Lillias White

Birth Place: Brooklyn, NY, USA

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Lillias White BIO

Lillias White is a Tony, Drama Desk, and Outer Critics Circle Award winner for her performance in The Life. She has appeared on Broadway in Barnum, Dreamgirls, Cats, Carrie, Once on this Island, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, and Fela! (Tony Award nomination) and most recently in Chicago in the Fall of 2021 as Matron “Mama” Morton having first appeared in the Broadway production in 2006. Other Off-Broadway and Regional credits include the musical Black No More in Winter 2022, the Public Theater’s Romance in Hard Times for which she won the Obie Award, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom (directed by Phylicia Rashad) for which she won the NAACP Award, and the Carnegie Hall Concert version of South Pacific which was also broadcast on PBS’ “Great Performances.” She received the Daytime Emmy Award for her role as Lillian Edwards in “Sesame Street” and is beloved by audiences for voicing the lead muse Calliope in Disney’s animated feature Hercules. Her most recent television appearances include the Baz Luhrmann-directed Netflix series “The Get Down,” as well as “Russian Doll” and “Search Party.” She has appeared in cabarets and concert halls around the world. Her first solo studio album Get Yourself Some Happy! is available now at lilliaswhite.com and on all streaming platforms.

Lillias White Photos

Lillias White STAGE CREDITS

[Off-Broadway]
World Premiere Production, 2022

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2019
Hermes [Replacement]

[Milburn, NJ (Regional)]
East Coast Premiere at Paper Mill Playhouse, 2018
Bea

[Chicago]
Chicago Pre-Broadway Production, 2015
Bea

[Off-Broadway]
Primary Stages Production, 0
Performer

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2009
Funmilayo

[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 2009
Performer [Replacement]

[Off-Broadway]
Off-Broadway Concert, 2005
Bloody Mary

[Off-Broadway]
Encores! Concert, 2005
Missy

[Broadway]
Actors' Fund Concert, 2004
Other Roles

Performer

[Los Angeles]
World Premiere, 2003
Featured Performer

[Off-Broadway]
2002
Velma

[Broadway]
Actors' Fund Concert, 2002
Fanny Brice

[Broadway]
Reunion Concert, 2002
Special Guest

[Broadway]
New York Concert, 2001
Effie Melody White

[Off-Broadway]
1998
Dinah Washington [Replacement]

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1997
Sonja

[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 1996
Matron “Mama” Morton [Replacement]

Matron "Mama" Morton [Replacement]

[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 1995
Miss Jones

[Broadway]
Broadway Transfer, 1990
Asaka [Replacement]

[Off-Broadway]
Showcase, 1990
Sonja

Sonja

[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 1989
Hennie

Performer

Hennie

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1988
Miss Gardner (Standby)

[Broadway]
Return Engagement [Broadway], 1987
Effie Melody White

[Regional (US)]
World Premiere, 1986
Performer

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1982
Performer

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1982
Grizabella [Replacement]

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1981
Effie Melody White (Understudy) [Replacement]

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1980
Joice Heth [Replacement]

[Regional (US)]
Regional Revival, 1988
Performer


Lillias White Movies

[1988]Me and Him Dancing Secretary

[1994]Bleeding Hearts Neighbor Woman

[1994]North Operator

[1997]Hercules Calliope

[1997]Anastasia Ensemble and Character Vocals

[1999]Gloria Transit Cop #1

[2000]How the Grinch Stole Christmas Shopper

[2002]Interview with the Assassin Nurse

[2003]Pieces of April Evette

[2005]Game 6 Toyota Moseby

[2007]Then She Found Me Sheila

[2015]Nasty Baby Cecilia

[2018]The Chaperone Singer

[2018]Melinda Madam Magda

[2020]The Drummer Roberta


Lillias White TV Shows

Big Bird's Birthday or Let Me Eat Cake Lillian

[ 1990-1994]Sesame Street Lillian, Singer, Rhonda

NYPD Blue Lila Edmonds

[ 1990-1996]Law & Order Susan Monroe, Ms. Purvis, Streetwalker

Hercules Calliope

Pryor Offenses Grandma Irene

The Jury Teresa Scott

Law & Order: Special Victims Unit Xavier

Gotham Choir Member

Person of Interest Hon. R. Reginald

[ 2016-2017]The Get Down Fat Annie

Search Party Wilma

[ 2019-2022]Russian Doll Dr. Zaveri

Lillias White Videos

Lillias White News


Video: Lillias White and Lola Tung Take Final Bows in HADESTOWN

Hadestown stars Lilias White and Lola Tung played their final performance on Sunday, March 17th. Tung stepped into the role of Eurydice on February 9 for a limited run. White became the first woman to play Hermes on September 13, 2022, and has been with the production since.

Industry Pro Newsletter: Public Declines to Recognize Union

As the unionization wave continues to move through theatrical workers across the country, two developments last week highlighted the movement: the Public Theatre declined to voluntarily recognize the unionization effort of their workers, and workers at the Goodman Theatre sought their own union affiliation.

Lola Tung Leads to Standing-Room-Only Crowds at HADESTOWN

Throughout my career, I’ve tried to stay attuned to the ticket-buying experience. I walk through the process online at the major retailers. I’ll stop by rush lines or in-person lotteries to talk to folks. And, last week, I woke up early a few days to talk to people on/participate in the standing-room-only line for Hadestown.

