As theater audiences settle into their seats each night to drift into a musical dreamland, Broadway performers are doing the opposite of escaping. They have stepped into roles that demand vulnerability, stamina and, at times, the weight of history itself.
For Nichelle Lewis, Layton Williams and Christiani Pitts, that responsibility comes in different forms: revisiting the racial tensions of turn-of-the-century America, bringing outrageous camp and queer joy to a reimagined Titanic and navigating the complexities of family and love in present-day New York City — while carrying confectionery. Their dedication to their roles has earned each of them their first Tony nominations.
Lewis first captured attention after being discovered on TikTok and cast as Dorothy in The Wiz, making her Broadway debut in 2023. Now, she’s nominated for her portrayal of Sarah in Ragtime, a young woman whose heartbreaking journey leaves a lasting impact on audiences.
With a few Broadway shows banked, Pitts earned her first nomination for Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York). She plays Robin, a fiery New Yorker who connects with a young man visiting from England, and both discover that navigating family conflict is never easy.
Williams, a British transplant, delivers pure theatrical escapism in Titaníque, a wildly inventive musical that retells the Titanic disaster through Celine Dion’s music. Williams earned a first Tony nomination for a larger-than-life turn as the Iceberg, which has become a fan favorite moment.
Ahead of Broadway’s biggest night, EBONY asked these first-time nominees about being recognized by Broadway’s biggest honor, the rituals that prepare them for the stage, and why taking part in Black Broadway means something far greater than just their performances.
Tony nominee” still doesn’t sound real because…
Nichelle Lewis: Like what? I never really dreamed I’d come this far, but watching fellow people of color win and excel in this industry gave me hope that they’d create space for us to share our stories and creativity. Which in turn gives us the ability to inspire, uplift, and remind others!
Christiani Pitts: It’s one of the first dreams I’ve ever had that can’t be taken away.
Layton Williams: I feel like I literally just moved to New York!
That moment on stage during the show where I feel I’m really connecting with the audience is…
Lewis: Honestly, the whole show. You can hear the gasps, the sobs, the silence, the joy. You can hear it all, and it feels amazing knowing they are right there with you.
Pitts: Robin’s first song, “What’ll It Be.” I feel like the audience relates to her uncertainty and starts to root for her.
Williams: When I wink at the person in the front row before opening my legs to reveal my glittered panties as the Iceberg Bitch!
I cannot head out to perform every night until I…
Lewis: Walk my dog if we are being serious. But I also drink hot water and do pushups while I sing to check breath support.
Pitts: My vocal check-in in the shower. I have to get a read on where my voice is so I know how to proceed for the day. Some days need more steam than others; some days need coconut water rather than tea, etc.
Williams: Do this interview!
This is what I love about my fellow nominees’ performance…
Lewis: All our fellow nominees are giving their all every night on stage, eight shows a week. It’s incredible to be doing this alongside some of the most brilliant, kind, hardworking artists.
Pitts: Nichelle’s range of playing Dorothy into Sarah is so graceful and should be studied. She and the rest deserve all the things and more.
Williams: While I’ve not managed to see everyone yet…André De Shields was so slay in Cats: The Jellicle Ball. Ali Louis Bourzgui in The Lost Boys has such a stunning stage presence. [Everyone nominated] is all too good for my liking, honestly!
How the Black Broadway experience reminds me I’m part of something bigger than myself…
Lewis: Anytime a young person approaches me and says, “You are inspiring me that I can do this too,” that’s it for me. I’ll never forget when I got to do a masterclass earlier this year, and a little girl who was playing Dorothy in her show gave me the longest hug. It just made me want to cry. I do it for all the little ones, to give them space to dream and for their voices and artistry to be shared, seen, and heard as well.
Pitts: Just recently, I had the pleasure of attending the Black Women on Broadway Awards. It was the greatest event of the season and a clear reminder of our power and responsibility. We have to continue to push our stories forward and make space for all of the black Broadway professionals coming behind us. As Deborah Martin Chase said, “Don’t let the door close behind you, put your foot in it.”
Williams: That being on Broadway right now while it’s super black and queer is such an honor.
Watch the 79th Tony Awards live on June 7 on CBS and streaming on Paramount+.