Tony Nominees Share Backstage Rituals and Theater Origins
Vogue interviewed 22 first-time Tony nominees about their love of theater, pre-show routines, and favorite performances. Respondents include Ali Louis Bourzgui, Aya Cash, Hannah Cruz, Brandon J. Dirden, Luke Evans, Marla Mindelle, Layton Williams, Christopher Abbott, Susannah Flood, Lesley Manville, June Squibb, Rose Byrne, Stephanie Hsu, Caissie Levy, Nichelle Lewis, Ben Levi Ross, Sara Chase, Nicholas Christopher, Ana Gasteyer, Alden Ehrenreich, Christiani Pitts, and Sam Tutty. They cited inspirations from Pippin to Patti Lupone, and shared quirky dressing room items like a tuning fork and peanut M&Ms. The 2026 Tony Awards will be held June 7 at Radio City Music Hall.
Key facts
- 22 first-time Tony nominees were interviewed by Vogue.
- The 2026 Tony Awards take place June 7 at Radio City Music Hall.
- Ali Louis Bourzgui was inspired by Pippin and Spring Awakening.
- Luke Evans credits Michael Crawford's Phantom of the Opera recording.
- Layton Williams made his West End debut as Billy Elliot.
- Caissie Levy keeps a photo of her grandmothers in her dressing room.
- Ben Levi Ross uses a tuning fork tuned to 136.1 Hz.
- Nicholas Christopher shared a detailed daily schedule.
Entities
Artists
- Ali Louis Bourzgui
- Aya Cash
- Hannah Cruz
- Brandon J. Dirden
- Luke Evans
- Marla Mindelle
- Layton Williams
- Christopher Abbott
- Susannah Flood
- Lesley Manville
- June Squibb
- Rose Byrne
- Stephanie Hsu
- Caissie Levy
- Nichelle Lewis
- Ben Levi Ross
- Sara Chase
- Nicholas Christopher
- Ana Gasteyer
- Alden Ehrenreich
- Christiani Pitts
- Sam Tutty
- Patti Lupone
- Michael Crawford
- Hugh Jackman
- Angela Lansbury
- Bea Arthur
- Cynthia Erivo
- Audra McDonald
- Emma Thompson
- Jacob Elordi
- Mike Leigh
- Lindsay Duncan
- Eric Bogosian
- Nathan Lane
- Harvey Guillen
- Lea Michele
- Joshua Henry
- Schele Williams
- Michael Greif
- Lillias White
- Bebe Neuwirth
- Ann Reinking
- Jennifer Holliday
- Rachel Dratch
- Shaina Taub
Institutions
- Vogue
- Tony Awards
- Radio City Music Hall
- St. James Theatre
- West End
- Central Park
- Sheekey's
- Joe Allen's
- Momofuku
Locations
- New York City
- United States
- San Francisco
- Wales
- Turks and Caicos