Stars gathered for the inaugural Black Broadway Nominee Soirée on Friday afternoon atop the Skylark lounge, 30 stories above Times Square, hosted by Tony-winning producer Lamar Richardson.
Kicking off the 2026 Tony Awards weekend, stars gathered for the inaugural Black Broadway Nominee Soirée on Friday afternoon atop the Skylark lounge, 30 stories above Times Square.
Hosted by Tony-winning producer Lamar Richardson, a palpable sense of camaraderie filled the exuberant party where nominees reconnected or met for the first time. Many commemorated the moment by snapping selfies and swapping phone numbers while toasting to another year of powerful and moving stage performances on the Great White Way.
“This is my fourth Broadway season and there has never been a long standing, integrated party for Black people to celebrate the wonderful talent across all shows each season. My wife Zaire came up with the idea a year ago that we should host an event that’s all about community, togetherness, and belonging. Diversity is under attack, inclusion is under attack, so it’s important to hold these kinds of spaces to be disruptive to that.
” The bash began at 3 p.m. with a cocktail reception serving a speciality drink called The Ovation Royale, before attendees sat for an early evening supper featuring braised short ribs and roasted chicken. First-time nominee Deborah Cox, who plays the Unsinkable Molly Brown in the hit parody musical, was among the first to arrive with co-producer Melissa Haizlip.
Due to the Tony Awards this weekend, her typical two-show schedule on Sunday was taking place on Friday instead, starting at 5 p.m. “The schedule is a crime, but it’s worth it. It’s for the art and for a show that I believe in. And I couldn’t say no to Lamar’s invitation. I’m here to support our community and all the people who have made a difference on and off the stage.
So it’s a thrill to be here this afternoon celebrating. ” Grammy-nominated Cox actually launched her career as a backup singer for Celine Dion in the 1990s—and fast forward to now, she’s returned to her roots in the most unexpected way by singing Dion’s greatest hits and lighting up Broadway.
“When I was 19, I came out of school and took the bus to Montreal and auditioned for her and I got the gig,” recalled Cox. “There are moments inand certain songs that immediately bring me back to being on stage with Celine. I ended up leaving her tour to embark on my own career as a recording artist and to take a chance on myself. Being on Broadway now and singing her songs, it’s a full circle moment.
”Two Strangers Carry a Cake Across New York’s Christiani Pitts.
“I’m really excited to see more of my peers at the Tonys. It’s trippy to call these giants my peers. That part has taken me out,” Pitts tolddressed in a yellow frock by the Nigerian brand Kilèntàr.
“My mom is going to be my date and she’s the person who calms my spirit and reminds me that this is a dream realized and I deserve to be here. ” Stage veteran Brandon J. Dirden is also a first Tony nominee this year—vying for the trophy for his portrayal of hypomanic Pozzo alongside Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter in the revival ofAs he makes his Tony Awards debut on Sunday, he’s most looking forward to the parties.
“It’s a fantastic evening to bring awareness to all the great work that’s happened on Broadway, and it’s time to let loose and celebrate,” Dirden said. “All of us work so hard and it’s the one day of the year where we forget about the eight-show weeks and celebrate our community. We need these moments of appreciation. I’m going to break my curfew and stay out past 10 p.m.!
” Past Tony winners—including LaChanze, Anika Noni Rose, and Ruben Santiago-Hudson, nominated once again for his work in the revival of August Wilson'sin 2014—were also in attendance.
“Hi, sweetie pie,” Angela Bassett said to Leon as she greeted him with a warm hug. The veteran actress then connected with Lena Waithe, a nominee for co-producing“It’s like a family reunion here. I’m seeing so many friends like Lena and Lamar.
He has been such a wonderful friend to me over the years,” Bassett told“It’s a very special moment and we know that Black performers, creatives on stage and in the wings have been making the Broadway light shine for a long time. But, it’s important for us to all come together and support each other. The stage is truly my first love and it’s my dream to return to Broadway.
” Richardson is an industry stalwart who made history in 2024 as the youngest Black producer to win two Tony Awards in a single season—taking home best revival of a play forwhich nabbed 11 nominations, is the leading favorite to win the statuette for best musical revival.
“This is my first season as a lead producer and I’m excited to be a part of the production that’s so integral to the current moment that we are in as a society,” he said. “I’m a son of immigrants, so I’m at the intersection of Black culture and immigrant culture. I’m first generation and for me that story is everything.
” As guests sat down at two long tables decorated with vibrant roses and daisies for dinner, Richardson gave an enthusiastic toast and reminded guests to “Eat, drink if you can, dance, mix, mingle and take pictures. Please have fun! ” Fun was definitely had by many like Kara Young, who could not indulge in a cocktail since she had to be on stage at Booth Theatre a mere few hours later to perform in the revival ofco-produced by Richardson.
In 2024 and 2025, Young made Broadway history for her back-to-back wins for featured actress in a play. She shared some tips for the first time Tony-goers: “Make sure that you eat before you go and pack snacks because the show is long,” she advised.
“And remember it’s a celebration of the work and not all about entering the space to take home a trophy, but the acknowledgement is the trophy at the end of the day. ”recommended bringing “something warm to wrap up in” too, as well as a snack.
“You don’t want to have your name called and you get up and faint,” she said. “It’s a beautiful ceremony, but you have to make sure to eat something. I had a Lunar Bar in my purse when I was there. I’m the worst low blood sugar person and not friendly, so I’m always prepared!
” As dessert trays of churros were passed out, many nominees had to leave for work. Nicholas Christopher, a best actor in a musical nominee for his work inscanned the room one more time in awe as he headed towards the exit.
“Coming to this party feels like home, and it’s been like a long time since I’ve been home,” Christopher told“I’ve looked up to a lot of these people here in this room my whole life. Like talking to LaChanze, who I saw inand the fact that she knows my name is just crazy to me. And getting to know Whitney White over the season has been so beautiful. It’s inspiring.
I’m so proud to be here celebrating with my community. There’s really nothing better than this. ” As dinner came to an end, the infectious high energy floating through the room surely did not. In fact, the party was just getting started.
Waithe joined hercolleagues, including Andrew Otchere, Omari Wiles, Zhailon Levingston, Arturo Lyons, and Junior LaBeija, to partake in the Electric Slide on the dance floor. Soon Bassett joined in on the fun and impressed the crowd with some serious dance moves. She even channeled her iconic performance as Tina Turner when DJ Kiss playedby grabbing the mic to sing along.
And just like Turner, Bassett tossed her hair and did the routine; swaying her hips and rocking while “rolling, rolling, rolling on the river. ” The crowd cheered as Bassett commanded the dance floor.
“I’m having a great time,” she said while catching her breath. “Lamar’s inaugural really is a beautiful experience! ”Crying in the Carlyle and Other Secrets of Uptown New York According to Lila RaicekBurberry Brings the British Spirit to Hôtel Belles RivesNiall Horan Talks His New Album—and His Dinner Party Secrets—While Cooking His Favorite PastaNiall Horan Talks His New Album—and His Dinner Party Secrets—While Cooking His Favorite Pasta
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