The 2024 Tony Awards: UNCSA alumni and their award-winning contributions
Named for actress, stage director and philanthropist Antoinette Perry (1888-1946), who founded the American Theatre Wing, The Tony Awards recognize excellence in live Broadway theater. Held at the United Palace Theater in New York City, the 2024 Tony Awards captured a pivotal moment in theater: most winners were first-time Tony nominees, and many had transitioned from screen to stage or just made their Broadway debuts.
With connections to "Stereophonic," which was the big winner of the night, "Merrily We Roll Along," "Suffs," "Hell’s Kitchen" and more, UNCSA made a strong appearance in the night's award-winning productions.
Here's a list of all the 2024 Tony Award-winning productions with UNCSA connections — in alphabetical order.
Appropriate
"Appropriate" won the Tony Award for best revival of a play, best performance by a leading actress in a play and best lighting design in a play. Regarded by Deadline as having "one of the best casts on Broadway," Appropriate is a darkly comedic American family drama by Pulitzer Prize finalist Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, under the direction of Drama Desk Award winner Lila Neugebauer.
Multiple Design & Production alumni were involved with the production, including Barclay Stiff (B.F.A. '00) who served as the production stage manager for the play and Brian Messina (B.F.A. '06) who was a production electrician.
Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club
"Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club" won the Tony Award for best scenic design in a musical. A revival of the classic musical set in the decadent Kit Kat KCub of 1930s Berlin, where the rise of the Nazi party casts a dark shadow over the lives of the club's performers and patrons, "Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club" follows singer Sally Bowles and American writer Cliff Bradshaw as they navigate love, ambition and danger under the watchful eye of the enigmatic Emcee.
Several Design & Production alumni have connections to the play. Alumna Elyssa Kohen (B.F.A. ’15) served as an assistant sound engineer, alumnus Zachary Feivou (B.F.A. ’17) was the head carpenter and Brian Davis (B.F.A. ’18) was the prologue sound mixer.
The Great Gatsby
“The Great Gatsby” won the Tony Award for best costume design in a musical. Based on F. Scott Fitzgerald's iconic novel to life, “The Great Gatsby” immerses audiences in the glitz and glamor of the Roaring Twenties. The production follows the mysterious millionaire Jay Gatsby and his obsession with the elusive Daisy Buchanan, set against a backdrop of opulence, decadence and the American Dream's dark underbelly.
Bethany Joy Costumes, created and owned by Design & Production alumna Bethany J. Itterly (B.F.A. '11) created pieces for the production.
Hell’s Kitchen
“Hell’s Kitchen” won the Tony Award for best performance by a leading actress in a musical and best performance by a featured actress in a musical. A gripping new musical from Alicia Keys, “Hells Kitchen” follows the story of 17-year-old Ali in her vibrant and gritty New York City neighborhood. The musical delves into the lives of Ali, her mother and her mentor, exploring themes of ambition, love and resilience to the rhythm of a powerful and soulful 90s-inspired soundtrack.
Several alumni have connections to the production, including Dance alumna Camille A. Brown (B.F.A. ’01) who was the musical’s choreographer. Design & Production alumni Craig Stelzenmuller (B.F.A. ’01) served as the associate lighting designer, Kristen Mendez (B.F.A. ’19) was the assistant costume designer, Abby May (B.F.A. ’17) was the associate lighting designer and Liz Printz (B.F.A. ’09) was the associate hair designer. Additionally, Bethany Joy Costumes, created and owned by Design & Production alumna Bethany J. Itterly (B.F.A. '11) created pieces for the production.
Illinoise
The new Broadway musical “Illinoise” won the Tony Award for best choreography. Set against the backdrop of the Midwest, “Illinoise” intertwines personal narratives with historical events, capturing the spirit and complexity of Illinois. The productions explores themes of identity, memory and the passage of time.
Several alumni are connected to the production. Drama alumnus Orin Wolf (High School '97) was a producer for the production, Design & Production alumnus Brad Peterson (B.F.A. '09) served as the video consultant and video programmer. Several Music alumnii were also involved in the production, including Matthew Stephens (M.M. '12) who was in the orchestra pit and Rebecca (Becca) Stevens (High Shool '02) who plays Barsine. Design & Production alumna Elizabeth Copenhaver (B.F.A. ‘22) also served as the head audio engineer in the world premiere of the play at Bard College in 2023.
Merrily We Roll Along
“Merrily We Roll Along” won the Tony Award for best revival of a musical, best performance by a leading actor in a musical, best performance by a featured actor in a musical, and best orchestrations. The poignant musical from Stephen Sondheim tells the story of three friends and their journey through life, love and ambition in reverse chronological order. Starting from their disillusioned present and moving back to their hopeful beginnings, “Merrily We Roll Along” explores the complexities of friendship and the impact of choices over time.
Dance alumnus Jordan Medley (B.F.A. ‘18) served as a producer under his production company Medley Houlihan. Additionally, several Design & Production alumni are connected to the production, including Harley Haberman (B.F.A. ’20) who served as the associate hair designer, Abby May (B.F.A. ‘17) who was the associate lighting designer, Alex Howard (B.F.A. ’20) who was the hair supervisor, Amelia Brown (B.F.A. ’22) who was the hairdresser and Madison McClain (B.F.A. '19) was the hair and makeup swing for the production..
The Outsiders
“The Outsiders” won the Tony Award for best musical, best direction of a musical, best lighting design in a musical, and best sound design of a musical. A powerful stage adaptation of S.E. Hinton's classic novel set in 1960s Oklahoma, “The Outsiders” follows the lives of the Greasers, a group of working-class teenagers, as they navigate conflicts with the rival Socs — addressing themes of friendship, loyalty and the struggle for identity amidst societal divides.
Several Design & Production alumni were involved in the production. Asher Robinson (B.F.A. '12) served as the production video for the play, Aidan Griffith (B.F.A. ‘15) was a rendering artist for the costume designer and Rose Rue Eubanks (B.F.A. '22) was a hair and makeup swing.
Stereophonic
“Stereophonic” was the night’s biggest winner, taking home the Tony Awards for best play, best direction of a play, best performance by a featured actor in a play, best scenic design in a play and best sound design of a play. “Stereophonic” delves into the vibrant world of 1970s rock 'n' roll, following the journey of a rising band as they navigate the highs and lows of the music industry.
Design & Production alumnus Roya Abab (B.F.A. ’11) was the moving light programmer for the production.
Suffs
“Suffs” won the Tony Award for best book of a musical and best original score. A dynamic musical that brings to life the fierce and determined women behind the American suffrage movement, “Suffs” follows key figures as they fight for women's right to vote — showcasing their resilience, passion and the challenges they face.
Design & Production alumnus and former UNCSA trustee member Paul Tazewell (B.F.A. '86) served as costume designer for “Suffs” and was nominated for best costume design of a musical for his work. Several other Design & Production alumni were connected to the production, including Evan Rooney (B.F.A. '12) who served as the production carpenter, Alyssa Eilbott (B.F.A. '15) who was the moving light programmer, Jaechelle Johnson (B.F.A. '16) who was the assistant sound designer and Kai Ravelson (M.F.A. ’14) who was the assistant hair supervisor. Drama alumna Chessa Metz (High School '13, B.F.A. '17) was also a swing for the musical.
Did you catch a connection to a 2024 Tony win that is not included on this list? Send us an email and we will update the story.
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June 18, 2024