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Toni-Leslie James

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BIO

Broadway: Bernhardt/Hamlet; Come From Away; August Wilson’s Jitney; Amazing Grace; Lucky Guy; The Scottsboro Boys; Finian’s Rainbow; Chita Rivera: The Dancer’s Life; Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom; King Hedley II; One Mo’ Time; The Wild Party; Marie Christine; Footloose; The Tempest; Twilight: Los Angeles, 1992; Angels in America: Millennium Approaches & Perestroika; Chronicle of a Death Foretold; and Jelly’s Last Jam. Off-Broadway: The Public Theater, Playwrights Horizons, Second Stage, Soho Rep, Lincoln Center Theater, New York Theatre Workshop, Manhattan Theatre Club, and the Roundabout Theatre, among others. Regional: Berkeley Repertory Theatre, La Jolla Playhouse, Steppenwolf, Hartford Stage, Long Wharf Theatre, the Old Globe, Mark Taper Forum, Arena Stage, Cleveland Playhouse, Cincinnati Playhouse, Seattle Rep, and internationally on the West End in the UK. She has 38 costume design nominations and awards for her contributions to various theatrical productions, including two Tony Award nominations, five Drama Desk nominations, two Hewes Design Awards, the Irene Sharaff Young Masters Award for Costume Design Excellence, and an Obie Award for Sustained Costume Design Excellence.

Photos

Productions

 
[Broadway, 2025]
Costume Designer
 
[Broadway, 2025]
Costume Designer
 
[Broadway, 2024]
Costume Designer
 
[Broadway, 2022]
Costume Design
 
[Broadway, 2021]
Costumes
 
[West End, 2021] [Replacement]
Costume Design[Replacement]
 
[US Tour, 2019]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2019]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2019]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2019]
Costume Designer
 
[San Francisco (Regional), 2019]
Costume Designer
 
[US Tour, 2018] [Replacement]
Costume Design[Replacement]
 
[Broadway, 2018]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2018]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2018]
Costume Designer
 
[Broadway, 2017]
Costume Designer
 
[Broadway, 2017]
Costume Designer
 
[Washington, DC (Regional), 2016]
Costume Designer
 
[New York, 2016]
Costume Design
 
[Off-Broadway, 2016]
Costume Design
 
[Off-Broadway, 2015]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2015]
Costume Designer
 
[Broadway, 2015]
Costume Design
 
[Broadway, 2010]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2010]
Costume Designer
 
[Broadway, 2009]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2008]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2007]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2006]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2006]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2006]
Costume Designer
Costume Designer
 
[Broadway, 2005]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2005]
Costume Designer
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2004]
Costumes
 
[Off-Broadway, 2003]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2003]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2003]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2003]
Costume Designer
 
[Broadway, 2003]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2002]
Costume Designer
 
[Broadway, 2002]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2002]
Costume Designer
 
[Broadway, 2001]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2001]
Costumes
 
[Off-Broadway, 2001]
Costume Designer
 
[Broadway, 2000]
Costume Designer
 
[Broadway, 1999]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1999]
Costumes
 
[Broadway, 1998]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1998]
Costume Designer
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1998]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1997]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1997]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1997]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1996]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1996]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1996]
Costume Designer
 
[Broadway, 1995]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1995]
Costume Designer
 
[Broadway, 1995]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1995]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1994]
Scenic Designer
 
[Broadway, 1994]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1994]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1994]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1993]
Costume Designer
 
[Broadway, 1993]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1993]
Costume Designer
 
[Broadway, 1993]
Costume Designer
 
[Broadway, 1992]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1991]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1991]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1990]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1990]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1987]
Costume Designer

Awards and Nominations

Tony Awards - 2022 - Best Costume Design of a Musical

Toni-Leslie James, Paradise Square

Drama Desk Awards - 2020 - Outstanding Costume Design for a Play

Toni-Leslie James, for colored girls who have considered suicide/when the rainbow is enuf


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2019 - Outstanding Costume Design for a Play

