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Tovah Feldshuh Headshot

Tovah Feldshuh

Birth Place: New York, NY, USA

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BIO

Feldshuh appeared on the stage under the name "Terri Fairchild" before deciding to incorporate her Hebrew name and her original surname as her professional name, Tovah Feldshuh. She said of her name changes: "I fell in love with a Christian boy, Michael Fairchild, who didn't want to kiss a Terri Sue. He said: 'Terri Sue doesn't fit you at all. What's that other name of yours? Tovah? Now that's a name!" In 1994, she joked that she could have changed her name to "Goody Two-shoes", since tovah is Hebrew for "good", while Feldshuh translates from German as "field shoe".



She made her Broadway debut in the short-lived 1973 musical Cyrano starring Christopher Plummer. She appeared in the titular role in Yentl both off-Broadway at the Chelsea Theater Center and later on Broadway. Both productions are detailed in the book, Chelsea on the Edge: The Adventures of an American Theater, which describes tensions between Feldshuh and director Robert Kalfin over the play's interpretation.

Her other Broadway credits include Saravá, Lend Me a Tenor, and Golda's Balcony - William Gibson's work about the late Israeli Prime Minister Golda Meir. Golda's Balcony set a record as the longest-running one-woman play in Broadway history on January 2, 2005.

Feldshuh made her cabaret debut at the Algonquin Hotel Oak Room with her act, Tovah: Crossovah! From Broadway to Cabaret, which was followed by Tovah: Out of Her Mind! She took the latter show on the road to Philadelphia, Dallas, Houston, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, Hong Kong, and Sydney. The West End production sold out an eight-week run at the Duke of York's Theatre. The Boston Globe selected her as Best Cabaret Artist of 2000. In 2000, she co-wrote and performed in a one-woman play about actress Tallulah Bankhead titled Tallulah Hallelujah!

She returned to Broadway in the Dan Gordon play Irena's Vow in March 2009. She had appeared off-Broadway in this play in September 2008.

At the September 21, 2013, Broadway performance of Pippin, Andrea Martin's last performance as Berthe (Pippin's grandmother) was announced to be the following day, and Feldshuh would be subsequently taking over the role. In 2014, she starred in Gypsy at the Bristol Riverside Theatre as Mama Rose.

In February 2015, she performed a one-woman show that she called Aging Is Optional at 54 Below.

In July 2022, it was announced that Feldshuh would replace Jane Lynch as Mrs. Brice in the Broadway revival of Funny Girl, beginning September 6, 2022.

Photos

STAGE CREDITS

[Broadway]
Broadway Revival Production, 2022
Mrs. Brice [Replacement]

[Off-Broadway]
2021
Dr. Ruth

[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 2018
Guest Star [Replacement]

[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 2013
Berthe [Replacement]

Berthe [Replacement]

Berthe [Replacement]

[Off-Broadway]
Red Bull Theater Production, 2012
Performer

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

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2009
Irena Gut Opdyke

[Off-Broadway]
2008
Irena Gut Opdyke

[Off-Broadway]
2006
Father [Replacement]

[Milburn, NJ (Regional)]
Paper Mill Production, 2006
Dolly Gallagher Levi

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2003
Golda Meir

[Off-Broadway]
2003
Golda Meir

[Off-Broadway]
2002
Performer

[Off-Broadway]
2000
Tallulah Bankhead

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

Performer [Replacement]

