkin (born April 16, 1954) is an American actress and a producer. Her breakthrough role was in the 1982 film '' Diner'', and in the following years, she had starring roles in films such as '' Tender Mercies'' (1983), '' Eddie and t ...

– '' The Normal Heart'' * Desmin Borges – ''

The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity ''The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity'' is a dramatic comedy play by Kristoffer Diaz about a professional wrestler, "driven by narratives of the American dream and neoliberal capitalism." Synopsis Act One Macedonio Guerra is a profession ...

'' * Halley Feiffer – '' The House of Blue Leaves'' * Grace Gummer – '' Arcadia'' * Rose Hemingway – ''

How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying ''How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying'' may refer to: * ''How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying'' (book), a 1952 book written by Shepherd Mead and the inspiration for the musical of the same name. * ''How to Succeed in Bu ...

'' * John Larroquette – ''How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying'' *

Heather Lind Heather Lind (born March 22, 1983) is an American actress. She is known for her portrayal of Anna Strong in the AMC series '' Turn: Washington's Spies''. She is the twin sister of actress Christina Bennett Lind.

– ''

The Merchant of Venice ''The Merchant of Venice'' is a play by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written between 1596 and 1598. A merchant in Venice named Antonio defaults on a large loan provided by a Jewish moneylender, Shylock. Although classified as ...

'' * Patina Miller – '' Sister Act'' * Arian Moayed – '' Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo'' * Jim Parsons – ''The Normal Heart'' * Zachary Quinto – '' Angels in America: A Gay Fantasia on National Themes'' *

Tony Sheldon Tony Sheldon may refer to: * Tony Sheldon (actor) Tony Sheldon (born 12 September 1955) is an Australian actor/singer best known for his work in theatre; he is also a writer. Career Sheldon comes from one of Australia's leading theatrical fa ...

– ''

Priscilla, Queen of the Desert ''The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert'' is a 1994 Australian road comedy film written and directed by Stephan Elliott. The plot follows two drag queens, played by Hugo Weaving and Guy Pearce, and a transgender woman, played by Ter ...

'' *Dorothy Loudon Starbaby Award:

Seth Numrich Seth Numrich ( ; born January 19, 1987) is an American stage, television, and film actor. Early life Numrich was born in Minneapolis. He studied at The Juilliard School graduating in acting in 2006 with Group 36 in acting. He was a teaching ar ...

- '' War Horse'' *Lunt-Fontanne Award for Ensemble Excellence – cast of '' The Motherfucker with the Hat''

2011–2012

Source: Playbill.com * Tracie Bennett – '' End of the Rainbow'' *

Phillip Boykin Phillip Boykin (sometimes credited as Phillip Lamar Boykin) (born November 2, 1968) is an American bass-baritone, broadway, gospel, jazz and opera singer, film and stage actor. Early life One of ten children, Boykin grew up in Greenville, South Ca ...

– ''The Gershwins'

Porgy and Bess ''Porgy and Bess'' () is an English-language opera by American composer George Gershwin, with a libretto written by author DuBose Heyward and lyricist Ira Gershwin. It was adapted from Dorothy Heyward and DuBose Heyward's play '' Porgy'', ...

'' * Crystal A. Dickinson – '' Clybourne Park'' * Russell Harvard – ''

Tribes The term tribe is used in many different contexts to refer to a category of human social group. The predominant worldwide usage of the term in English is in the discipline of anthropology. This definition is contested, in part due to confli ...

'' * Jeremy Jordan – ''

Bonnie & Clyde Bonnie Elizabeth Parker (October 1, 1910May 23, 1934) and Clyde Chestnut (Champion) Barrow (March 24, 1909May 23, 1934) were an American criminal couple who traveled the Central United States with their gang during the Great Depression. The co ...

'' *Joaquina Kalukango – ''Hurt Village'' * Jennifer Lim – '' Chinglish'' *

Jessie Mueller Jessica Ruth Mueller (born February 20, 1983) is an American actress and singer. She started her acting career in Chicago and won two Joseph Jefferson Awards in 2008 and 2011 for her roles as Carrie Pipperidge in ''Carousel'' and Amalia Balash i ...

– '' On a Clear Day You Can See Forever'' *

Hettienne Park Hettienne Park (born March 7, 1983) is an American actress and writer, having played roles in ''Year of the Fish'' (2007), ''Bride Wars'' (2009), '' Blindspot'' (2018), '' The Outsider'' (2020), her most notable role being Beverly Katz on the Psy ...