Toni-Leslie James, Bernhardt/Hamlet

Tony Awards - 2019 - Best Costume Design of a Play

Toni-Leslie James, Bernhardt/Hamlet

Drama Desk Awards - 2017 - Outstanding Costume Design for a Musical

Toni-Leslie James, Come From Away

Drama Desk Awards - 2017 - Outstanding Costume Design for a Play

Toni-Leslie James, Jitney

Tony Awards - 2017 - Best Costume Design of a Play

Toni-Leslie James, August Wilson's Jitney

The Lortels - 2016 - Outstanding Costume Design

Toni-Leslie James, First Daughter Suite

The Lortels - 2013 - Outstanding Costume Design

Toni-Leslie JamesA Civil War Christmas


winner
Obie Awards - 2009 - Design

Toni-Leslie JamesSustained excellence of costume design


winner
Obie Awards - 2009 - Design

Toni-Leslie JamesSustained excellence of costume design

The Lortels - 2009 - Outstanding Costume Design

Toni-Leslie James, Wig Out!

Helen Hayes Awards - 2007 - Outstanding Costume Design, Resident Production

Toni-Leslie James3 Mo' Divas

Drama Desk Awards - 1995 - Outstanding Costume Design

Toni-Leslie James, The Tempest

Drama Desk Awards - 1992 - Outstanding Costume Design

Toni-Leslie James, Jelly's Last Jam


winner
The Hewes Awards - 1992 - Costume Design

Toni-Leslie James, Jelly's Last Jam

Tony Awards - 1992 - Best Costume Design

Toni-Leslie James , Jelly's Last Jam

Videos

News


Photos: Idina Menzel-Led REDWOOD Begins Rehearsals

Rehearsals are underway for Redwood on Broadway, starring Idina Menzel. The production will begin previews next month at the Nederlander Theatre. Check out the rehearsal photos here!
Video: Audra McDonald, George C. Wolfe, & More Talk GYPSY on CBS Sunday Morning

CBS Sunday Morning spoke with Audra McDonald and director George C. Wolfe about their production of Gypsy, currently running on Broadway at the Majestic Theatre, and the task of taking on a character like Mama Rose. Watch the video here!
Audra McDonald Says She Discussed Starring in A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC and GYPSY with Sondheim

While discussing how Gypsy came about with The New Yorker, Audra McDonald revealed that another iconic Sondheim role might be on the horizon in the future.
COME FROM AWAY Returns To The Washington Pavilion In January

The Washington Pavilion will welcome the popular musical production of COME FROM AWAY back to its stage for a limited time engagement on January 7–9, 2025.
Video: Joy Woods Talks GYPSY and Offers Advice for Young Performers on GOOD MORNING AMERICA

Gypsy star Joy Woods visited Good Morning America to discuss her role in the new production of the acclaimed musical. During the interview, she talked about the revival, working with her co-stars, and offered advice for young performers. Watch it now!
Tonya Lewis Lee, Mathew Knowles and Les Coney Join Producing Team of A WONDERFUL WORLD

A Wonderful World: The Louis Armstrong Musical has added producers Tonya Lewis Lee, Mathew and Gena Avery Knowles, and Les Coney to the producing team.
Up on the Marquee: REDWOOD

The new musical Redwood is getting ready to come to Broadway in 2025! Checkout pics of the new Broadway marquee at the Nederlander Theatre.
Photos: First Look At Audra McDonald In GYPSY On Broadway

The revival of GYPSY beginning previews on Broadway tonight,  Thursday, November 21 at the newly renovated Majestic Theatre.  The production has released its official first look at Tony Award-winner Audra McDonald as 'Mama' Rose Hovick and Joy Woods in the title role. See the photos!
Tickets to COME FROM AWAY in Chicago to Go On Sale Tomorrow

The national tour of COME FROM AWAY, a Broadway musical about the true story of the small town that welcomed the world, will return to Chicago this winter. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
De’Adre Aziza, Michael Park, Zachary Noah Piser, and Khaila Wilcoxon Join Idina Menzel-Led REDWOOD

The full company has been announced for the new musical Redwood, coming to Broadway in 2025, led by Idina Menzel. Learn more about the cast and the production here!
Donald Holder to Lead Lighting Design at David Geffen School of Drama