[Off-Broadway]
Encores! Concert, 1999
Gretchen Mulhausen

[Off-Broadway]
1998
Performer

[Off-Broadway]
1997
Performer

[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 1996
Performer

[Off-Broadway]
1996
Performer

[Off-Broadway]
1995
Bessie Burger

[Off-Broadway]
1992
Performer

[Off-Broadway]
1992
Katherine of Aragon/Anne of Cleves/Catherine

[Off-Broadway]
1991
The Daughter

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1989
Maria

[Off-Broadway]
1988
Mirandolina

[Off-Broadway]
1985
Melaniya

[Off-Broadway]
1985
Mrs. Jelliwell

[Off-Broadway]
1984
Kate Hardcastle

[Broadway]
1979
Performer

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1979
Flor

[Broadway]
1975
Yentl

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1975
Performer

[Broadway]
1974
Myriam

[Broadway]
Closed on the road, 1974
Performer

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1973
Nuns

Foodseller

Nun

Writing

Playwright
Conceiver

Movies

Nunzio
[ 1978 ] Michelle
The Idolmaker
[ 1980 ] Brenda Roberts
Cheaper to Keep Her
[ 1980 ] K.D. Locke
Daniel
[ 1983 ] Linda Mindish
Brewster's Millions
[ 1985 ] Marilyn
Silver Bullet
[ 1985 ] Older Jane
The Blue Iguana
[ 1988 ] Detective Vera Quinn
A Day in October
[ 1991 ] Emma Kublitz
Comfortably Numb
[ 1995 ] Victoria Stevens
The Real Shlemiel
[ 1995 ] Zlateh the Goat, Aunt Sarah, The Matchmaker
Hudson River Blues
[ 1997 ] Charlotte
Charlie Hoboken
[ 1998 ] Angie Cedars
Montana
[ 1998 ] Greta
A Walk on the Moon
[ 1999 ] Lillian Kantrowitz
The Corruptor
[ 1999 ] U.S. Attorney Margaret Wheeler
Happy Accidents
[ 2000 ] Lillian Weaver
Friends and Family
[ 2001 ] Alma Jennings
Kissing Jessica Stein
[ 2001 ] Judy Stein
The End of the Bar
[ 2002 ] Mrs. Garner
New World Order
[ 2002 ] Sponge-Brush Woman
The Tollbooth
[ 2004 ] Ruthie Cohen
The Reality Trap
[ 2005 ] Irina Bolton
Life on the Ledge
[ 2005 ] Mother
Alchemy
[ 2005 ] Senior Editor
O Jerusalem
[ 2006 ] Golda Meir
Just My Luck
[ 2006 ] Madame Z
Lady in the Water
[ 2006 ] Mrs. Bubchik
Love Comes Lately
[ 2007 ] Ethel
Love Life
[ 2007 ] Hannah
Goyband
[ 2008 ] Leah
Language of the Enemy
[ 2008 ] Rebecca Meir
Eavesdrop
[ 2008 ] Susie
Acts of Mercy
[ 2009 ] Nurse Ruth Baker
A Buddy Story
[ 2010 ] Buddy's Mom
Ten Stories Tall
[ 2010 ] Grace Parker
Heterosexuals
[ 2010 ] Remy
A Little Game
[ 2014 ] Head of School
She's Funny That Way
[ 2014 ] Miriam Pendergast
Angelica
[ 2015 ] Nora
Baked in Brooklyn
[ 2016 ] David's Mom
Love Type D
[ 2019 ] Dr. Elsa Blomgren
Remember Amnesia
[ 2019 ] Dr. Paula Smith
Golda's Balcony
[ 2019 ] Golda Meir
Come Find Me
[ 2021 ] Helena
Clifford the Big Red Dog
[ 2021 ] Mrs. Crullerman
Armageddon Time
[ 2022 ] Grandma Mickey Rabinowitz
Bleecker
[ 2022 ] Linda
A Girl Like Him
[ 2024 ] Noona Grey