– ''

Seminar A seminar is a form of academic instruction, either at an academic institution or offered by a commercial or professional organization. It has the function of bringing together small groups for recurring meetings, focusing each time on some parti ...

'' and '' The Intelligent Homosexual's Guide to Capitalism and Socialism with a Key to the Scriptures'' *

Chris Perfetti Chris Perfetti (born December 12, 1988) is an American actor. He currently portrays Jacob Hill on the ABC comedy ''Abbott Elementary'', for which he was nominated for a Critics' Choice Award. His other roles include Tim Fletch on the NBC series ...

– ''

Sons of the Prophet ''Sons of the Prophet'' is a play by Stephen Karam. It is a comedy-drama about a Lebanese-American family and was a finalist for the 2012 Pulitzer Prize for Drama. Productions ''Sons of the Prophet'' premiered in a production by Huntington Thea ...

'' * Finn Wittrock – '' Death of a Salesman'' *

Josh Young Josh Young is an American actor best known for appearing on Broadway in the revival of ''Jesus Christ Superstar'' as Judas and ''Amazing Grace'', originating the role of John Newton. Early life and education Young was raised in Wallingford, Penn ...

– ''

Jesus Christ Superstar ''Jesus Christ Superstar'' is a sung-through rock opera with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice. Loosely based on the Gospels' accounts of the Passion, the work interprets the psychology of Jesus and other characters, with ...

'' *Dorothy Loudon Starbaby Award: Susan Pourfar - ''

2012–2013

Source:Playbill.com *

Bertie Carvel Robert Hugh Carvel (born 6 September 1977) is a British actor. He has twice won a Laurence Olivier Award: for Best Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical for his role as Miss Trunchbull in '' Matilda the Musical'', and for Best Actor in a Suppor ...

– '' Matilda the Musical'' * Carrie Coon – ''Edward Albee's Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?'' * Brandon J. Dirden – ''

The Piano Lesson ''The Piano Lesson'' is a 1987 play by American playwright August Wilson. It is the fourth play in Wilson's ''The Pittsburgh Cycle''. Wilson began writing this play by playing with the various answers regarding the possibility of "acquir nga se ...

'' *

Shalita Grant Shalita Grant (born August 28, 1988) is an American actress best known for portraying NCIS Special Agent Sonja Percy on '' NCIS: New Orleans.'' She is also known from her roles on ''Mercy Street, You, Santa Clarita Diet,'' and '' Search Party.'' ...

– ''

Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike ''Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike'' is a comedy play written by Christopher Durang. The story revolves around the relationships of three middle-aged single siblings, two of whom live together, and takes place during a visit by the third, ...

'' *

Tom Hanks Thomas Jeffrey Hanks (born July 9, 1956) is an American actor and filmmaker. Known for both his comedic and dramatic roles, he is one of the most popular and recognizable film stars worldwide, and is regarded as an American cultural icon. Ha ...

– '' Lucky Guy'' * Valisia LeKae – '' Motown: The Musical'' * Rob McClure – '' Chaplin'' * Ruthie Ann Miles – ''Here Lies Love'' *

Conrad Ricamora Conrad Wayne Ricamora (born February 17, 1979) is an American actor. He is best known for his portrayal of Oliver Hampton on the ABC television series ''How to Get Away with Murder'' (2014–20). As a stage actor, he is noted for his roles in the ...

– ''Here Lies Love'' *

Keala Settle Keala Joan Settle (born November 5, 1975) is an American actress and singer. Settle originated the role of Norma Valverde in '' Hands on a Hardbody'', which ran on Broadway in 2013, and was nominated for the Outer Critics Circle Award, Drama Des ...

– '' Hands on a Hardbody'' * Yvonne Strahovski – '' Golden Boy'' *

Tom Sturridge Thomas Sidney Jerome Sturridge is an English actor. His early films include ''Being Julia'' (2004), '' Like Minds'' (2006), and ''The Boat That Rocked'' (2009). He was nominated for the Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play for his performances i ...

– '' Orphans'' *Dorothy Loudon Award for Excellence in the Theater: Johnny Orsini - ''

The Nance ''The Nance'' is a play written by Douglas Carter Beane. It involves the lives of burlesque performers during the 1930s. A "nance" was a camp stock character in vaudeville and burlesque. The play is a production of Lincoln Center Theater that prem ...