Donald Holder will join the faculty of David Geffen School of Drama at Yale as Professor in the Practice and will serve as Head of the Lighting Design Concentration at the Geffen School and Lighting Design Advisor at Yale Repertory Theatre.
Tryphena Wade To Stand by for Audra McDonald In GYPSY

The revival of GYPSY beginning previews on Broadway this week, has finalized its casting.
GYPSY to Offer $49 and $39 Tickets Through Rush & Standing Room Policies

The revival of GYPSY, directed by six-time Tony Award-winning Director George C. Wolfe and starring six-time Tony Award winner Audra McDonald, has announced it rush and standing room ticket policies. Learn how to purchase discounted tickets.
COME FROM AWAY to Return to The Fisher Theater in February

COME FROM AWAY will return to the Fisher Theatre in Detroit. Experience the musical that tells the story of 7,000 stranded passengers and the small town that welcomed them. Learn how to purchase tickets.
Video: Audra McDonald Shares Her Take on Mama Rose in GYPSY

Audra McDonald is sharing some insights into how she thinks of the character of Mama Rose. The Tony-winning performer will be taking on the iconic role in Gypsy beginning in November and McDonald visited Good Morning America to talk about the show and give audiences an idea of what they can expect.
Tickets to COME FROM AWAY at the Aronoff Center on Sale Tomorrow

Single tickets for the national tour of COME FROM AWAY at the Aranoff Center will go on sale Friday, October 25 at 10:00 AM. Learn how to purchase tickets.
Tickets On Sale For COME FROM AWAY Return Engagement At The Hippodrome

The national tour of COME FROM AWAY, a Broadway musical about the true story of the small town that welcomed the world, returns to the France-Merrick Performing Arts Center, home of Baltimore's historic Hippodrome Theatre, for a limited engagement April 18-19, 2025.
COME FROM AWAY Tickets On Sale Now At Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall

COME FROM AWAY, the Tony and Olivier Award-winning musical, will be performed at BBMann from February 25 to March 2, 2025.
Video: Watch A WONDERFUL WORLD's First Broadway Curtain Call

Watch as the cast of A Wonderful World starring James Monroe Iglehart as Louis Armstrong, Darlesia Cearcy as Lucille Wilson, Kim Exum as Alpha Smith, Dionne Figgins as Daisy Parker, and Jennie Harney-Fleming as Lil Hardin. Watch the curtain call video now!
GYPSY Casts Rescue Dogs in the Role of 'Chowsie'

The Broadway revival of Gypsy has announced the furry friends who will be taking the stage in the role of 'Chowsie'. Tana June and Indy, two rescues from Homeward Bound in Elkhart, Indiana. Tana June will play the role, with Indy understudying. Meet the dogs here.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What awards has Toni-Leslie James been nominated for?

Best Costume Design of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Paradise Square, Outstanding Costume Design for a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for for colored girls who have considered suicide/when the rainbow is enuf, Outstanding Costume Design for a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Bernhardt/Hamlet, Best Costume Design of a Play (Tony Awards) for Bernhardt/Hamlet, Outstanding Costume Design for a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Come From Away, Outstanding Costume Design for a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Jitney, Best Costume Design of a Play (Tony Awards) for August Wilson's Jitney, Outstanding Costume Design (The Lortels) for First Daughter Suite, Outstanding Costume Design (The Lortels) for A Civil War Christmas, Design (Obie Awards) for Sustained excellence of costume design, Design (Obie Awards) for Sustained excellence of costume design, Outstanding Costume Design (The Lortels) for Wig Out!, Outstanding Costume Design, Resident Production (Helen Hayes Awards) for 3 Mo' Divas , Outstanding Costume Design (Drama Desk Awards) for The Tempest, Outstanding Costume Design (Drama Desk Awards) for Jelly's Last Jam, Costume Design (The Hewes Awards) for Jelly's Last Jam and Best Costume Design (Tony Awards) for Jelly's Last Jam.

What awards has Toni-Leslie James won?

Toni-Leslie James has won the following awards: Outstanding Costume Design for a Play at the Drama Desk Awards for Bernhardt/Hamlet; the Design award at the Obie Awards for sustained excellence in costume design; another Design award at the Obie Awards for sustained excellence in costume design; and the Costume Design award at The Hewes Awards for Jelly's Last Jam.

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