2023 Drama League Award for Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theater recipient André De Shields. Photo by Lia Chang
Tony, Grammy and Emmy Award winner André De Shields received the 2023 Drama League Award for Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theater at the 89th Annual Drama League Awards luncheon, held at the Ziegfeld Ballroom on May 19, 2023. The award was presented by Rachel Chavkin, his director from Hadestown.
Rachel Chavkin. Photo by Lia Chang
Watch their speeches below.
2023 Drama League Award for Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theater recipient André De Shields. Photo by Lia Chang
2023 Drama League Award for Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theater recipient André De Shields. Photo by Lia Chang
2023 Drama League Award for Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theater recipient André De Shields. Photo by Lia Chang
2023 Drama League Award for Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theater recipient André De Shields. Photo by Lia Chang
2023 Drama League Award for Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theater recipient André De Shields. Photo by Lia Chang
2023 Drama League Award for Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theater recipient André De Shields. Photo by Lia Chang
2023 Drama League Award for Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theater recipient André De Shields. Photo by Lia Chang
2023 Drama League Award for Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theater recipient André De Shields and his Hadestown director, Rachel Chavkin. Photo by Lia Chang
2023 Drama League Award for Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theater recipient André De Shields. Photo by Lia Chang
2023 Drama League Award for Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theater recipient André De Shields and his DEATH OF A SALESMAN producer, Cindy Tolan. Photo by Lia Chang
McKinley Belcher III, 2023 Drama League Award for Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theater recipient André De Shields, Blake Fox, Erica Hart, Cindy Tolan, Tom Saporito, Dawn Tolan Schmall, Death of A Salesman co-producer Eilene Davidson. Photo by Lia Chang
2023 Drama League Award for Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theater recipient André De Shields and Bonnie Comley. Photo by Lia Chang
2023 Drama League Award for Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theater recipient André De Shields, Bonnie Comley and Stewart F. Lane. Photo by Lia Chang
LaTanya Richardson Jackson, 2023 Drama League Award for Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theater recipient André De Shields and Beverly Jenkins. Photo by Lia Chang
Irene Gandy, LaTanya Richardson Jackson, 2023 Drama League Award for Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theater recipient André De Shields. Photo by Lia Chang
2023 Drama League Award for Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theater recipient André De Shields and Jack O’Brien. Photo by Lia Chang
2023 Drama League Award for Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theater recipient André De Shields and Peter Jay Fernandez. Photo by Lia Chang
In a career spanning fifty-five years, André De Shields, at age 77, has distinguished himself as an unparalleled actor, activist, educator and philanthropist. As Actor, Mr. De Shields’ mission is to fill intimate spaces with enormous beauty. He defines intimate spaces as the hearts of humanity. As Activist he endeavors to restore majesty, elegance and literacy to the Black Thespian toolbox. His legendary career has resulted in a treasure trove of accolades, among them Doctor of Fine Arts honoris causa from his Alma Mater, the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he has founded THE ANDRÉ DE SHIELDS FUND. His other marks of esteem include having been the triple crown winner of the 2019 awards season, garnering Tony, Outer Critics Circle, Drama Desk and Grammy Awards for his universally acclaimed role as Hermes, messenger to the gods, in Hadestown. Mr. De Shields transitioned from 2022 into 2023 with a paranormal portrayal as Ben Loman in the searing production of Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman, starring Wendell “The Lion” Pierce. Perennially known for his idiosyncratic, show-stopping performances in four legendary Broadway productions—The Wiz, Ain’t Misbehavin’ (Emmy Award), Play On! and The Full Monty—Mr. De Shields has achieved the status of “Broadway Deity.” www.andredeshields.com.
The Drama Book Shop, owned by Thomas Kail, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Jeffrey Seller, and James L. Nederlander, was honored with the Contribution to the Theater Award with Lin-Manuel Miranda in the house to accept the award.
Encores! Artistic Director and Public Works founder Lear deBessonet was presented with the Founders Award for Excellence in Directing and returned to the stage to accept the 2023 Drama League Award for Outstanding Direction of a Musical for her work on Into the Woods.
Lear deBessonet. Photo by Lia Chang
The annual Gratitude Award was presented to J.P. Morgan Asset and Wealth Management CCO Darin Oduyoye, in recognition of his leadership and commitment to the theatre industry.
