And the Tony nomination for Best Featured Actress in a Musical goes to… L Morgan Lee!
(And also the fabulous Jennifer Simard, Patti LuPone, Jeannette Bayardelle, Shoshana Bean, and Jayne Houdyshell. But back to Lee…)
L Morgan Lee has made history today, May 9, 2022, as the first openly trans artist to earn a Tony nomination in an acting category. Her work in Michael R. Jackson’s “A Strange Loop” as “Thought 1” has received recognition since the Pulitzer Prize-winning musical premiered off-Broadway at Playwrights Horizons in 2019. Now Ms. Lee is a part of the most Tony-nominated production of the season having earned one of the show’s eleven total nominations.
As per Playbill.com, Lee expressed her overwhelming emotions and mentioned that she can’t stop crying.
She stated that this nomination holds immense significance beyond her own self. She hopes that this moment will inspire others to continue pursuing love and acceptance for their truest selves.
A Strange Loop
“A Strange Loop” is also nominated for the following Tony Awards: Best Musical Book, Best Original Score, Best Musical Direction, Best Featured Actor, Best Scenic Design, Best Sound Design, Best Lighting Design, Best Orchestrations, and Best Musical.
Jaquel Spivey, the lead actor, was nominated for Best Lead Actor in a Musical for his exceptional portrayal of “Usher.” Despite being a recent college graduate and making his professional debut, Spivey’s performance has received critical acclaim and deserves recognition.
Lee, on the other hand, is no stranger to the stage. Having already earned an Obie Award and the 2021 Mark O’Donnell Prize, Lee continues to ooze stardom. She’s currently involved in a musical adaptation of “The Danish Girl” in the U.K., where she has been cast as the main character.
Visibility For Trans Artists
In her bio on the “A Strange Loop” website, Lee includes the quote, “She needed a hero, so that’s what she became.”
L Morgan Lee certainly is a hero. She is an inspiration to trans artists and everyone who has seen her work. This exciting nomination just proves what we already know: L Morgan Lee is not only paving the way, she’s here to stay. This level of trans visibility in the theater community will open doors for trans artists everywhere. The team of Broadway‘s “A Strange Loop” already knew she was a star. The rest of the world is about to see why.
Go L Morgan Lee!
