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Lillias White

Birth Place: Brooklyn, NY, USA

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BIO

Lillias White is a Tony, Drama Desk, and Outer Critics Circle Award winner for her performance in The Life. She has appeared on Broadway in Barnum, Dreamgirls, Cats, Carrie, Once on this Island, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, and Fela! (Tony Award nomination) and most recently in Chicago in the Fall of 2021 as Matron “Mama” Morton having first appeared in the Broadway production in 2006. Other Off-Broadway and Regional credits include the musical Black No More in Winter 2022, the Public Theater’s Romance in Hard Times for which she won the Obie Award, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom (directed by Phylicia Rashad) for which she won the NAACP Award, and the Carnegie Hall Concert version of South Pacific which was also broadcast on PBS’ “Great Performances.” She received the Daytime Emmy Award for her role as Lillian Edwards in “Sesame Street” and is beloved by audiences for voicing the lead muse Calliope in Disney’s animated feature Hercules. Her most recent television appearances include the Baz Luhrmann-directed Netflix series “The Get Down,” as well as “Russian Doll” and “Search Party.” She has appeared in cabarets and concert halls around the world. Her first solo studio album Get Yourself Some Happy! is available now at lilliaswhite.com and on all streaming platforms.

Photos

STAGE CREDITS

[Off-Broadway]
World Premiere Production, 2022

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2019
Hermes [Replacement]

[Milburn, NJ (Regional)]
East Coast Premiere at Paper Mill Playhouse, 2018
Bea

[Chicago]
Chicago Pre-Broadway Production, 2015
Bea

[Off-Broadway]
Primary Stages Production, 0
Performer

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2009
Funmilayo

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

[Off-Broadway]
Off-Broadway Concert, 2005
Bloody Mary

[Off-Broadway]
Encores! Concert, 2005
Missy

[Broadway]
Actors' Fund Concert, 2004
Other Roles

Performer

[Los Angeles]
World Premiere, 2003
Featured Performer

[Off-Broadway]
2002
Velma

[Broadway]
Actors' Fund Concert, 2002
Fanny Brice

[Broadway]
Reunion Concert, 2002
Special Guest

[Broadway]
New York Concert, 2001
Effie Melody White

[Off-Broadway]
1998
Dinah Washington [Replacement]

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1997
Sonja

[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 1996
Matron “Mama” Morton [Replacement]

Matron "Mama" Morton [Replacement]

[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 1995
Miss Jones

[Broadway]
Broadway Transfer, 1990
Asaka [Replacement]

[Off-Broadway]
Showcase, 1990
Sonja

Sonja

[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 1989
Hennie

Performer

Hennie

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1988
Miss Gardner (Standby)

[Broadway]
Return Engagement [Broadway], 1987
Effie Melody White

[Regional (US)]
World Premiere, 1986
Performer

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1982
Performer

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1982
Grizabella [Replacement]

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1981
Effie Melody White (Understudy) [Replacement]

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1980
Joice Heth [Replacement]

[Regional (US)]
Regional Revival, 1988
Performer


Movies

Me and Him
[ 1988 ] Dancing Secretary
Bleeding Hearts
[ 1994 ] Neighbor Woman
North
[ 1994 ] Operator
Hercules
[ 1997 ] Calliope
Anastasia
[ 1997 ] Ensemble and Character Vocals
Gloria
[ 1999 ] Transit Cop #1
How the Grinch Stole Christmas
[ 2000 ] Shopper
Interview with the Assassin
[ 2002 ] Nurse
Pieces of April
[ 2003 ] Evette
Game 6
[ 2005 ] Toyota Moseby
Then She Found Me
[ 2007 ] Sheila
Nasty Baby
[ 2015 ] Cecilia
The Chaperone
[ 2018 ] Singer
Melinda
[ 2018 ] Madam Magda
The Drummer
[ 2020 ] Roberta

TV Shows

Big Bird's Birthday or Let Me Eat Cake
Lillian
Sesame Street
[ 1990-1994 ] Lillian, Singer, Rhonda
NYPD Blue
Lila Edmonds
Law & Order
[ 1990-1996 ] Susan Monroe, Ms. Purvis, Streetwalker
Hercules
Calliope
Pryor Offenses
Grandma Irene
The Jury
Teresa Scott
Law & Order: Special Victims Unit
Xavier
Gotham
Choir Member
Person of Interest
Hon. R. Reginald
The Get Down
[ 2016-2017 ] Fat Annie
Search Party
Wilma
Russian Doll
[ 2019-2022 ] Dr. Zaveri

Awards and Nominations

The Lortels - 2015 - Outstanding Lead Actress in a Musical

Lillias WhiteTexas in Paris

Tony Awards - 2010 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical

Lillias White, Fela!


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1997 - Outstanding Featured Actress - Musical

Lillias White, The Life


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1997 - Best Featured Actress - Musical

Lillias White The Life


winner
Tony Awards - 1997 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical

Lillias White, The Life


winner
Obie Awards - 1990 - Performance

Lillias White, Romance in Hard Times

Videos

News


Video: Swing Tara Jackson Answers HADESTOWN Fan Questions

Hadestown swing Tara Jackson is responding to audience-submitted questions. Watch her answers and tips for playing at Fate in the video here!
Faith Prince, Joe Iconis, And More Headline 92NY's Professional Cabaret Classes

The 92nd Street Y has announced an expanded focus on professional courses for those interested in the art of Cabaret and concert performance.
ISABELLA SCOLARO: ONWARD AND UPWARD Announced At The Green Room 42

The Green Room 42 will present Introducing: Isabella Scolaro- a solo debut performance to remember- on Thursday, January 30, 2025 at 7pm.
Hailey Kilgore, Carlos Valdes & Tom Hewitt to Join HADESTOWN on Broadway

