Nichelle Lewis

Nichelle Lewis
Born
Nichelle Lewis

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

Nichelle Lewis (born June 17, 1999)[1] 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.[2]

Early life

Nichelle Lewis was born in Midlothian, Virginia, U.S.[3][4][5] As a child, she participated in her high school show choir, Capital Swing & Touch Of Swing, and visited New York City often.[5] After graduating from Manchester High School in 2017,[6] she attended Molloy University, where she earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre, graduating in 2021.[7]

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.[8][9]

In 2023, Lewis was announced as the lead in the Broadway revival of The Wiz, marking her Broadway debut.[10][11] 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.[12][13][14] 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.[5][15][16]

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.[10][17] 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.[4]

Stage credits

Year Title Role Venue Ref.
2022 Hairspray Dynamite/Cindy Watkins U.S. National Tour [18]
2023 The Wiz Dorothy U.S. National Tour [19]
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 [20]
Theatre World Award Outstanding Debut Won [21]
Grammy Award Best Musical Theater Album Nominated [22]
Helen Hayes Award Outstanding Performer, Non-Resident Production Nominated [23]
2026 Tony Award Best Featured Actress in a Musical Ragtime Nominated [24]

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.
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