'' *John Willis Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre: Alan Alda

2013–2014

Source: Broadway.comLloyd Webber, Imogen
"Ramin Karimloo, Zachary Levi & Chris O'Dowd Among 2014 Theatre World Award Winners"
broadway.com, May 6, 2014 *

Paul Chahidi Paul Chahidi (born August 22, 1969) is a British actor. An associate artist of the Royal Shakespeare Company, Chahidi appeared at Shakespeare's Globe and appeared on Broadway in all-male productions of ''Twelfth Night'' and ''Richard III''. Chahi ...

– '' Twelfth Night, or What You Will'' *

Nick Cordero Nicholas Eduardo Alberto Cordero (September 17, 1978 – July 5, 2020) was a Canadian actor and singer. He was nominated for the Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Musical for his role as Cheech in the 2014 Broadway musical ''Bullets Over ...

– '' Bullets Over Broadway'' * Bryan Cranston – '' All the Way'' * Mary Bridget Davies – '' A Night with Janis Joplin'' * Sarah Greene – '' The Cripple of Inishmaan'' * Rebecca Hall – '' Machinal'' * Ramin Karimloo – ''

Les Misérables ''Les Misérables'' ( , ) is a French historical novel by Victor Hugo, first published in 1862, that is considered one of the greatest novels of the 19th century. In the English-speaking world, the novel is usually referred to by its origin ...

'' * Zachary Levi – ''

First Date A first date is the initial meeting during the dating process of two individuals, in which an effort is made to ask about each other, plan a potential relationship, and/or organize some sort of romantic activity. Aims vary between finding a ...

'' * Chris O'Dowd – '' Of Mice and Men'' * Sophie Okonedo – '' A Raisin in the Sun'' *Emerson Steele – '' Violet'' *

Lauren Worsham Lauren Tolbert Worsham (born April 4, 1982) is an American actress and singer known for her work in the opera and musical theatre. She received a Tony Award nomination for Best Featured Actress in a Musical for her role in '' A Gentleman's Guid ...

– ''

A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder ''A Gentleman's Guide to Love & Murder'' is a musical comedy, with the book and lyrics by Robert L. Freedman and the music and lyrics by Steven Lutvak. It is based on the 1907 novel '' Israel Rank: The Autobiography of a Criminal'' by Roy Horni ...

'' *Dorothy Loudon Award for Excellence in the Theater: Celia Keenan-Bolger - '' The Glass Menagerie'' *John Willis Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre Winner: Christopher Plummer

2014–2015

Source: Playbill.comViagas, Robert
"Broadway Siblings Megan and Robert Fairchild Among 71st Annual Theatre World Award Winners"
playbill.com, May 5, 2015 * Geneva Carr – '' Hand to God'' *

Daveed Diggs Daveed Daniele Diggs (born January 24, 1982) is an American actor, rapper, and singer-songwriter. He is the vocalist of the experimental hip hop group Clipping, and in 2015, he originated the dual roles of Marquis de Lafayette and Thomas Jeffer ...

– ''

Hamilton Hamilton may refer to: People * Hamilton (name), a common British surname and occasional given name, usually of Scottish origin, including a list of persons with the surname ** The Duke of Hamilton, the premier peer of Scotland ** Lord Hamilto ...

'' *

Megan Fairchild Megan Fairchild (born October 23, 1984) is an American ballet dancer. She is currently a principal dancer with the New York City Ballet. Early life Fairchild was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, and began her dance training at the age of four, stu ...

– '' On the Town'' * Robert Fairchild – '' An American in Paris'' * Collin Kelly-Sordelet – '' The Last Ship'' *

Sydney Lucas Sydney Ellen Lucas (born July 11, 2003) is an American child actress with credits in musical theatre, film and television. She is best known for her portrayal of Small Alison Bechdel in both the original Off-Broadway and Broadway productions of L ...

– '' Fun Home'' * Karen Pittman – '' Disgraced'' *

Benjamin Scheuer Benjamin Scheuer is an American songwriter, guitar player, and singer, based in London and New York City. Career Stage Benjamin Scheuer (pronounced “SHOY-er”) wrote and performed ''The Lion'', a one-man autobiographical musical. ''The L ...

– ''The Lion'' *

Alex Sharp Alexander Ian Sharp (born 2 February 1989) is an English actor. He is known for originating the role of Christopher Boone in the Broadway production of '' The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time''. After graduating from the Juilliard ...

