Audra McDonald

Also Credited As: Audra Ann McDonald

Birth Place: Berlin, GERMANY

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Audra McDonald BIO

Audra McDonald is unparalleled in the breadth and versatility of her artistry as both a singer and an actor. The winner of a record-breaking six Tony Awards, two Grammy Awards and an Emmy, in 2015 she was named one of Time magazine’s 100 most influential people and received a National Medal of Arts—America’s highest honor for achievement in the field—from President Barack Obama. In addition to her Tony-winning performances in Carousel, Master Class, Ragtime, A Raisin in the Sun, The Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess and Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill—the role that also served as the vehicle for her Olivier Award-nominated 2017 debut in London’s West End—she has appeared on Broadway in The Secret Garden; Marie Christine (Tony nomination); Henry IV; 110 in the Shade (Tony nomination); Shuffle Along, or, The Making of the Musical Sensation of 1921 and All That Followed; and Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune (Tony nomination).

A Juilliard-trained soprano, her opera credits include La voix humaine and Send at Houston Grand Opera, and Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny at Los Angeles Opera, where the resulting recording earned her two Grammy Awards.

On television, she was seen by millions as the Mother Abbess in NBC’s The Sound of Music Live! and played Dr. Naomi Bennett on ABC’s Private Practice. She won an Emmy Award for her role as host of PBS’s Live From Lincoln Center and has received nominations for Wit, A Raisin in the Sun and Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill. Having first appeared as Liz Lawrence on CBS’s The Good Wife, she stars in The Good Fight on Paramount+ as well as in Spectrum’s pandemic-themed drama, The Bite.

On film, she has appeared in Seven Servants, The Object of My Affection, Cradle Will Rock, It Runs in the Family, The Best Thief in the World, She Got Problems, Rampart, Ricki and the Flash, Disney’s live-action Beauty and the Beast, the movie-musical Hello Again, and MGM’s Aretha Franklin biopic, Respect.

Her upcoming film projects comprise Higher Ground’s Rustin and FilmNation’s Down Low. McDonald has issued five solo albums on the Nonesuch label as well as Sing Happy with the New York Philharmonic on Decca Gold. She also maintains a major career as a concert artist, regularly appearing on the great stages of the world and with leading international orchestras. A founding member of Black Theatre United, board member of Covenant House International, and prominent advocate for LGBTQAI+ rights, her favorite roles are those performed offstage, as an activist, wife to actor Will Swenson, and mother.

Audra McDonald Photos

Audra McDonald STAGE CREDITS

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2022
Performer

[Williamstown, MA (Regional)]
Williamstown Theater Festival Production, 2020
Blanche DuBois

[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 2019
Frankie

[West End]
West End Production, 2017
Billie Holiday

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2016
Lottie Gee

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2014
Lady Day

[Motion Picture]
NBC Live Televised Production, 2013
Mother Abbess

[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 2012
Bess

[Off-Broadway]
Shakespeare In The Park Revival, 2009
Olivia

[Broadway]
Roundabout Revival, 2007
Lizzie Curry

[Regional (US)]
Regional Concert, 2005
Fay Apple

[Broadway]
Stephen Sondheim Tribute Benefit, 2005
Performer

[Broadway]
Concert [Broadway], 2005
Clara

[Broadway]
Special Benefit Production, 2005
Performer

[Regional (US)]
Regional Concert, 2004
Dot

[Williamstown, MA (Regional)]
World Premiere, 2004
Performer

[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 2004
Ruth Younger

Ruth Younger

Ruth Younger

[Broadway]
Lincoln Center Revival, 2003
Lady Percy

[Regional (US)]
Regional Concert, 2003
Clara

[Off-Broadway]
New York Concert, 2002
Julie Jordan

[Broadway]
New York Concert, 2001
Deena Jones

[Off-Broadway]
New York Concert, 2000
Beggar Woman

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1999
Marie Christine L'Adrese

[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 1999
Performer [Replacement]

Performer [Replacement]

[New York]
Workshop, 1998
Nina

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1998
Sarah

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1995
Sharon

[Broadway]
Broadway Concert, 1995
"Something Wonderful" Performer

Performer

[Broadway]
Broadway Production, 1994
Carrie Pipperidge

[Los Angeles]
Los Angeles Opera Revival, 2007
Jenny


Audra McDonald Awards and Nominations

Tony Awards - 2020 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play

Audra McDonald, Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune

Olivier Awards - 2018 - Best Actress

Audra McDonald, Lady Day At Emerson's Bar & Grill

BroadwayWorld Awards - 2014 - Best Leading Actress in a Play

Audra McDonald, Lady Day at emerson's Bar & Grill

Drama Desk Awards - 2014 - Outstanding Actress in a Play

Audra McDonald, Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2014 - Outstanding Actress in a Musical

Audra McDonald, Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill

Drama Desk Awards - 2012 - Outstanding Actress in a Musical

Audra McDonald, The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess

Drama League Awards - 2012 - Distinguished Performance Award

Audra McDonald, The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess

Audra McDonald Videos

Audra McDonald News


WAITING FOR GODOT Starring Michael Shannon, Paul Sparks & More Extended at TFANA

Theatre for a New Audience, responding to demand, will present a two-week extension of its production of Samuel Beckett’s Waiting for Godot, directed by Arin Arbus. Learn how to purchase tickets!

