The 77th Annual Tony Awards ceremony at Lincoln Center’s David H. Koch Theatre on June 16 was a night to remember, especially for our very own Kara Young.
The talented actress was named the winner of the 2024 Tony Award for Featured Actress in a Play for her captivating performance as Lutiebelle Gussie Mae Jenkins in the Broadway revival of Ossie Davis’ “Purlie Victorious: A Non-Confederate Romp Through the Cotton Patch.”
Kara Young’s Triumphant Moment
In her acceptance speech, Young paid a heartfelt tribute to the character she portrayed, saying, “To the great Lutiebelle Gussie Mae Jenkins who said I’m taking a chance on my life and I’m gonna go—because I have some life left in me. She deserved it. And we all do. Thank you. This is to the vibration of the liberation for humanity.”
Young’s win was made even more special as she also took home the 2024 Outer Critics Circle Award for Outstanding Featured Performer in a Broadway Play for her work in the same production.
A Trailblazer in Her Own Right
This Tony Award marks Young’s first win after three consecutive years of being nominated for Best Featured Actress in a Play, making her the first Black woman to achieve this remarkable feat. Her previous nominations were for her outstanding performances in Martina Majok’s “Cost of Living” and Lynn Nottage’s “Clyde’s.”
In addition to her Broadway credits, Young has graced Off-Broadway stages with her talent, appearing in productions such as “Pretty Hunger” at The Public Theater, “The New Englanders” at New York City Center, Atlantic Theater Company’s “Halfway Bitches Go Straight to Heaven,” MCC Theater’s “All the Natalie Portmans,” and Second Stage Theater’s “The Apiary.”
A Night to Celebrate
The 77th Annual Tony Awards celebrated the best of Broadway, and our local talent, Kara Young, shone brightly among the stars. Her well-deserved win is a testament to her exceptional acting skills and dedication to her craft.
We extend our warmest congratulations to Kara and look forward to witnessing her continued success on the stage.
Photo credit: Tony Awards.
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