When asking a theater professional about the joys of Off-Broadway, the answer is often similar: Off-Broadway is truly where the magic begins.
Since their inception in 1985, The Lucille Lortel Awards have stood as a beacon in the theater world, celebrating excellence in Off-Broadway productions. Named after the legendary actress and producer Lucille Lortel, who was a key figure in promoting and nurturing Off-Broadway theater, these awards honor outstanding achievements in performances, direction, design, and more. The have become a cherished tradition, recognizing the vibrant and diverse landscape of Off-Broadway theater. Off-Broadway productions often showcase innovative storytelling, daring subject matter, and intimate performances that resonate deeply with audiences. The Lortel Awards shine a spotlight on these productions, acknowledging their significance and impact on the theatrical community.
On Sunday, The 39th annual Lucille Lortel Awards for Outstanding Achievement Off-Broadway were handed out evening to recipients in 16 categories, with three honorary awards also bestowed. The Awards were distributed in a ceremony at NYU Skirball hosted by stars of stage and screen: Rosalind Chao (Atlantic Theater Company’s “What Became of Us”), Jenn Colella (“SUFFS”), Michael Esper (Drama Desk Award nominee, “Appropriate”), Eden Espinosa (Tony Award nominee, “Lempicka”), Nikki M. James (Tony & Lortel Award nominee, “SUFFS”), and BD Wong (Atlantic Theater Company’s “What Became of Us”). The Lucille LortelAwards are produced by the Off-Broadway League and Lucille Lortel Theatre, with additional support provided by TDF.
Special honorees this year included Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Ruben Santiago-Hudson, presented by Phylicia Rashad; Playwrights’ Sidewalk inductee Dominique Morisseau, presented by Kamilah Forbes; and Ars Nova, honored for their Outstanding Body of Work with a presentation by award-winning director Anne Kauffman.
The Off-Broadway League’s Lortel Awards Producing & Administration Committee (Jeremy Adams, Alana Canty-Samuel, Tisa Chang, Carol Fishman, George Forbes, Kenneth Naanep, Ralph Peña, Catherine Russell, Michael Sag, Jonathan Whitton, Casey York, and Jeffrey Shubart, Chair) and the Lucille Lortel Theatre (George Forbes, Jeffrey Shubart, Nancy Hurvitz, Alana Canty-Samuel, Maura Le Viness, Karla Liriano, and Rascher Alcasid) produce the Lortel Awards Ceremony. Acclaimed writer/director Michael Heitzman directs the Lortel Awards with Terry Berliner as Co-Director. Representatives of the Off-Broadway League, Actors’ Equity Association, Stage Directors & Choreographers Society, United Scenic Artists, the Lucille Lortel Theatre, in addition to theatre journalists, academics and other Off-Broadway professionals, serve on the Voting Committee.
We had the chance to speak with some of the incredible presenters and nominees on the red carpet! Check out the conversations below!
Hear more about the Lucille Lortel Awards here!