2023 Drama League Gratitude Award recipient Darin Oduyoye. Photo by Lia Chang
2023 Drama League Gratitude Award recipient Darin Oduyoye. Photo by Lia Chang
2023 Drama League Award for Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theater recipient André De Shields and 2023 Drama League Gratitude Award recipient Darin Oduyoye. Photo by Lia Chang
2023 Drama League Award for Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theater recipient André De Shields and 2023 Drama League Gratitude Award recipient Darin Oduyoye. Photo by Lia Chang
Mrs. Oduyoye, 2023 Drama League Gratitude Award recipient Darin Oduyoye. Photo by Lia Chang
Mrs. Oduyoye and 2023 Drama League Gratitude Award recipient Darin Oduyoye, Beverly Richards. Photo by Lia Chang
Mike Woods, Oduyoye, 2023 Drama League Gratitude Award recipient Darin Oduyoye. Photo by Lia Chang
2023 Drama League Gratitude Award recipient Darin Oduyoye, Mike Woods. Photo by Lia Chang
Proceeds from the Drama League Awards fund The Drama League’s The Directors Project. The 2023 Directors Project stage directors who will receive fellowships, assistantships, and residencies are Jean Carlo Yunén Aróstegui, EJ Soto, Vanessa Ogbuehi, Diego González, Nadia Guevara, Nilan, Ann Kreitman, Ibi Owolabi, Lyam B. Gabel, Alex Keegan, Nehprii Amenii, Jessica Natalie Smith, Sanhawich Meateanuwat and Héctor Alvarez. All the recipients were in attendance to receive a formal introduction at the Ziegfeld Ballroom.
Bevin Ross, 2023 Drama League Award for Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theater recipient André De Shields, Bebe Neuwirth, Ibi Owolabi. Photo by Lia Chang
Jessica Natalie Smith, Tom Saporito, Lamar Richardson, Arian Moayed and Erica Hart. Photo by Lia Chang
Frank DiLella hosted the award ceremony, which opened with remarks from Bonnie Comley and Artistic Director Gabriel Stelian-Shanks.
Bonnie Comley and the 2023 Drama League Award Distinguished Performance nominees. Photo by Lia Chang
The awards were presented during a luncheon that allowed all the Drama League Distinguished Performance nominees to give short, heartfelt remarks about their work and careers.
2023 Drama League Award Distinguished Performance nominees. Photo by Lia Chang
2023 Drama League Award Distinguished Performance nominees. Photo by Lia Chang
2023 Drama League Awards were presented in the following categories:
- Outstanding Production of a Play – Leopoldstadt
- Outstanding Production of a Musical – Some Like It Hot
- Outstanding Revival of a Play – A Doll’s House
Director Amy Herzog accepted the 2023 Drama League Award for Outstanding Revival of a Play for A DOLL’S HOUSE. Photo by Lia Chang
- Outstanding Revival of a Musical – Into the Woods
Producer Jordan Roth accepts the 2023 Drama League Award for Outstanding Revival of a Musical for INTO THE WOODS. Photo by Lia Chang
Jeff Daniels, Tom Kirdahy, Jordan Roth, Nicole Kastrinos. Photo by Lia Chang
Matthew López, 2023 Drama League Award for Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theater recipient André De Shields, Jordan Roth. Photo by Lia Chang
- Outstanding Direction of a Play – Anne Kauffman,The Sign in Sidney Brustein’s Window
Anne Kauffman accepts the 2023 Drama League Award for Outstanding Direction of a Play for THE SIGN IN SIDNEY BRUSTEIN’S WINDOW. Photo by Lia Chang
- Outstanding Direction of a Musical – Lear deBessonet, Into the Woods.
Lear deBessonet. Photo by Lia Chang
The big winner from the awards, winning the award for Distinguished Performance (which only has one winner a year and only can be won once in a lifetime!) was Annaleigh Ashford for her performance in the revival Sweeney Todd and the Demon Barber of Fleet Street.
