Home » Tony Nominees Reflect on Representation and Innovation in Broadway Roundtable

Tony Nominees Reflect on Representation and Innovation in Broadway Roundtable

In anticipation of the 78th Annual Tony Awards, a group of distinguished Broadway stars gathered for a heartfelt and insightful roundtable conversation. Nominees Megan Hilty, Darren Criss, Daniel Dae Kim, Conrad Ricamora, and Kara Young came together to discuss the challenges and triumphs of the past theater season, offering audiences a rare glimpse into the minds shaping today’s Broadway landscape.

Adapting Iconic Roles and Embracing Innovation

Megan Hilty, celebrated for her performance in Death Becomes Her, spoke candidly about the pressure of stepping into a role originally made famous by Meryl Streep. Hilty emphasized her approach was not to imitate but to reinterpret, stating, “You have to bring yourself into the role. That’s how you make it honest.” She also reflected on the importance of joy in performance, especially amid a turbulent global climate. “If we can make someone laugh or feel understood, even for a night, that’s everything.”

Darren Criss, nominated for his portrayal of a robot in Maybe Happy Ending, discussed the physical and emotional intricacies of portraying a non-human character. “It challenges you to express humanity in the subtlest ways,” he explained. Criss also highlighted a structural divide between musicals and plays in Broadway’s ecosystem, observing that musicals often gain wider popularity due to their music and visual appeal. “Songs get stuck in your head; plays stick in your heart,” he noted.

Representation and Breaking Barriers

Daniel Dae Kim, who received a nomination for Yellow Face, expressed pride in being the first Asian American nominated for Leading Actor in a Play. Kim emphasized the milestone was not just personal, but cultural. “Representation isn’t about quotas,” he said. “It’s about authenticity, about telling stories that reflect the full breadth of human experience.”

Conrad Ricamora, recognized for his performance in Oh, Mary!, shared similar sentiments. He pointed out that the last time an Asian American man was nominated in a major performance category was B.D. Wong in 1982. “For years, we were invisible,” he remarked. “This feels like we’re finally being seen. But it’s only a beginning.”

Kara Young, a nominee for her compelling role in Purpose, spoke about the collective effort involved in creating theater. “It’s never a solo act,” she said. “Every night is a shared experience between us and the audience. That’s what makes it magical.” Young, now a three-time nominee, underscored the importance of consistency and collaboration in the craft.

The Future of Broadway

Looking ahead, the nominees explored how technology is reshaping the theater world. Kim highlighted platforms like Audible, which are bringing plays to a wider audience. “These digital avenues aren’t replacing theater,” he said. “They’re expanding it. They help democratize access.”

Young added another dimension, emphasizing that the essence of storytelling remains rooted in live performance. “There’s something ancestral about gathering in a room to hear a story. That can’t be digitized.”

The conversation wrapped on a hopeful note, with all five nominees expressing optimism about the direction of Broadway. They acknowledged the enduring power of theater to inspire, educate, and unite, even in the face of adversity.

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