TV Shows

Scream, Pretty Peggy
Agnes Thornton
Gibbsville
Carole
Serpico
Erica Molinas
Ryan's Hope
Martha McKee
The World of Darkness
Clara Sanford
The Amazing Howard Hughes
Katharine Hepburn
Barnaby Jones
Laura Woods
Family
Susan Bowers
The Bob Newhart Show
Veronica Kidd
Holocaust
Helena Slomova
Terror Out of the Sky
Jeannie Devereux
Once Upon a Classic
Sandy
The Triangle Factory Fire Scandal
Florence
Beggarman, Thief
Monika Wolner
The Women's Room
Iso
Murder Ink
Laura Ireland
The Love Boat
[ 1977-1984 ] Margo Bush, Susan Ridley
Airwolf
Sarah Lebow
The Equalizer
Samantha Page
Mariah
Deena Hertz
L.A. Law
Lynn Palmer
ABC Afterschool Specials
Mrs. Carr
Another World
Alice Benson
Against the Law
Connor
Citizen Cohn
Iva Schlesinger
Tribeca
Sheila Goldberg
As the World Turns
Dr. Bethany Rose
The Cosby Mysteries
Rose
All My Children
Lila Stevenson
A Will of Their Own
Mrs. Rubenstein
Cosby
Annie
The Education of Max Bickford
Sharon Bickford
Queens Supreme
Marie
Law & Order
[ 1991-2007 ] Defense Attorney Danielle Melnick
Crossing Jordan
[ 2006-2007 ] Mrs. Elaine Brandau, Mrs. Elaine Hoffman
The Good Wife
Lena
Ugly Betty
Mrs. Varner
Law & Order: Criminal Intent
Defense Attorney Danielle Melnick
Beautiful People
Lynch
Covert Affairs
Rivka Singer
Flesh and Bone
Ivana
Blue Bloods
Sylvia Hayden
The Walking Dead
[ 2015-2016 ] Deanna Monroe
Chicago Justice
Judge Danielle Melnick
Crazy Ex-Girlfriend
[ 2015-2018 ] Naomi Bunch
Salvation
[ 2017-2018 ] President Mackenzie
Elena of Avalor
Grandma Miriam
Bull
Judge Garner
Star Wars Resistance
[ 2018-2020 ] Aunt Z
Scenes from a Marriage
Miryam, Jonathan's mother
Nobody Wants This
Bina Roklov

Awards and Nominations


winner
Helen Hayes Awards - 2015 - Outstanding Performer, Visiting Production

Tovah FeldshuhGolda's Balcony


winner
BroadwayWorld Awards - 2009 - Best Leading Actress in a Play

Tovah Feldshuh, Irena's Vow

Tony Awards - 2004 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play

Tovah Feldshuh, Golda's Balcony


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2003 - Outstanding Solo Performance

Tovah Feldshuh, Golda's Balcony

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2003 - Outstanding Solo Performance

Tovah Feldshuh, Golda's Balcony


winner
The Lortels - 2003 - Outstanding Lead Actress

Tovah Feldshuh, Golda's Balcony

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2001 - Outstanding Solo Performance

Tovah Feldshuh, Tallulah Hallelujah!

Drama Desk Awards - 1992 - Outstanding Featured Actress - Musical

Tovah Feldshuh, Hello Muddah, Hello Fadduh


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1989 - Outstanding Featured Actress - Play

Tovah Feldshuh, Lend Me a Tenor

Tony Awards - 1989 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play

Tovah Feldshuh, Lend Me a Tenor

Tony Awards - 1978 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical

Tovah Feldshuh , Sarava

Drama Desk Awards - 1976 - Outstanding Actress - Play

Tovah Feldshuh, Yentl


winner
Theatre World Awards - 1976 - Performance

Tovah Feldshuh, Yentl

Tony Awards - 1976 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play

Tovah Feldshuh, Yentl

Drama Desk Awards - 1975 - Outstanding Actress - Play

Tovah FeldshuhYentl the Yeshiva Boy


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1975 - Special Mention

Tovah FeldshusYentl the Yeshiva Boy


winner
Obie Awards - 1975 - Performance

Tovah FeldshuhYentl the Yeshiva Boy


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1975 - Best Young Player

Tovah Feldshuh, Rogers & Hart


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1975 - Best Young Player

Tovah FeldshuhYentl the Yeshiva Boy


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1975 - Best Young Player

Tovah Feldshuh, Dreyfus in Rehearsal

Videos

News


Ramin Karimloo to Lead Industry Presentation of New Musical ROAM
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 24, 2025

Ramin Karimloo will headline a private industry presentation of Roam, a new musical directed by Rupert Hands, on April 29 in New York City. The show features a book by Michael Dovid and a rock-pop-Romani fusion score by Alexander Sage Oyen.
The Delray Beach Playhouse Unveils 2025 - 2026 Season Featuring SOMETHING ROTTEN! and More
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 23, 2025

As its landmark 78th season draws to a close, the Delray Beach Playhouse has unveiled its 2025 - 2026 season and officially open subscriptions for the Main Stage Play Series and the Best of Broadway Cabaret Series. Learn more!
Video: EVERYTHING'S COMING UP MOSES on Stars in the House- Tune in at 8pm
by Nicole Rosky - Apr 15, 2025