– ''

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time ''The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time'' is a 2003 mystery novel by British writer Mark Haddon. Its title refers to an observation by the fictional detective Sherlock Holmes (created by Arthur Conan Doyle) in the 1892 short story " ...

'' *

Emily Skeggs Emily D. Skeggs (born July 10, 1990) is an American actress and singer. She was nominated for the Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical in 2015 for playing the role of Medium Alison in ''Fun Home''.Clarke, DavidBWW "Interview: Emily ...

– ''Fun Home'' * Micah Stock – '' It's Only a Play'' * Ruth Wilson – '' Constellations'' * Dorothy Loudon Award for Excellence in the Theater: Leanne Cope – ''An American In Paris'' * John Willis Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre:

Chita Rivera Chita Rivera (born Dolores Conchita Figueroa del Rivero Anderson; January 23, 1933), is an American actress, singer and dancer best known for originating roles in Broadway musicals including Anita in ''West Side Story'', Velma Kelly in ''Chic ...

Viagas, Robert
"71st Annual Theatre World Award Announced Today – Chita Rivera Earns Lifetime Achievement Honor"
playbill.com, May 5, 2015

2015–2016

Source: Playbill.comGans, Andrew
"Theatre World Awards Announce 2016 Winners"
playbill.com, May 2, 2016 * Danielle Brooks – ''

The Color Purple ''The Color Purple'' is a 1982 epistolary novel by American author Alice Walker which won the 1983 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction and the National Book Award for Fiction.

'' *

Carmen Cusack Carmen Cusack (born April 25, 1971) is an American musical theater actress and singer. She is known for playing Elphaba in the Chicago, North American Tour, and Melbourne productions of the musical ''Wicked'' and for originating the roles of Ali ...

– '' Bright Star'' * Khris Davis – ''The Royale'' *

Daniel Durant Daniel N. Durant (born December 24, 1989) is an American stage and screen actor. His breakthrough starring role was as Moritz Stiefel in the 2015 Broadway revival of '' Spring Awakening''. Durant starred in the Academy Award-winning film '' COD ...

– '' Spring Awakening'' * Cynthia Erivo – ''

The Color Purple ''The Color Purple'' is a 1982 epistolary novel by American author Alice Walker which won the 1983 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction and the National Book Award for Fiction.

'' *

John Krasinski John Burke Krasinski (; born October 20, 1979) is an American actor and filmmaker. He is known for his role as Jim Halpert on the NBC sitcom ''The Office''. He also served as a producer and occasional director of the series throughout its nin ...

– ''Dry Powder'' *

Sarah Charles Lewis Sarah Charles Lewis (born August 2004) is an American actress. She played Winnie Foster in the musical ''Tuck Everlasting'' on Broadway. Lewis began taking performing arts classes at Renaissance International School of Performing Arts (RISPA) wh ...

– '' Tuck Everlasting'' *

Austin P. McKenzie Austin P. McKenzie (born August 24, 1993) is an American actor and singer, known for his role as Melchior Gabor in Deaf West Theatre's 2015 Broadway revival of '' Spring Awakening''. His performance as Melchior has garnered significant critical ac ...

– '' Spring Awakening'' *

Lupita Nyong'o Lupita Amondi Nyong'o (, ; ; born 1 March 1983) is a Kenyan-Mexican actress. She is the recipient of several accolades, including an Academy Award, and nominations for two Primetime Emmy Awards and a Tony Award. The daughter of Kenyan politi ...

– '' Eclipsed'' * Mark Strong – ''

A View From The Bridge ''A View from the Bridge'' is a play by American playwright Arthur Miller. It was first staged on September 29, 1955, as a one-act verse drama with ''A Memory of Two Mondays'' at the Coronet Theatre on Broadway. The run was unsuccessful, and M ...

'' * Ana Villafañe – ''

On Your Feet! ''On Your Feet!'' is a jukebox musical that played on Broadway at the Marquis Theatre. Based on the lives and music of 26-time Grammy Award-winning husband-and-wife team Gloria and Emilio Estefan, the musical has a book written by Alexander Dine ...

'' * Ben Whishaw – '' The Crucible'' * Dorothy Loudon Award for Excellence in the Theater: Nicholas Barasch – ''

She Loves Me ''She Loves Me'' is a musical with a book by Joe Masteroff, music by Jerry Bock, and lyrics by Sheldon Harnick. The musical is the third adaptation of the 1937 play '' Parfumerie'' by Hungarian playwright Miklós László, following the 1940 ...