Annaleigh Ashford receives the 2023 Drama League Distinguished Performance Award. Photo by Lia Chang
Annaleigh Ashford receives the Drama League Distinguished Performance Award. Photo by Lia Chang
Annaleigh Ashford receives the Drama League Distinguished Performance Award. Photo by Lia Chang
DISTINGUISHED PERFORMANCE AWARD
Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Topdog/Underdog
Hiran Abeysekera, Life of Pi
Annaleigh Ashford, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street **WINNER**
Sara Bareilles, Into the Woods
Sara Bareilles. Photo by Lia Chang
Stephanie Berry, the bandaged place
Stephanie Berry. Photo by Lia Chang
Stephanie Berry and 2023 Drama League Award for Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theater recipient André De Shields. Photo by Lia Chang
Brittany Bradford, Wedding Band: A Love/Hate Story In Black And White
Danielle Brooks, The Piano Lesson
Rachel Brosnahan, The Sign in Sidney Brustein’s Window
Erica Hart, Karlee Fomalont, Jess Petelle, Rachel Brosnahan, Cindy Tolan. Photo by Lia Chang
Marylouise Burke, Epiphany
D’Arcy Carden, The Thanksgiving Play
Jessica Chastain, A Doll’s House
Jessica Natalie Smith, Jessica Chastain, Lamar Richardson, Arian Moayed. Photo by Lia Chang
Sharon D Clarke, Death of a Salesman
Jodie Comer, Prima Facie
Jodie Comer. Photo by Lia Chang
Matthew López, Jodie Comer, Christopher Sieber. Photo by Lia Chang
Jordan E. Cooper, Ain’t No Mo’
Jordan E. Cooper and Frank DiLella. Photo by Lia Chang
Jordan E. Cooper and LaTanya Richardson Jackson. Photo by Lia Chang
2023 Drama League Award for Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theater recipient André De Shields and Jordan E. Cooper. Photo by Lia Chang
Irene Gandy, Erika Hart, Jordan E. Cooper, LaTanya Richardson Jackson, 2023 Drama League Award for Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theater recipient André De Shields. Photo by Lia Chang
Lorna Courtney, & Juliet
Micaela Diamond, Parade
K. Todd Freeman, Downstate
K. Todd Freeman. Photo by Lia Chang
Arian Moayed, K. Todd Freeman. Photo by Lia Chang
J. Harrison Ghee, Some Like It Hot
J. Harrison Ghee and 2023 Drama League Award for Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theater recipient André De Shields. Photo by Lia Chang
Josh Groban, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
Josh Groban. Photo by Lia Chang
Ryan J. Haddad, Dark Disabled Stories
Ryan J. Haddad. Photo by Lia Chang
Corey Hawkins, Topdog/Underdog
Sean Hayes, Good Night, Oscar
Sean Hayes. Photo by Lia Chang
Stephen McKinley Henderson, Between Riverside and Crazy
Stephen McKinley Henderson. Photo by Lia Chang
Stephen McKinley Henderson and 2023 Drama League Award for Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theater recipient André De Shields. Photo by Lia Chang
Stephen McKinley Henderson, Katy Sullivan and David Zayas. Photo by Lia Chang
Oscar Isaac, The Sign in Sidney Brustein’s Window
Tarra Conner Jones, White Girl in Danger
Tarra Conner Jones. Photo by Lia Chang
Esco Jouléy, Wolf Play
Somi Kakoma, Dreaming Zenzile
Somi Kakoma. Photo by Lia Chang
2023 Drama League Award for Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theater recipient André De Shields and Somi Kakoma. Photo by Lia Chang
David Krumholtz, Leopoldstadt
Linda Lavin, You Will Get Sick
Laura Linney, Summer, 1976
Jefferson Mays, A Christmas Carol
Patina Miller, Into the Woods
Marla Mindelle, Titanique
Marla Mindelle. Photo by Lia Chang
Arian Moayed, A Doll’s House
Arian Moayed. Photo by Lia Chang
Gargi Mukherjee, Public Obscenities
Shayok Misha Chowdhury and Gargi Mukherjee. Photo by Lia Chang
Shayok Misha Chowdhury and Gargi Mukherjee. Photo by Lia Chang
Alex Newell, Shucked
Alex Newell. Photo by Lia Chang
Alex Newell. Photo by Lia Chang
Alex Newell and Lance Roberts. Photo by Lia Chang
Jeremy Pope, The Collaboration
Colton Ryan, New York, New York
Phillipa Soo, Camelot
Phillipa Soo. Photo by Lia Chang
Marcel Spears, Fat Ham
Katy Sullivan, Cost of Living
Katy Sullivan. Photo by Lia Chang
Katy Sullivan. Photo by Lia Chang
Katy Sullivan. Photo by Lia Chang
Will Swenson, A Beautiful Noise, The Neil Diamond Musical
Will Swenson. Photo by Lia Chang
John Douglas Thompson, Endgame
John Douglas Thompson. Photo by Lia Chang
2023 Drama League Award for Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theater recipient André De Shields and John Douglas Thompson. Photo by Lia Chang
Anna Uzele, New York, New York
Tom Kirdahy, Anna Uzele, Colton Ryan. Photo by Lia Chang
John David Washington, The Piano Lesson
Betsy Wolfe, & Juliet
David Zayas, Cost of Living
David Zayas. Photo by Lia Chang
David Zayas and Martyna Majok. Photo by Lia Chang
David Zayas, Martyna Majok, 2023 Drama League Award for Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theater recipient André De Shields. Photo by Lia Chang
David Zayas and Katy Sullivan. Photo by Lia Chang
The Drama League also wishes to acknowledge the previous recipients of the Distinguished Performance Award who appeared in Broadway or Off-Broadway productions this season. As the Award can only be won once in a performer’s lifetime, they are ineligible to be nominated; however, their exemplary work is recognized and applauded.