Tune in for a Stars in the House Passover Celebration: “Everything’s Coming Up Moses” in Concert- a musical retelling of the Exodus as seen through the larger-than-life journey of Moses, the original pushy stage mother. Watch the video starting tonight at 8pm.
Photos: See Highlights from the 39TH ANNUAL MAC AWARDS at Symphony Space
by Rebecca Kaplan - Apr 14, 2025

At a starry ceremony on April 10th, the Manhattan Association of Cabarets announced and handed out MAC Awards in 28 different categories reflecting a wide variety of entertainment under the Cabaret umbrella. See photos from the night.
Photos: Tovah Feldshuh, Niki M. James and More at the 2025 MAC Awards
by Genevieve Rafter Keddy - Apr 11, 2025

The Manhattan Association of Cabarets presented The 39th MAC Awards on Monday, April 10, 2025, at a LIVE ceremony at NYC's Peter Norton Symphony Space. See photos here!
Andre De Shields, Joe Iconis, and More Take Home 2025 MAC Awards
by Stephi Wild - Apr 11, 2025

The Manhattan Association of Cabarets presented The 39th MAC Awards on Monday, April 10, 2025, at a LIVE ceremony at NYC's Peter Norton Symphony Space. Check out the winners list here!
Christy Trapp Brings THE TENDER TRAPP to Don't Tell Mama
by Stephi Wild - Apr 9, 2025

Don't Tell Mama will present Christy Trapp in The Tender Trapp, a woman's perspective on Sinatra's standards and double standards this month. Learn more here!
Photos: BroadwayHD Celebrates Streaming Premiere of PIPPIN 50th Anniversary Concert
by Bruce Glikas - Mar 31, 2025

BroadwayHD recently hosted an event to celebrate the streaming premiere of the Pippin 50th Anniversary Concert. BroadwayWorld was there and you can check out photos of the stars on the red carpet here!
Photos: BroadwayHD Celebrates Streaming Premiere of PIPPIN 50th Anniversary Concert
by Bruce Glikas - Mar 27, 2025

BroadwayHD recently hosted an event to celebrate the streaming premiere of the Pippin 50th Anniversary Concert. BroadwayWorld was there and you can check out photos of the stars on the red carpet here!
Photos: Stephen Schwartz and More at BroadwayHD PIPPIN 50th Anniversary Concert
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 25, 2025

BroadwayHD last night hosted an exclusive invite-only event on behalf of their streaming premiere of the Pippin 50th Anniversary Concert. See photos from the event here!
Tovah Feldshuh and Charles Busch Will Receive 2025 MAC Lifetime Achievement Award
by Stephi Wild - Mar 24, 2025

The Manhattan Association of Cabarets (MAC) has announced all of the honorees who will be celebrated as part of the upcoming 39th Annual MAC Awards. Learn more here!
Jeff Harnar's CONFESSIONS OF A NEW YORKER Comes to 54 Below in April
by Stephi Wild - Feb 20, 2025

54 Below will present the return of MAC and Bistro Award-winning concert artist Jeff Harnar – celebrating Manhattan in music with Confessions of a New Yorker. Learn more here!
Review Roundup: Joy Behar's MY FIRST EX-HUSBAND Off-Broadway
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 7, 2025

The world premiere of MY FIRST EX-HUSBAND, a new show by Joy Behar, directed by Randal Myler, is now officially open Off-Broadway at MMAC Theater. See what the critics are saying and read the reviews.
Photos: Jeff Harnar Celebrates The Songbook At Birdland
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 6, 2025

BIRDLAND JAZZ CLUB presented the return of MAC and Bistro Award-winning concert artist Jeff Harnar – celebrating Manhattan in music with Confessions of a New Yorker – on Monday, February 3 at 7:00 PM. See photos here!
Interview: You Should Hear How Melissa Manchester Talks About FUNNY GIRL
by R. Scott Reedy - Jan 31, 2025

Having landed more than a dozen hits – “Midnight Blue,” “Don’t Cry Out Loud,” “You Should Hear How She Talks About You,” and “Through the Eyes of Love” among them – on the Billboard charts in her long recording career, Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter Melissa Manchester knows what it’s like to be a part of pop-music history.
Joanna Pickering's New Play CEASE AND DESIST to be presented at Theater 555
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 27, 2025

