💥 J. Harrison Ghee & Alex Newell: Broadway’s Nonbinary Stars Making Tony Awards History! 💫🎭
TL;DR:
J. Harrison Ghee and Alex Newell, who identify as nonbinary, are trailblazing their way to Tony Awards history, scoring nominations as the first nonbinary-identifying actors. They chat about their thrilling journey, the roles they’re playing, and the wider impact they’re creating. 😎🏳️🌈
Once upon a time, in the city that never sleeps, two rising stars, J. Harrison Ghee and Alex Newell, strolled into the history books as the first nonbinary-identifying actors to be nominated for Tony Awards. 🏆
Nightfall on the day preceding the nomination announcement found Ghee and Newell making their inaugural appearance at the Met Gala, which Newell cheekily refers to as “our Tony nominee party.” 🎉 Couple of weeks down the lane, our talented duo spilled the tea on their nominations, their roles, and their experiences in Broadway in a Midtown café, tucked in close proximity to their respective theaters. 🍵
With Broadway’s spotlight shining on them, Ghee is up for Best Leading Actor in a Musical for their enchanting portrayal of Jerry/Daphne in ‘Some Like It Hot,’ while Newell’s riveting performance as Lulu in ‘Shucked’ has earned them a nod for Best Featured Actor in a Musical. And guess what? Both ‘Some Like It Hot’ and ‘Shucked’ are also in the running for Best New Musical! 🎶💃🎭
Does anyone feel like these roles were tailor-made for Ghee and Newell? In ‘Shucked’, Lulu, our small-town whiskey distiller, steals the show with her empowering act. Newell confesses that they’ve picked up a lesson or two from Lulu on independence and opening up. But, hey, what’s up with the leading role in ‘Some Like It Hot’?🔥
‘Some Like It Hot’ showcases the thrilling escapade of two musicians, Jerry (Ghee) and Joe (Christian Borle), fleeing Chicago after witnessing a mob hit. They find a haven in a traveling all-girl band by going undercover in drag. Jerry, though, gets pulled into the allure of his alter ego, Daphne. A man in a dress back on Broadway – who’d have thunk? 🤷♀️💃
However, their respective journeys are not just about Broadway and award nominations. Rooted in their church choir upbringing and experiences with drag, Ghee and Newell’s artistry is diverse and transformative. Ghee says, “So it was me tapping back into the little version of me, and that freest, most imaginative person, and having complete creative control of how I can be effective with my gifts.” 🎁🌟
As these two nonbinary stars rise, they pave the way for many more to follow. The question isn’t if they’re changing the game; it’s how we all can support and promote this level of diverse representation in the industry. Can Broadway and Hollywood evolve to reflect the diversity of our society, or will it stick to the status quo? 🤔💭
Furthermore, given their groundbreaking nomination, do we see a future where gender fluidity is embraced and celebrated more widely in the performing arts? Is this the dawn of a new era? What do you think? 🎭🌈💫
Disclaimer: This article doesn’t intend to provide any recommendations. The views expressed are those of the individuals concerned and do not reflect the official policy or position of Turnt
