Several Tony awards 2025 nominees spent time on Chicago stages first, like 'Death Becomes Her,' 'Purpose'
Share and Follow

CHICAGO (WLS) — It’s Tony time in New York, and the awards for the best on Broadway are presented this weekend.

A lot of those shows and performers spent time on Chicago stages first.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

“Death Becomes Her” has 10 nominations, including best musical. The show had its world premiere at the Cadillac Palace Theatre.

“I’m so thrilled to bring this show in particular to Chicago and experience it with them,” Tony nominee Megan Hilty said. “We get to try this piece out in such a beautiful city that is so welcoming.”

Steppenwolf’s “Purpose” has six nominations, after opening in Chicago, before moving to Broadway.

It’s up for best play, and five cast members are nominees.

“We uphold the Steppenwolf brand and Chicago theater wherever we go,” said Glenn Davis, a Tony Nominee and Steppenwolf co-artistic director. “When we do something like we’re doing now, it’s immensely meaningful to so many people. We feel like it all points back to our Chicago roots.”

Nominee Jon Michael Hill said he didn’t even want to think about being nominated, with people like Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal on Broadway. Now, they’ve been shut out.

“You know, I love both those actors. I look up to them, and I’m honored to be nominated with the folks that I am. I look forward to meeting all the other nominees this year,” he said.

James Monroe Iglehart is up for Best Actor in a Musical.

“A Wonderful World: The Louis Armstrong Musical” played at the Cadillac Palace.

“This is the place where he (Louis Armstrong) actually found himself. When he came to Chicago was where he became Louis Armstrong. This is where he solidified himself as one of the greats of jazz. So, the fact that we get to come to this city is nothing but an honor, so thank you,” Iglehart said.

“BOOP! The Musical” had its world premiere in Chicago. Now, Jasmine Amy Rogers is a Tony Nominee for her first Broadway show.

“This is always what I dreamed I would do. And, now that it’s happening, I’m in awe,” Rogers said.

Justina Machado was nominated for the musical “Real Women Have Curves.” She grew up in Humboldt Park.

And Bob Odenkirk, raised in Naperville, is nominated for his role in “Glengarry Glen Ross.” The play was written by Chicago’s David Mamet.

The Tony Awards are presented this Sunday.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Protests planned for Palisades Fire anniversary by furious residents

Residents Rally for Change: Palisades Fire Anniversary Sparks Protests Over Ongoing Safety Concerns

Almost a year has passed since the Palisades Fire ravaged one of…
Jelly Roll was 'struggling' to 'get it up' with wife Bunnie XO before weight loss

Jelly Roll Opens Up About Intimacy Struggles with Wife Bunnie XO and How Weight Loss Transformed Their Relationship

Jelly Roll candidly shared how his weight severely impacted his performance in…
Will Smith sued for sexual harassment by violinist Brian King Joseph

Violinist Brian King Joseph Files Sexual Harassment Lawsuit Against Will Smith

Violinist Brian King Joseph has filed a lawsuit against Will Smith, accusing…
Trump says US will intervene if Iran violently suppresses peaceful protests

Trump Announces U.S. Readiness to Act Against Iran’s Violent Crackdown on Peaceful Protests

On Friday, U.S. President Donald Trump issued a strong warning to Iran,…
Meddling woman hurls abuse at tourist during squabble over selfie spot

Local Woman Engages in Heated Exchange with Tourist Over Popular Selfie Location

An idyllic selfie spot at Red Rock Canyon, renowned for its picturesque…
Former pupil at British school is among the missing in ski bar fire

British School Alum Reported Missing in Ski Bar Blaze

A tragic incident has left a former student of a British school…
Chicago battling safety perception despite preliminary police data showing 2025 had fewest homicides in 60 years

Chicago Struggles with Safety Image Even as 2025 Records Lowest Homicide Rate in Six Decades

Chicago has achieved a significant milestone in 2025, recording the lowest number…
Trump delays increased tariffs on upholstered furniture, kitchen cabinets and vanities for a year

Trump Postpones Tariff Hike on Upholstered Furniture, Kitchen Cabinets, and Vanities for One Year

On New Year’s Eve, President Donald Trump issued a proclamation postponing the…