Nichelle Lewis

Nichelle Lewis
Born
Nichelle Lewis

(1999-06-17) June 17, 1999 (age 27)
Midlothian, Virginia, U.S.
EducationMolloy University (BFA)
OccupationsActress and singer
Years active2010s–present

Nichelle Lewis (born June 17, 1999) is an American actress and singer. She is best known for her breakthrough lead role as Dorothy in the Broadway revival of The Wiz as well as her Tony Award-nominated performance as Sarah in the 2025 revival of Ragtime.

Early life

Nichelle Lewis was born in Midlothian, Virginia, U.S. As a child, she participated in her high school show choir, Capital Swing & Touch Of Swing, and visited New York City often. After graduating from Manchester High School in 2017, she attended Molloy University, where she earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre, graduating in 2021.

Career

Lewis began her professional theatre career in regional and touring productions. She has appeared in the national tour of Hairspray (as Dynamite/Cindy Watkins), Little Shop of Horrors (as Chiffon/Crystal), Bare: A Pop Opera (as Ivy), and a new musical titled Labelless.

In 2023, Lewis was announced as the lead in the Broadway revival of The Wiz, marking her Broadway debut. Her performance received media attention for its energy, vocal power, and emotional warmth, earning her recognition as one of Broadway's most promising new talents. In October 2024, she was cast as Sarah in the New York City Center revival of Ragtime. The production transferred to Broadway in 2025, and Lewis was nominated for a Tony Award.

Artistic style and impact

Lewis has been described by The Washington Informer and Associated Press as a "triple threat" for her combined strengths in acting, singing, and dancing. Her rise from a high-school show choir performer in Virginia to a Broadway lead has been highlighted by local Richmond media as an inspirational example for young artists pursuing careers in the performing arts.

Stage credits

Year Title Role Venue Ref.
2022 Hairspray Dynamite/Cindy Watkins U.S. National Tour
2023 The Wiz Dorothy U.S. National Tour
2024 Broadway, Marquis Theatre
Ragtime Sarah Off-Broadway, New York City Center Encores!
2025–2026 Broadway, Vivian Beaumont Theatre

Awards and nominations

Year Award Category Work Result Ref.
2024 Drama League Award Distinguished Performance The Wiz Nominated
Theatre World Award Outstanding Debut Won
Grammy Award Best Musical Theater Album Nominated
Helen Hayes Award Outstanding Performer, Non-Resident Production Nominated
2026 Tony Award Best Featured Actress in a Musical Ragtime Nominated

References

  1. ↑ "Nichelle Lewis". Internet Broadway Database. Retrieved June 16, 2026.
  2. ↑ "Nichelle Lewis". Playbill. Retrieved May 6, 2026.
  3. ↑ "Nichelle Lewis". Internet Broadway Database. Retrieved June 16, 2026.
  4. 1 2 Roop, Jason (August 16, 2024). "How Chesterfield County native Nichelle Lewis became Dorothy in 'The Wiz'". WTVR-TV. Retrieved October 20, 2025.
  5. 1 2 3 Peifer, Karri (October 11, 2024). "Richmond's rising Broadway star lands another top role". Axios Richmond. Retrieved October 20, 2025.
  6. ↑ "Richmond's rising Broadway star lands another top role". Axios. October 11, 2024. Retrieved June 16, 2026.
  7. ↑ "Molloy Graduate Nichelle Lewis Stars as Dorothy in The Wiz on Broadway". Molloy University. Retrieved June 16, 2026.
  8. ↑ "Nichelle Lewis Biography". Broadway.com. Retrieved October 20, 2025.
  9. ↑ Pederson, Erik (August 14, 2023). "'The Wiz' Revival Casts Newcomer Nichelle Lewis For Broadway & National Tour". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved October 20, 2025.
  10. 1 2 Brown, Stacy M. (August 14, 2023). "Virginia Native Nichelle Lewis to Star as Dorothy in Broadway-Bound Production of 'The Wiz'". The Washington Informer. Retrieved October 20, 2025.
  11. ↑ Maude, Samuel (October 20, 2025). "Kristin Chenoweth, Lea Michele, and Nichelle Lewis Sit Down for Three Generations of Broadway". Elle. Retrieved October 20, 2025.
  12. ↑ Tillet, Salamishah (May 27, 2024). "Wayne Brady and Nichelle Lewis on Striving for Excellence in 'The Wiz'". The New York Times. Retrieved October 20, 2025.
  13. ↑ Marius, Marley (January 16, 2024). "Homeward Bound: A New Revival of The Wiz Eases Its Way Back to Broadway". Vogue. Retrieved October 20, 2025.
  14. ↑ Cox, Gorden (September 29, 2023). "Clint Ramos, Kara Young, Rebecca Frecknall and Ingrid Michaelson Among Variety's 10 Broadway Stars to Watch for 2023". Variety. Retrieved October 20, 2025.
  15. ↑ Cullwell-Block, Logan (September 18, 2025). "Hear Nichelle Lewis Perform 'Your Daddy's Son' From Ragtime". Playbill. Retrieved October 20, 2025.
  16. ↑ "Tony Awards Nominations 2026: Full List and Highlights". The New York Times. May 5, 2026. Retrieved May 9, 2026.
  17. ↑ Kennedy, Mark (August 14, 2023). "Broadway-bound revival of 'The Wiz' finds its next Dorothy, thanks in part to TikTok". Associated Press. Retrieved October 20, 2025.
  18. ↑ "Nichelle Lewis Biography". Broadway.com. Retrieved May 9, 2026.
  19. ↑ "Nichelle Lewis (Actor): Credits, Bio, News & More". BroadwayWorld. Retrieved May 9, 2026.
  20. ↑ "Sarah Paulson Wins Drama League Award; See the Full List of Winners". Playbill. Retrieved 2026-05-09.
  21. ↑ Culwell-Block, Logan (May 14, 2024). "Cole Escola, Maleah Joi Moon, Rachel McAdams, More Win 2024 Theatre World Awards". Playbill. Retrieved May 9, 2026.
  22. ↑ "67th Annual GRAMMY Awards". GRAMMY.com. Recording Academy. Retrieved May 9, 2026.
  23. ↑ "2024 Helen Hayes Awards Nominations By Category" (PDF). Theatre Washington. Retrieved June 16, 2026.
  24. ↑ "Tony Awards Nominations 2026: Full List and Highlights". The New York Times. May 5, 2026. Retrieved May 9, 2026.