Hailey Kilgore, Carlos Valdes, and Tom Hewitt will join the cast of Hadestown on Broadway beginning in January! Learn more about the cast and see how to purchase tickets to the production.
Photos: Allison Russell Stars as 'Persephone' in HADESTOWN

Grammy Award winner Allison Russell is currently starring as ‘Persephone’ in Hadestown on Broadway. Get a first look at photos here! See who else is starring and learn how to purchase tickets.
Nick Fradiani, Abby Mueller, & More Set For TAYLOR SWIFT BY THE BOOK: IN CONCERT At Green Room 42

The Green Room 42 will present TAYLOR SWIFT BY THE BOOK: IN CONCERT this December, celebrating the release of Taylor Swift By The Book: The Literature Behind The Lyrics, From Fairy Tales to Tortured Poets by Rachel Feder and Tiffany Tatreau.
A NIGHT OF JAZZ Comes to The Green Room 42

A Night of Jazz will be held this February at The Green Room 42! Produced by Katie Trumbull with Music Direction by Michael Cuschieri. Learn more about the show and find out how to get tickets to attend here!
WOMEN OF THE WINGS Volume 7 Comes to The Green Room 42

Produced and directed by Megan Minutillo, 'Women of The Wings: A Celebration of Female Musical Theatre Writers' is the premiere concert series that not only celebrates the work of female musical theatre writers.
Christopher Collette to Bring LIFE OF THE PARTY? To Don't Tell Mama This Holiday Season

Christopher Collette will debut his cabaret show 'Life of the Party?' at Don't Tell Mama. Directed by Michael Kirk Lane with music by Michael Raab. Learn how to purchase tickets.
See David Burtka, Marilyn Maye & More Next Week at 54 Below

Next week, 54 BELOW will present some of the brightest stars from Broadway, cabaret, jazz, and beyond, including David Burtka and more. Learn how to purchase tickets.
Lin-Manuel Miranda, Martin Short, Shoshana Bean, and More Join STARS IN THE HOUSE Vote-A-Thon

“Stars in the House” will return for its second Election Day Vote-A-Thon with a star-studded lineup joining hosts Seth Rudetsky and James Wesley Jackson to talk about their voting experiences and deliver LIVE musical performances.
Jon Robyns Joins Cast of FIGARO: AN ORIGINAL MUSICAL at the London Palladium

Creators Ashley Jana and Will Nunziata and their Tony Award® and GRAMMY Award winning producing team have announced that West End leading man Jon Robyns will play the title role in Figaro: An Original Musical at the iconic London Palladium.
Photos: Anne Hathaway, Billy Porter & More at BROADWAY RALLIES FOR KAMALA!

On Monday, October 14, Broadway for Harris presented Broadway Rallies for Kamala!, a special event in New York City to mobilize audience members and remote viewers across the country to get involved in supporting Kamala Harris. See photos!
Australian Theatre Festival NYC Unveils 2024 Season

The Australian Theatre Festival NYC revealed its 2024 season, celebrating five years with a diverse lineup of Australian stories and artists. See full programming and learn how to purchase tickets.
Video: SUFFS Performs 'Keep Marching' At BROADWAY RALLIES FOR KAMALA

Broadway and Hollywood talent gathered for Broadway Rallies for Kamala. A-list talent turned out for the big night including the cast of the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical, SUFFS. Watch as the show's creator, composer, and star, Shaina Taub performs, 'Keep Marching' with the show's all-female cast. See the video!
Video: Anne Hathaway Rocks BROADWAY RALLIES FOR KAMALA With A Queen Classic

Tonight, Broadway and Hollywood talent gathered for Broadway Rallies for Kamala. Award-winning stage and screen star Anne Hathaway, who rocked the vote with a cover of Queen's classic song, 'Somebody to Love'. Watch the video!
Video: Schele Williams Talks BROADWAY RALLIES FOR KAMALA

Broadway and Hollywood’s best gathered for Broadway Rallies for Kamala, a special event in New York City. We spoke to the event's director Schele Williams about the event and the dial-a-thon that has made one million phone calls for the Harris campaign.
Idina Menzel Joins Dial-A-Thon in Support of Kamala Harris

Broadway for Harris has announced additional stars for its two mobilization events taking place today, Monday, October 14th.  Star of stage and screen Idina Menzel has joined the lineup for Kamala Dial-A-Thon, a virtual phone bank from 12-6pm ET.
Review: Bill Russell Presents Special DIVAS I LOVE SINGING LYRICS I WROTE at Birdland

Special events come and go but the people in the room remember them for a long time, after.
Broadway Stars Will Unite for Broadway Rallies for Kamala

On Monday, October 14th, Broadway and Hollywood’s best will gather for Broadway Rallies for Kamala, a special event in New York City to mobilize audience members and remote viewers across the country to get involved in supporting Kamala Harris and Tim Walz in the final weeks leading up to Election Day, November 5th. Watch here!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Lillias White been in?

Lillias White has appeared on Broadway in 16 shows.

How many West End shows has Lillias White been in?

Lillias White has not appeared in the West End.

What awards has Lillias White been nominated for?

Outstanding Lead Actress in a Musical (The Lortels) for Texas in Paris, Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for Fela!, Outstanding Featured Actress - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for The Life, Best Featured Actress - Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for The Life , Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for The Life and Performance (Obie Awards) for Romance in Hard Times.

What awards has Lillias White won?

Lillias White has won several prestigious awards, including Outstanding Featured Actress - Musical at the Drama Desk Awards for The Life. She also received the Best Featured Actress - Musical award from the Outer Critics Circle Awards for The Life. Additionally, she won the Tony Award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical for The Life and the Performance award at the Obie Awards for Romance in Hard Times.

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