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Mary Testa

Birth Place: Philadelphia, PA, USA

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BIO

Broadway: Wicked, Guys and Dolls, Xanadu, Chicago, 42nd St., Marie Christine, On the Town, Forum, The Rink, Marilyn, Barnum. Off-Broadway includes: Portuguese Kid, Government Inspector, First Daughter Suite, Queen of the Mist, See What I Wanna See, A New Brain. Much film and television. Twelve original cast albums. Multiple Tony, Lucille Lortel, Drama Desk, Drama League nominations and a special Drama Desk award celebrating 'Three Decades of Outstanding Work.'

Photos

STAGE CREDITS

[Off-Broadway]
Lincoln Center Theater Off-Broadway Premiere Production, 2023
Granmama (Magdalena)

[Off-Broadway]
New York City Center Encores! Production, 2023
Widow Corney

[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 2019
Aunt Eller

[Off-Broadway]
St. Ann's Warehouse Production, 2018
Aunt Eller

[Off-Broadway]
Royal Family Off-Broadway Production, 2018
Performer

[Off-Broadway]
Transport Group Concert Production, 2017
Performer

[Off-Broadway]
Manhattan Theatre Club Original Off-Broadway Production, 2017
Mrs. Dragonetti

[Off-Broadway]
Red Bull Theater Adaptation, 2017
Performer

[Off-Broadway]
Public Theater World Premiere Off-Broadway Production, 2015
Barbara Bush

[Off-Broadway]
Return Engagement [Off-Broadway], 2013
Shirley

[Off-Broadway]
Classic Stage Company Production, 2013
Governor's Wife

[Off-Broadway]
Transport Group, 2011
Anna Edson Taylor

[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 2011
Performer

[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 2009
Performer [Replacement]

[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 2009
General Matilda B. Cartwright

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2007
Melpomene

Medusa

[Off-Broadway]
2006
Myra Kesselman [Replacement]

[New York]
Reading, 2006
Melephone

Melephone

[Off-Broadway]
Off-Broadway Concert, 2006
Performer

[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 2005
Aunt Monica

The Medium

[Off-Broadway]
2004
Woman #2

[Off-Off-Broadway]
Off-Off-Broadway Revival, 2004
Lorena Hickock

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2003
Madame Morrible [Replacement]

[Off-Broadway]
Musicals in Mufti Concert, 2003
Performer

[Broadway]
Richard Rodgers 100th Birthday Celebration, 2002
"The Gentleman Is a Dope" Performer

[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 2001
Maggie Jones

[Off-Broadway]
2000
Angie

[Off-Broadway]
2000
Voice Over

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1999
Magdalena

[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 1999
Performer [Replacement]

Performer [Replacement]

[Off-Broadway]
1999
Dorine

[Off-Broadway]
Encores! Concert, 1999
Roles originated by Fanny Brice

[Broadway]
Broadway Transfer Production, 1998
Madame Maude P. Dilly

Little Old Lady

Little Old Lady/Mme. Maude P. Dilly

[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 1998
Lisa

Lisa

[Off-Broadway]
1998
Roz

[Off-Broadway]
1997
Little Old Lady/Mme. Maude P. Dilly/People of New York

[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 1996
Matron "Mama" Morton [Replacement]

[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 1996
Domina

[Off-Broadway]
1993
Zerbinette

[Off-Broadway]
1992
Performer

[Off-Broadway]
1991
Gladys (Secrets)

[Off-Broadway]
1989
Mrs. Dewey (Finnegan's)/ Mona (Peter Breaks Through)

[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 1988
Taradee

Taradee

[Off-Broadway]
1988
Rita

[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 1988
Rita

[Off-Broadway]
1987
Subway Orator/ Cousin Elizabeth/ Shalamis (Tiny Mommy)

[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 1987
Sally

Sally

[Off-Broadway]
1986
Patty Ann

[Off-Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Off-Broadway Production, 1985
Performer

[Off-Broadway]
Off-Broadway Revival, 1984
Performer

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1984
Angel (Standby) [Replacement]

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1983
Dottie

Hedda

Factory Girl

Ensemble

[Off-Broadway]
1982
Singing Telegram Lady

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1980
Pre-Show Entertainer [Replacement]

Ensemble (Understudy) [Replacement]

Joice Heth (Understudy)