'' * John Willis Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre: Bernadette Peters

2016–2017

Source: BroadwayWorld.comBWW News Desk
"Breaking: Stars from 'Great Comet', 'Anastasia', 'Miss Saigon' & More Earn 2017 Theatre World Awards!"
BroadwayWorld.com, May 11, 2017 * Carlo Albán - '' Sweat'' * Christy Altomare - ''

Anastasia Anastasia (from el, Ἀναστασία, translit=Anastasía) is a feminine given name of Greek origin, derived from the Greek word (), meaning " resurrection". It is a popular name in Eastern Europe, particularly in Russia, where it was the mo ...

'' *

Denée Benton Denée Ayana Benton (born December 31, 1991) is an American actress and singer. She is best known for her performance as Natasha Rostova in the 2016 musical '' Natasha, Pierre, & The Great Comet of 1812'' on Broadway, for which she was nominated ...

- '' Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812'' * Jon Jon Briones - ''

Miss Saigon ''Miss Saigon'' is a stage musical by Claude-Michel Schönberg and Alain Boublil, with lyrics by Boublil and Richard Maltby Jr. It is based on Giacomo Puccini's 1904 opera ''Madame Butterfly'', and similarly tells the tragic tale of a doomed rom ...

'' * Barrett Doss - ''

Groundhog Day Groundhog Day ( pdc, Grund'sau dåk, , , ; Nova Scotia: Daks Day) is a popular North American tradition observed in the United States and Canada on February 2. It derives from the Pennsylvania Dutch superstition that if a groundhog emerges fr ...

'' * Amber Gray - ''Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812'' * Josh Groban - ''Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812'' * Lucas Hedges - ''Yen'' * Raymond Lee - ''Vietgone'' * Eva Noblezada - ''

'' *Jeremy Secomb - '' Sweeney Todd'' *

Cobie Smulders Jacoba Francisca Maria "Cobie" Smulders (born April 3, 1982) is a Canadian actress. She is known for her starring role as Robin Scherbatsky in the CBS sitcom ''How I Met Your Mother'' (2005–2014) and as S.H.I.E.L.D. agent Maria Hill in the Ma ...

- ''

'' *Dorothy Loudon Award for Excellence in the Theater: Katrina Lenk, ''

Indecent Inappropriateness refers to standards or ethics that are typically viewed as being negative in a society. It differs from things that are illicit in that inappropriate behavior does not necessarily have any accompanying legal ramifications. Co ...

and

The Band's Visit ''The Band's Visit'' ( he, ביקור התזמורת, Bikur Ha-Tizmoret) is a 2007 comedy-drama film, directed and written by Eran Kolirin, and starring Saleh Bakri, Ronit Elkabetz, Sasson Gabai and Uri Gavriel. It is an international co-prod ...

'' *John Willis Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre: Glenn Close *Special Theatre World Award: Dave Malloy for his Broadway debut in '' Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812'' as an actor, composer, writer, lyricist, and orchestrator.

2017–2018

* Anthony Boyle - '' Harry Potter and the Cursed Child'' *

Jamie Brewer Jamie Brewer is an American actress and model. She is best known for her roles in the FX horror anthology television series ''American Horror Story''. In its first season, '' Murder House'', she portrayed Adelaide "Addie" Langdon; in the third ...

- ''Amy and the Orphans'' * Noma Dumezweni - ''Harry Potter and the Cursed Child'' *

Johnny Flynn John Patrick Vivian Flynn (born 14 March 1983) is a British actor and singer-songwriter. He has starred as Dylan Witter in the Channel 4 and Netflix television sitcom '' Lovesick'', and portrayed David Bowie in the film '' Stardust''. Flynn ...

- ''Hangmen'' *

Denise Gough Denise Gough (born 28 February 1980) is an Irish actress. She is the elder sister of the actress Kelly Gough. She has worked in film, television, video games and theatre. Gough is a double Olivier Award winner. Early life Born in Ennis, Cou ...

- '' Angels in America'' *

Harry Hadden-Paton Harry Frederick Gerard Hadden-Paton (born 10 April 1981) is a British actor. He is perhaps best known for his television roles as Herbert Pelham, 7th Marquess of Hexham, in the television series ''Downton Abbey'' and Martin Charteris in ''The ...

- '' My Fair Lady'' *

Hailey Kilgore Hailey Frances Kilgore (born February 16, 1999) is an American actress and singer. Kilgore's breakthrough role was as Ti Moune in the Broadway revival of coming-of-age one-act stage musical '' Once on This Island'', a performance for which the 19 ...