Lillias White and Lola Tung Play Final HADESTOWN Performance Today

Hadestown stars Lilias White and Lola Tung will play their final performance on Sunday, March 17th. Tung stepped into the role of Eurydice on February 9 for a limited run. White became the first woman to play Hermes on September 13, 2022, and has been with the production since.

The Green Room 42 To Present SWINGIN' WITH SARA: A Jazz Soirée Of Sara Bareilles Hits

Join Madeline Dalton at The Green Room 42 for Swingin' with Sara, a jazz soirée featuring Sara Bareilles hits reimagined in retro genres.

The Green Room 42 To Present Carolyn Bacon's WHAT YOU DON'T KNOW ABOUT WOMEN VOL. 2

Carolyn Bacon returns to The Green Room 42 with her feminist solo show WHAT YOU DON'T KNOW ABOUT WOMEN VOL. 2 on March 25. Learn how to purchase tickets.

Video: Julie Benko Performs 'Luck Be A Lady' at BROADWAY BACKWARDS

On Monday night, Julie Benko opened the 2024 edition of Broadway Backwards with a flirty and fierce rendition of “Luck Be a Lady” from Guys and Dolls. She rolled the dice alongside an ensemble of women, for a fun and empowering dance number. Check out the video here!

Photos: Alex Newell, Shoshana Bean, and More Perform at BROADWAY BACKWARDS

Tony Award winners, Broadway legends and newcomers alike spectacularly shared LGBTQ+ stories through show tunes at Broadway Backwards at Broadway’s New Amsterdam Theatre on March 11, 2024. Check out photos from the event here!

Setlist Revealed for BROADWAY BACKWARDS Featuring Shoshana Bean, Tituss Burgess & More

The setlist has been revealed for Broadway Backwards! See who is performing.

Rising Star Kelsey Seaman To Make Solo-Show Debut At The Green Room 42 With POSTPARTUM, April 8

Rising star Kelsey Seaman makes her solo-show debut with POSTPARTUM at The Green Room 42 on April 8. Inspired by her work as a doula, the show explores the joy and fear of birthing something new.

Tribute to Tony Bennett Comes to the Green Room 42 This Summer

The Green Room 42 will present Nelson Aspen & Allyson Briggs in 'Tony Bennett: A Tribute,' Sundays July 21 & August 4 at 1pm and Wednesdays July 24 & August 7 at 7pm. 

Limited Tickets Remain for BROADWAY BACKWARDS Hosted by Jenn Colella

Only a few seats remain for Broadway Backwards, the star-studded annual evening of reimagined show tunes that share LGBTQ+ love stories. Learn how to purchase tickets.

AT THIS PERFORMANCE... Returns To The Green Room 42 Next Month

The show will feature standbys, understudies, and alternates from various Broadway hits like DAYS OF WINE AND ROSES, BACK TO THE FUTURE-THE MUSICAL, and more.

The Green Room 42 to Present CONFESSIONS OF A PROFESSIONAL PRINCESS

The Green Room 42 will present Victoria Elena in 'Confessions of a Professional Princess' in March. Learn about the show and see how to purchase tickets.

Julie Benko, Norbert Leo Butz, Joshua Henry and More Set For BROADWAY BACKWARDS

Stars of Broadway and beyond have joined the lineup for this year's Broadway Backwards. Learn more about who is joining the event, set for March 11!

Amas Musical Theatre To Honor Patricia Birch And Len Cariou At 55th Annual Benefit Gala Concert

Amas Musical Theatre will celebrate its 55th Anniversary at its annual Gala Benefit Concert on Monday, May 13, 2024 at Baruch Performing Arts Center.

The Green Room 42 Will Present CONFESSIONS OF A PROFESSIONAL PRINCESS in March

The Green Room 42 will present Victoria Elena in 'Confessions of a Professional Princess' on Friday March 8th at 7pm. Victoria will share her unique story of creating a princess party company during the pandemic and performing as a professional princess in NYC.

The Green Room 42 to Present Broadway Stars in LATE NIGHT VIBING: ASIAN R&B Next Month

THE GREEN ROOM 42 will present the special concert “Late Night Vibing: Asian R&B” on Monday, March 18 at 9:30 PM. 

Father/Daughter Jon Jon Briones and Isa Briones Will Join HADESTOWN on Broadway

Jon Jon Briones and daughter Isa Briones will join the cast of the Tony Award-winning Best Musical Hadestown on Broadway as ‘Hermes’ and ‘Eurydice,’ We have all of the details!

Tickets Now on Sale For HADESTOWN Performances Through December 1

A new block of tickets is now on sale for Hadestown on Broadway, for performances thorugh December 1, 2024. Learn more about the show and find out how to get tickets here!

Lillias White FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Lillias White has appeared on Broadway in 16 shows.

Lillias White has not appeared in the West End.

Lillias White has been nominated for several prestigious awards throughout her career, including Outstanding Lead Actress in a Musical at The Lortels for "Texas in Paris," Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical at the Tony Awards for "Fela!," Outstanding Featured Actress - Musical at the Drama Desk Awards for "The Life," Best Featured Actress - Musical at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for "The Life," Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical at the Tony Awards for "The Life," and Performance at the Obie Awards for "Romance in Hard Times."

Lillias White has won the following awards: Outstanding Featured Actress - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for The Life, Best Featured Actress - Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for The Life, Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for The Life, and Performance (Obie Awards) for Romance in Hard Times.

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