[Off-Off-Broadway]
Off-Off-Broadway Revival, 1980
Performer

[Off-Broadway]
1979
Performer

[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 1979
Miss Goldberg

Performer

[New York]
Workshop, 2001
Performer


Movies

Going in Style
[ 1979 ] Teller
Stanley & Iris
[ 1990 ] Joanne
Two Bits
[ 1995 ] Housewife
Sleepers
[ 1996 ] Nun
The Out-of-Towners
[ 1999 ] Dominatrix
The Business of Strangers
[ 2001 ] Receptionist
Tony & Tina's Wedding
[ 2004 ] Sister Clare
Stay
[ 2005 ] Waitress #1
Goodbye Baby
[ 2007 ] Cting Director
Four Single Fathers
[ 2009 ] Maria
Eat Pray Love
[ 2010 ] Laundromat Gal
The Bounty Hunter
[ 2010 ] Maid at the Taj
Archaeology of a Woman
[ 2012 ] Senior Center Director
Tio Papi
[ 2013 ] Principal Rosen
Big Stone Gap
[ 2014 ] Zia Maria Luisa
Looking for the Jackalope
[ 2016 ] Barb
Love on the Run
[ 2016 ] Nadine
A Vigilante
[ 2018 ] Eva Greenberg
The Portuguese Kid
[ 2018 ] Mrs. Dragonetti
Most Likely to Murder
[ 2018 ] Mrs. Lipman

TV Shows

Courage the Cowardly Dog
Shirley the Medium
Jack in a Box
Jack's Mother, Mom, Mother
The Battery's Down
Blue Bull Casting Director, Casting Director
The Good Fight
Amy Ann Howard
Whoopi
Sophia

Awards and Nominations

Drama Desk Awards - 2019 - Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical

Mary Testa, Oklahoma!

Tony Awards - 2019 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical

Mary Testa, Oklahoma!

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2018 - Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play

Mary Testa, The Government Inspector

Drama Desk Awards - 2016 - Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical

Mary Testa, First Daughter Suite

The Lortels - 2016 - Outstanding Lead Actress in a Musical

Mary Testa, First Daughter Suite


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2012 - Special Award

Mary Testa, Queen of the Mist

Drama League Awards - 2012 - Distinguished Performance Award

Mary Testa, Queen of The Mist

The Lortels - 2012 - Outstanding Lead Actress

Mary Testa, Queen of the Mist

Drama Desk Awards - 2007 - Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical

Mary Testa, Xanadu


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2004 - Outstanding Featured Actress - Musical

Mary Testa, First Lady Suite

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2001 - Outstanding Featured Actress - Musical

Mary Testa, 42nd Street

Tony Awards - 2001 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical

Mary Testa, 42nd Street

Tony Awards - 1999 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical

Mary Testa, On the Town


winner
Obie Awards - 1998 - Performance

Mary Testa, On the Town


winner
Obie Awards - 1998 - Performance

Mary Testa, From Above

Videos

News


Photos: WELL-BEHAVED WOMEN Raises Money for the Harris Victory Fund

Earlier this week, women of Broadway united for a one-night-only benefit of Carmel Dean’s song cycle Well-Behaved Women. Check out photos from inside the event here!
Exclusive: Carmel Dean’s WELL-BEHAVED WOMEN in Rehearsals

On Monday, women of Broadway unite for a one-night-only benefit of Carmel Dean’s song cycle Well-Behaved Women, directed by Schele Williams. Watch as we bring you exclusive highlights from inside rehearsals!
Lilli Cooper, Krystina Alabado & More Join WELL-BEHAVED WOMEN Benefit Concert

Krystina Alabado, Klea Blackhurst, Lilli Cooper, Natalie Joy Johnson and Barbara Walsh will join the star-studded company of women participating in a one-night-only benefit of Carmel Dean’s song cycle Well-Behaved Women. Learn how to purchase tickets.
Photos: Barrington Stage Co. Breaks Attendance Record For NYC Gala

Monday is typically referred to as a “slow” night of the week in New York City inasmuch as most Broadway shows are “dark”.  However, in some ways it becomes one of the most exciting nights to be in Manhattan. 
Michael McCorry Rose, Mary Testa and More Will Lead Reading of ELYSIAN FIELDS

An industry reading of Elysian Fields... a new musical will be presented on Tuesday, October 22nd at 2:00pm at Pearl Studios, 500 8th Avenue, Room 301.
Photos: In The Recording Studio With ABRIL A New Musical

Abril, A New Musical, recorded a demo album September 21 at Reservoir Studios NYC. See photos from inside the recording studio.
LaChanze, Ingrid Michaelson, and More Will Perform WELL-BEHAVED WOMEN Benefit Concert

For one night only, Carmel Dean’s acclaimed song cycle Well-Behaved Women will be presented on Monday, October 28th at The Town Hall at 7:30 PM, performed by an all-star cast of women.
New Musical ABRIL Hits The Recording Studio

Abril, A New Musical, recorded a demo album September 21 at Reservoir Studios NYC. The demo cast included Howard Albert, Gina Naomi Baez (ONLY MURDERS IN THE BUILDING), Steven Grant Douglas (GHOST THE MUSICAL), Isabella Bria Lopez (ART’s EVITA), Francisca Muñoz (THE GARDENS OF ANUNCIA), Jodi Stevens (JEKYLL AND HYDE) and three-time Tony nominee Mary Testa.
Norm Lewis to Headline Barrington Stage Company Benefit at Chelsea Table+Stage