Black Theatre United Raises Over $1.2 Million at Inaugural Gala

Black Theatre United (BTU) announced that the organization’s inaugural Gala on Monday, October 30, 2023 raised over $1.2 million to support BTU’s empowering programs in Mentorships, Student Internships, BTU’s Annual Advocacy Summit and BTU’s Education program.

Interview: Theatre Life with Erin Driscoll

Today’s subject Erin Driscoll is someone you are most likely familiar with if you have been inhabiting productions in our area theatres for any length of time. Her memorable leading performances include the title character in Violet at Ford’s Theatre and Cloak and Daggar at Signature Theatre. You might be saying to yourself that you have not seen Ms. Driscoll onstage for a while and that you’ve been missing her superb soprano sound. Well, the wait is over because Erin Driscoll is back onstage in Signature’s current production of Ragtime where she is not only in the ensemble but also covers the role of Mother which she will be performing for both shows on December 10th. The production runs through January 7th in the MAX.

Matinee Performance Added to Jamie Muscato's Solo Concert at Cadogan Hall

De to popular demand, West End star JAMIE MUSCATO has added another performance to his live concert at Cadogan Hall on Sunday 21 July 2024 at 2:30pm. This matinee will be in addition to the sold out 6:30pm performance.

New Collection RAIN From Late Vocalist Nora York Out Now

Good Mood Records returns with the new album RAIN from the groundbreaking late vocalist and songwriter NORA YORK.

Photos: New Look at Audra McDonald, Colman Domingo & More in RUSTIN; Now Streaming on Netflix

Directed by DGA Award and five-time Tony Award winner George C. Wolfe and starring Emmy Award winner Colman Domingo, Rustin also includes Audra McDonald, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Adrienne Warren, Michael Potts, CCH Pounder, and more. Check out new photos of the cast now!

Lena Hall Will Perform in Concert at Cadogan Hall in May 2024

Broadway star LENA HALL will perform at Cadogan Hall on Monday 27 May 2024 at 7.30pm. Tickets are on sale now!

Jamie Muscato Will Perform a Solo Concert at Cadogan Hall in July 2024

West End star JAMIE MUSCATO will perform live at Cadogan Hall on Saturday 21 July 2024 at 6.30pm. Tickets go on sale on Monday 20 November.

JACK Quartet With Tyshawn Sorey, Percussion to Perform at 92NY in December

JACK Quartet with Tyshawn Sorey, percussion at 92NY on December 16, 2023. Experience a US premiere performance blending composition and improvisation. Tickets starting at $25.

Michael Ball and Lucy St. Louis Join Lineup For MY FAVORITE THINGS: THE RODGERS & HAMMERSTEIN 80TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT

The Rodgers & Hammerstein Organization announced that two-time Olivier Award winner Michael Ball and West End sensation Lucy St. Louis will also headline the previously announced My Favorite Things: The Rodgers & Hammerstein 80th Anniversary Concert. Tickets are available now.

Terrence McNally New Works Incubator Now Accepting Applications for Cycle 2

Rattlestick Theatre, the Terrence McNally Foundation, and Tom Kirdahy Productions (TKP) announced today applications for Cycle 2 of the Terrence McNally New Works Incubator.

See Orpheus Chamber Orchestra with Anthony McGill, Clarinet: American Dream at 92nd Street Y

Join Orpheus Chamber Orchestra and acclaimed clarinetist Anthony McGill for an unforgettable evening of American music, featuring Aaron Copland's Clarinet Concerto. Tickets starting at $35.

Broadway Streaming Guide: Holidays 2023 - Where to Watch WHITE CHRISTMAS, THE MUPPET CHRISTMAS CAROL & More

From Hannah Waddingham's new Christmas special to classics like The Muppet Christmas Carol, see which holiday streaming titles are sure to bring any Broadway fan some extra merriment this year. Check out our complete guide to what Broadway fans should be streaming this holiday season on Netflix, Peacock, Disney+, and more now!

Photos: Colman Domingo Attends RUSTIN Screening With Marisa Tomei, Jeremy O Harris and More

Jeremy O Harris, Colman Domingo and Marisa Tomei attended this weekend’s New York screening of “Rustin.' The first screening of the film since the SAG-AFTRA strike lifted, Colman discussed the importance of shining a light on Bayard Rustin, the legendary MLK mentor and organizer. Check out the photos now!