Playwright Joanna Pickering is set to unveil her psychological thriller, Cease and Desist, with its first performances in New York City in March. Learn more about the play.
Goodspeed Musicals Hosts 36 Writers for the 13th Annual Johnny Mercer Foundation Writers Grove
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 25, 2025

Goodspeed Musicals has announced the participants for the 13th annual Johnny Mercer Foundation Writers Grove at Goodspeed Musicals, which will be held January 27 - February 23 on the Goodspeed campus in East Haddam, Conn.
Joanna Pickering's New Work CEASE AND DESIST Will Be Performed at Theater 555
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 24, 2025

Playwright Joanna Pickering is set to unveil her psychological thriller, Cease and Desist, with its first performances in New York City this February and March. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
Photos: GOLDEN BACHELORETTE Joan Vassos and Fiancé Chock Chapple Attend LEFT ON TENTH
by Bruce Glikas - Jan 19, 2025

The Golden Bachelorette Joan Vassos and her fiancé Chock Chapple attended a performance of Left on Tenth on Broadway. Check out photos here!
Video: Susie Essman Talks Starring In MY FIRST EX-HUSBAND with Best Friend Joy Behar on THE VIEW
by Josh Sharpe - Jan 17, 2025

Ahead of its off-Broadway run, Susie Essman stopped by The View to discuss Joy Behar's new show My First Ex-Husband, working with her friend, and more. Watch the interview!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Tovah Feldshuh been in?

Tovah Feldshuh has appeared on Broadway in 12 shows.

How many West End shows has Tovah Feldshuh been in?

Tovah Feldshuh has not appeared in the West End.

What awards has Tovah Feldshuh been nominated for?

Outstanding Performer, Visiting Production (Helen Hayes Awards) for Golda's Balcony, Best Leading Actress in a Play (BroadwayWorld Awards) for Irena's Vow, Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for Golda's Balcony, Outstanding Solo Performance (Drama Desk Awards) for Golda's Balcony, Outstanding Solo Performance (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Golda's Balcony, Outstanding Lead Actress (The Lortels) for Golda's Balcony, Outstanding Solo Performance (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Tallulah Hallelujah!, Outstanding Featured Actress - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Hello Muddah, Hello Fadduh, Outstanding Featured Actress - Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Lend Me a Tenor, Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for Lend Me a Tenor, Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for Sarava, Outstanding Actress - Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Yentl, Performance (Theatre World Awards) for Yentl, Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for Yentl, Outstanding Actress - Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Yentl the Yeshiva Boy, Special Mention (Drama Desk Awards) for Yentl the Yeshiva Boy, Performance (Obie Awards) for Yentl the Yeshiva Boy, Best Young Player (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Rogers & Hart, Best Young Player (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Yentl the Yeshiva Boy and Best Young Player (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Dreyfus in Rehearsal.

What awards has Tovah Feldshuh won?

Tovah Feldshuh has received numerous accolades throughout her career. Notable awards include Outstanding Performer in a Visiting Production at the Helen Hayes Awards for Golda's Balcony, and Best Leading Actress in a Play at the BroadwayWorld Awards for Irena's Vow. She also won Outstanding Solo Performance at the Drama Desk Awards for Golda's Balcony, as well as Outstanding Lead Actress at The Lortels for the same production. Additionally, Feldshuh received the Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play award at the Drama Desk Awards for Lend Me a Tenor. She was honored with a Performance award at the Theatre World Awards for Yentl and received Special Mention at the Drama Desk Awards for Yentl the Yeshiva Boy. Furthermore, she won a Performance award at the Obie Awards for Yentl the Yeshiva Boy. Feldshuh has also been awarded Best Young Player at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for three productions: Rogers & Hart, Yentl the Yeshiva Boy, and Dreyfus in Rehearsal.

How many shows has Tovah Feldshuh written?

Tovah Feldshuh has written 3 shows including Tovah: Out of Her Mind (Playwright), Tovah: Out of Her Mind (Conceiver), Tallulah Hallelujah! (Playwright).

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