Broadway’s Norm Lewis will headline Barrington Stage Company’s BSC IN NYC benefit on Monday, October 21 at Chelsea Table+Stage at 6:00 pm. The evening begins with cocktails, a sit-down dinner, cabaret performance by Norm Lewis and a champagne toast. Learn how to purchase tickets.
Photos: Inside Opening Night of Out of the Box Theatrics' SEE WHAT I WANNA SEE

Out of the Box Theatrics just celebrated opening night of Michael John LaChiusa’s See What I Wanna See, directed by Emilio Ramos, with musical direction by Adam Rothenberg. Check out photos from inside the big night here.
Mary Testa, Shakina, and More Set for 5&DIME Industry Reading

The Queer Ensemble, in association with TheatreWorks Silicon Valley and Broadway and Beyond Theatricals, will present an industry reading of 5&DIME in New York, Monday September 16th.
John Cariani, Mary Testa, and More Set For Transport Group's 2024-25 Season

Transport Group has announced its 2024-25 season. Learn more about the full lineup here!
Review: 54 SINGS THE RINK Pays Tribute to a Kander & Ebb Gem at 54 Below

Charles Kirsch, host of the Backstage Babble podcast, produced Monday night’s 54 Sings The Rink concert, featuring an array of talent who all had some connection to the 1984 musical. The Rink was a treasure, and this concert was a treasure, too, featuring Karen Ziemba, Mary Testa, Caroline O'Connor and many other stars.
See Laura and Linda Benanti & More Next Week at 54 Below

Next week, 54 BELOW will present some of the brightest stars from Broadway, cabaret, jazz, and beyond. See the full lineup and learn how to purchase tickets.
Mary Testa to Star in QUEEN OF THE MIST in Concert at PEAK Performances

Mary Testa will star in concert performances of Queen of the Mist at PEAK Performances. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
Exclusive: Oh My Pod U Guys- Singing For My Supper with Mary Testa

In this video, I am joined by a true Broadway legend, Miss Mary Testa. Mary's career as a performer has spanned over 4 decades and has garnered her extensive recognition as one of Broadway's strongest voices. With thirteen Broadway credits and three Tony Award nominations, Mary's work has impacted countless people and has transcended genre.
Linda Eder, Laura and Linda Benanti, and More to Play 54 Below Next Month

Next month, 54 BELOW, Broadway's Supper Club & Private Event Destination, will present some of the brightest stars from Broadway, cabaret, jazz, and beyond.
Photos: Stars Turn Out To Honor Alfred Molina and Ann K. McDonald At the 2024 RUNNING OF THE BULLS Gala

Red Bull Theater honored Alfred Molina with the Matador Award for Extraordinary Achievement in Classical Theater and K. Ann McDonald with the George Mayer Award for Extraordinary Service to Classical Theater at the Running of the Red Bulls Gala Benefit last night, Monday June 3rd. See photos from inside the event!
Red Bull Theater to Honor Alfred Molina & K. Ann McDonald at Red Bulls Gala Benefit

Alfred Molina will be honored with the Matador Award for Extraordinary Achievement in Classical Theater and K. Ann McDonald will receive the George Mayer Award for Extraordinary Service to Classical Theater at the Running of the Red Bulls Gala Benefit. Learn more about the benefit and see how to purchase tickets.
Listen: SINGULAR SENSATION Releases Miniseries on the Making of RENT

Broadway Podcast Network has released the second miniseries of the new podcast, “Singular Sensation: The Triumph of Broadway,” hosted by journalist and Broadway columnist Michael Riedel. Listen now.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Mary Testa been in?

Mary Testa has appeared on Broadway in 13 shows.

How many West End shows has Mary Testa been in?

Mary Testa has not appeared in the West End.

What awards has Mary Testa been nominated for?

Mary Testa has received several nominations for her outstanding performances in theater. She was nominated for Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical at the Drama Desk Awards for Oklahoma! and also received a nomination for Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical at the Tony Awards for the same show. Additionally, she earned a nomination for Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for The Government Inspector. Her work in First Daughter Suite garnered her nominations for Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical at the Drama Desk Awards and Outstanding Lead Actress in a Musical at The Lortels. Testa also received a Special Award from the Drama Desk Awards for Queen of the Mist, along with nominations for Distinguished Performance Award at the Drama League Awards and Outstanding Lead Actress at The Lortels for the same production. She was nominated for Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical at the Drama Desk Awards for Xanadu and received nominations for Outstanding Featured Actress - Musical at the Drama Desk Awards for First Lady Suite and for the Outer Critics Circle Awards for 42nd Street. Furthermore, Testa was nominated for Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical at the Tony Awards for both 42nd Street and On the Town. She also received Performance nominations at the Obie Awards for On the Town and From Above.

What awards has Mary Testa won?

Mary Testa has won the following awards: Special Award at the Drama Desk Awards for Queen of the Mist; Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical at the Drama Desk Awards for First Lady Suite; Performance at the Obie Awards for On the Town; and Performance at the Obie Awards for From Above.

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