Audra McDonald To Tour Australia In 2024

Broadway superstar Audra McDonald, known for her roles in 'The Good Fight' and 'Private Practice,' is set to tour Australia in 2024. Don't miss the chance to see the most Tony Awarded Performer in Broadway history live in concert.

Every Broadway Actor in THE GILDED AGE Season Two

The Gilded Age has returned for season two with a fresh lineup of Broadway stars! The first season of Julian Fellowes' series featured over 60 Broadway alums, including Audra McDonald, Nathan Lane, Cynthia Nixon, and more. Check out which faces you recognize from the theatre, including new additions like Laura Benanti and Jeremy Shamos.

Review: BROADWAY LEGENDS at The Music Center at Strathmore

What better way to ease into fall and the holiday season than with an evening of show tunes with a symphony orchestra, three great singers, and a superb maestro.

Daniel Dae Kim, Ashley Park, and Aaron Tveit Join MY FAVORITE THINGS: THE RODGERS & HAMMERSTEIN 80TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT

Daniel Dae Kim, Ashley Park, and Aaron Tveit will also headline the previously announced My Favorite Things: The Rodgers & Hammerstein 80th Anniversary Concert.

Audra McDonald to Kick Off Utah Symphony Pop Series This Weekend

Utah Symphony kicks off the Pop Series with Audra McDonald this weekend! Check out the details and get ready for an extraordinary performance.

The 92nd Street Y to Present Curtis at 92NY: Osmo Vänskä, Erin Keefe, and Musicians from the Curtis Institute of Music

Join Osmo Vänskä, Erin Keefe, and Musicians from the Curtis Institute of Music as they perform a captivating chamber music program featuring works by Mozart, Sibelius, and more. Online streaming available.

Audra McDonald FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Audra McDonald's next show will be Ohio State Murders which opens on 12/8/2022 on Broadway.

Audra McDonald has appeared on Broadway in 17 shows.

Audra McDonald has appeared on London's West End in 1 shows.

Audra McDonald's first West End show was Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill which opened in 2017

Audra McDonald has been nominated for several awards throughout her career. Some of her notable nominations include Outstanding Lead Performance in a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for "Ohio State Murders," Outstanding Lead Performer in a Broadway Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for "Ohio State Murders," Best Actress in a Leading Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for "Ohio State Murders," Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for "Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune," Best Actress (Olivier Awards) for "Lady Day At Emerson's Bar & Grill," Best Leading Actress in a Play (BroadwayWorld Awards) for "Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill," Outstanding Actress in a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for "Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill," Outstanding Actress in a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for "Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill," Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for "Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill," Best Leading Actress in a Musical (BroadwayWorld Awards) for "Porgy and Bess," Outstanding Actress in a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for "The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess," Distinguished Performance Award (Drama League Awards) for "The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess," Outstanding Actress in a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for "Porgy and Bess," Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for "The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess," Outstanding Actress in a Musical (tie) (Drama Desk Awards) for "110 in the Shade," Outstanding Actress in a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for "110 in the Shade," Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for "110 in the Shade," Best Featured Actress in a Play (BroadwayWorld Awards) for "A Raisin In The Sun," Outstanding Featured Actress - Play (Drama Desk Awards) for "A Raisin in the Sun," Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for "A Raisin in the Sun," Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for "A Raisin in the Sun," Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theatre (Drama League Awards), Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for "Marie Christine," Outstanding Actress - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for "Marie Christine," Best Featured Actress - Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for "Ragtime," Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for "Ragtime," and Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for "Master Class."

Audra McDonald has won several awards throughout her career. She won the Best Leading Actress in a Play award at the BroadwayWorld Awards for her performance in "Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill." She also received the Outstanding Actress in a Play award at the Drama Desk Awards and the Tony Awards for the same role. For her performance in "Porgy and Bess," McDonald won the Best Leading Actress in a Musical award at the BroadwayWorld Awards and the Tony Awards. She also received the Outstanding Actress in a Musical award at the Drama Desk Awards and the Outer Critics Circle Awards, as well as the Distinguished Performance Award at the Drama League Awards. McDonald's other notable wins include the Outstanding Actress in a Musical award at the Drama Desk Awards for "The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess," the Outstanding Featured Actress - Play award at the Drama Desk Awards for "A Raisin in the Sun," and the Outstanding Actress - Musical award at the Drama Desk Awards for "Marie Christine." She also won the Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical award at the Tony Awards for her roles in "Ragtime" and "Master Class." In addition to these wins, McDonald has received nominations and recognition for her outstanding performances in various productions.

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