Danny Burstein, Pictures From Home
Norbert Leo Butz, Cornelia Street
Kathleen Chalfant, The Year of Magical Thinking
Neil Patrick Harris, Peter Pan Goes Wrong
Nathan Lane, Pictures From Home
Audra McDonald, Ohio State Murders
Bebe Neuwirth, The Bedwetter
Ben Platt, Parade
Ben Platt and Audra McDonald. Photo by Lia Chang
2023 Drama League Award for Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theater recipient André De Shields, Audra McDonald and Will Swenson. Photo by Lia Chang
2023 Drama League Award for Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theater recipient André De Shields, Bebe Neuwirth, Bonnie Comley. Photo by Lia Chang
2023 Drama League Award for Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theater recipient André De Shields, Natasha Yvette Williams, Bebe Neuwirth. Photo by Lia Chang
To learn more about The Drama League and for a complete list of winners and nominees, go to www.DramaLeague.org
Kenny Leon and Suzan-Lori Parks. Photo by Lia Chang
Miriam Silverman and 2023 Drama League Award for Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theater recipient André De Shields. Photo by Lia Chang
2023 Drama League Award for Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theater recipient André De Shields and McKinley Belcher III. Photo by Lia Chang
2023 Drama League Award for Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theater recipient André De Shields and Jamie DeRoy. Photo by Lia Chang
McKinley Belcher III and Blake Fox. Photo by Lia Chang
Martyna Majok. Photo by Lia Chang
Shayok Misha Chowdhury. Photo by Lia Chang
2023 Drama League Award for Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theater recipient André De Shields, Suzan-Lori Parks and Kenny Leon. Photo by Lia Chang
Bevin Ross, 2023 Drama League Award for Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theater recipient André De Shields and Bebe Neuwirth. Photo by Lia Chang
Natasha Yvette Williams and Lance Roberts. Photo by Lia Chang
Darin Oduyoye and Natasha Yvette Williams. Photo by Lia Chang
2023 Drama League Award for Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theater recipient André De Shields and Lance Roberts. Photo by Lia Chang
Stewart F. Lane, 2023 Drama League Award for Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theater recipient André De Shields, Riki Kane Larimer. Photo by Lia Chang
2023 Drama League Award for Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theater recipient André De Shields, Stewart F. Lane and Fran Weissler. Photo by Lia Chang
Jelani Remy. Photo by Lia Chang
Jelani Remy. Photo by Lia Chang
Lisa Peterson and Doug Wright. Photo by Lia Chang
Sade Lythcott, 2023 Drama League Award for Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theater recipient André De Shields, Jonathan McCrory. Photo by Lia Chang
2023 Drama League Award for Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theater recipient André De Shields and Jessica Chastain. Photo by Lia Chang
2023 Drama League Award for Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theater recipient André De Shields and Darius de Haas. Photo by Lia Chang
Stephen McKinley Henderson and Lamar Richardson. Photo by Lia Chang
The Drama League Awards Event Chair is Bonnie Comley, The Steering Committee is Chaired by Townsend Teague and includes Valerie Novakoff Britten, Donna Daniels, Jonathan Demar, Irene Gandy, Sarah Hutton, Kenneth Hyne, Una Jackman, Mary Jain, Paula Kaminsky Davis, Fred Siegel, and Kumiko Yoshii.
The Drama League staff and volunteers. Photo by Lia Chang
With its announcement of a Broadway transfer, the revival of Merrily We Roll Along postponed consideration to next season. Kimberly Akimbo was considered last season for its Off-Broadway run, prior to the Broadway transfer.
The production of Cost of Living, having originated Off-Broadway prior to the pandemic and substantially similar in production elements, including its principal producer, was deemed a transfer by the Eligibility Committee and was eligible in the Outstanding Production of a Play category.
The productions of Between Riverside and Crazy, The Thanksgiving Play, and Wolf Play, deemed materially different from their pre-pandemic productions, including different producing entities, were considered revivals and are eligible for Outstanding Revival of a Play.
Lia Chang. Photo by Kalin Ivanov
Lia Chang is an actor, a multi-media content producer, activist, documentarian and an Award winning filmmaker and co-founder of Bev’s Girl Films making films that foster inclusion and diversity on both sides of the camera. Lia is also the host and Executive Producer of BACKSTAGE PASS WITH LIA CHANG, an Arts and Entertainment and Lifestyle program that airs on Sundays at 1:30pm and 6:30pm on FIOS 34, RCN 83, Spectrum 56/1996 and streams on MNN2. Lia was recently profiled on Asian American Life. BGF collaborates with and produces multi-media content for artists, actors, designers, theatrical productions, composers, musicians and corporations. www.liachang.com www.liachangphotography.com
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