- '' Once on This Island'' *

James McArdle James John McArdle (born 3 April 1989) is a Scottish actor from Glasgow. He won the Ian Charleson Award for his role as Mikhail Platonov in '' Platonov'' and was nominated for an Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role for po ...

- '' Angels in America'' *

Lauren Ridloff Lauren Ridloff (; born April 6, 1978) is a deaf American actress known for her roles as Connie in the TV series '' The Walking Dead'' and Makkari in the film '' Eternals''. Her breakthrough role was in 2018 with her lead performance in the Bro ...

- '' Children of a Lesser God'' * Ethan Slater - ''

SpongeBob SquarePants ''SpongeBob SquarePants'' (or simply ''SpongeBob'') is an American Animated series, animated Television comedy, comedy Television show, television series created by marine science educator and animator Stephen Hillenburg for Nickelodeon. It ...

'' *

Charlie Stemp Charlie Stemp (born 30 November 1993) is an English actor. Stemp came to prominence for his leading role as Arthur Kipps in the West End musical ''Half a Sixpence'', which earned him a WhatsOnStage Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role in a M ...

- '' Hello, Dolly!'' *

Katy Sullivan Katy Sullivan is an American actress, producer, writer, and Paralympic track and field athlete and US record holder. Early life Sullivan was born a bilateral transfemoral amputee, missing both lower legs. She grew up in Alabama, pursuing interes ...

- ''Cost of Living'' *Dorothy Loudon Award for Excellence in the Theater: Ben Edelman, ''Admissions'' *John Willis Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre: Victor Garber

2018–2019

* Gbenga Akinnagbe - ''

To Kill a Mockingbird ''To Kill a Mockingbird'' is a novel by the American author Harper Lee. It was published in 1960 and was instantly successful. In the United States, it is widely read in high schools and middle schools. ''To Kill a Mockingbird'' has become ...

'' * Tom Glynn-Carney - '' The Ferryman'' *

Sophia Anne Caruso Sophia Anne Caruso (born July 11, 2001) is an American actress and singer best known for originating the role of Lydia Deetz in the Broadway musical ''Beetlejuice'', a role for which she won a Theatre World Award. She also portrays Sophie in ''T ...

- '' Beetlejuice'' * Paddy Considine - ''The Ferryman'' *James Davis - '' Oklahoma!'' * Micaela Diamond - ''

The Cher Show ''Cher'' was an American variety show that premiered on CBS in 1975, hosted by singer-actress Cher. The show had many famous musical guests. It followed a TV special featuring Elton John, Bette Midler, and Flip Wilson as guests. ''Cher'' premie ...

'' * Bonnie Milligan - '' Head Over Heels'' * Simone Missick - ''Paradise Blue'' * Jeremy Pope - '' Choir Boy'' *

Colton Ryan Colton Ryan (born June 10, 1995) is an American actor and singer. He is known for his performance as Conrad "Coco" Roy in the Hulu miniseries '' The Girl from Plainville'' (2022), for which he garnered critical acclaim, and for playing Connor Mu ...

- '' Girl from the North Country'' * Stephanie Styles - '' Kiss Me, Kate'' * Phoebe Waller-Bridge - '' Fleabag'' *John Willis Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre: Nathan Lane

2021-2022

*Patrick J Adams - Take Me Out *Yair Ben-Dor - Prayer for the French Republic *Kearstin Piper-Brown - Intimate Apparel * Sharon D Clarke -

* Enrico Colantoni - Birthday Candles *Justin Cooley - Kimberly Akimbo *Crystal Flynn - Birthday Candles *Gaby French - Hangmen *Myles Frost - MJ the Musical *Jaquel Spivey - A Strange Loop *Shannon Tyo - The Chinese Lady *Kara Young - Clyde's

References

{{Reflist

External links

Official website
American theater awards Awards established in 1946 1946 establishments in New York City

History

Special honorary awards

John Willis Award

The award ceremony

Award winners

1995–1996

1996–1997

1997–1998

1998–1999

1999–2000

2000–2001

2001–2002

2002–2003

2003–2004

2004–2005

2005–2006

2006–2007

2007–2008

2008–2009

2009–2010

2010–2011

2011–2012

2012–2013

2013–2014

2014–2015

2015–2016

2016–2017

2017–2018

2018–2019

2021-2022

See also

References

External links