Nova Y. Payton

MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG, Laura Benanti and More Set for Signature Theatre 2026-2027 Season
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 5, 2026

Signature Theatre has revealed its 2026-2027 Season. The 37th season features six musicals and two plays, including a world premiere musical, a regional premiere musical, and a DC premiere play.

Feature: SONDHEIM AWARD GALA: Vanessa Williams Tenacity, Talent, and Artistry
by David Friscic - Mar 25, 2026

I have always been tantalized by the triple threat talent of Vanessa Williams. Ever since I sat with my family and saw her on television singing “Happy Days are Here Again” to become the first Miss America of color, she has become an artistic and cultural presence in my life. At pivotal moments of life experience, her recordings, television appearances, stage appearances, and concerts have become an integral part of my artistic consciousness. As a gay person, I instinctively sensed that she would understand me if she ever met me. Little did I know that she would meet me after a concert and pose for a great picture or that I would be writing this feature story on her well-deserved Signature Theatre Sondheim Award at the Sondheim Award Gala in Washington, DC. (held at The Anthem venue on March 16, 2026).

Ariana DeBose and Solea Pfeiffer to Honor Vanessa Williams at Signature Theatre Gala
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 24, 2026

Virginia’s Tony Award-winning Signature Theatre will honor star of stage and screen Vanessa Williams with the company’s fifteenth Stephen Sondheim Award.

Rob McClure, National Tours of KIMBERLY AKIMBO and SOME LIKE IT HOT Among 2026 Helen Hayes Award Nominees
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 23, 2026

The 2026 Helen Hayes Award nominations have been announced, recognizing outstanding achievement in Washington-area professional theatre. Arena Stage, Signature Theatre, Shakespeare Theatre Company, Round House Theatre, and dozens of regional companies are represented across performance, direction, design, and production categories. The awards highlight the breadth of theatre work presented throughout the D.C. metropolitan area.

The New York Pops To Present THE MUSIC OF US: FROM THEN TO NOW At Carnegie Hall
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 2, 2026

The New York Pops will present The Music of US: From Then To Now at Carnegie Hall as part of the United in Sound: America at 250 festival. Led by Steven Reineke, the concert will feature guest artists Max Clayton, Nova Y. Payton, and Ephraim Sykes.

Signature Theatre to Honor Vanessa Williams with 2026 Stephen Sondheim Award
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 2, 2026

Signature Theatre will honor star of stage and screen Vanessa Williams with the company’s fifteenth Stephen Sondheim Award. The Stephen Sondheim Award will be presented at a black-tie Gala Benefit.

Aisha Jackson Replaces Maleah Joi Moon for IF I AIN’T GOT YOU: THE BEST OF R&B
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 22, 2025

Due to a schedule conflict, Aisha Jackson will replace previously announced guest artist Maleah Joi Moon in The New York Pops’ upcoming concert If I Ain’t Got You: The Best of R&B.

Photos: Megan Hilty and the New York Pops' 2025 Holiday Concert
by Genevieve Rafter Keddy - Dec 21, 2025

On December 19, Megan Hilty joined Steven Reineke, Essential Voices USA, and The New York Pops for a special holiday concert at Carnegie Hall, and you can check out photos of the event.

Wake Up With BroadwayWorld December 11, 2025- MARJORIE PRIME Opens On Broadway and More
by - Dec 11, 2025

Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is December 11, 2025 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.

Video: 'Put On Your Sunday Clothes' from HELLO, DOLLY! at Olney Theatre Center
by Joshua Wright - Dec 10, 2025

See Nova Y. Payton and the cast of HELLO, DOLLY! at ​Olney Theatre Center perform 'Put On Your Sunday Clothes.' The production will run through January 4, 2026. The two-time Helen Hayes Award-winner stars as the meddling matchmaker Dolly Levi in a production directed by Kevin S. McAllister, choreographed by Eamon Foley, and music direction by Christopher Youstra. 

GUYS & DOLLS & More Lead Washington, DC's Top Holiday Theatre Shows
by Team BWW - Dec 2, 2025

Washington, DC is never lacking outstanding theatre, whether epic Broadway shows, engrossing dramas or bold fringe offerings. See what the experts recommend! Check out our editorial team's top picks for the best shows to see in Washington, DC for the Holiday Season 2025.

Video: Watch the Trailer For HELLO, DOLLY! at Olney Theatre
by Michael Major - Nov 19, 2025

Watch a video of Nova Y. Payton and an all-star cast in HELLO, DOLLY! at ​Olney Theatre Center, running through January 4. The two-time Helen Hayes Award-winner stars as the meddling matchmaker Dolly Levi.

The New York Pops to Honor Stephen Schwartz at 43rd Birthday Gala at Carnegie Hall
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 19, 2025

The New York Pops will honor Grammy, Academy, and Tony Award winning composer Stephen Schwartz at the orchestra’s 43rd Birthday Gala.

Review: HELLO, DOLLY! at Olney Theatre Center
by Ken Kemp - Nov 19, 2025

This holiday season Olney Theatre Center's Hello, Dolly! gives audiences a chance to see a rarely performed classic on the Roberts Mainstage, in an entertaining production that harks back to the Golden Age of Broadway musicals.

Megan Hilty to Join The New York Pops for Annual Holiday Concert at Carnegie Hall
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 6, 2025

The New York Pops, led by Music Director and Conductor Steven Reineke, will celebrate the holidays with its annual concert tradition. A Place Called Home features Megan Hilty, best known for playing the triple-threat Ivy Lynn in “Smash” on NBC.

Video: Nova Y. Payton Performs 'Before The Parade Passes By' from HELLO, DOLLY!
by Joshua Wright - Oct 31, 2025

Watch Nova Y. Payton, who plays Dolly Gallagher Levi in Olney Theater's Hello, Dolly!, performs a special cabaret version of the Act I-closing number 'Before The Parade Passes By.'

THE WILD DUCK & More Lead Washington, DC's November 2025 Top Theatre Shows
by Team BWW - Oct 30, 2025

Washington, DC is never lacking outstanding theatre, whether epic Broadway shows, engrossing dramas or bold fringe offerings. BroadwayWorld is rounding up our top recommended theatre every month. Selections for November 2025 include The Wild Duck and more.

Nova Y. Payton And Moses Villarama To Star In HELLO, DOLLY! at Olney Theatre Center
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 6, 2025

​Olney Theatre Center will present Hello, Dolly! in the Roberts Mainstage this fall and winter. See who is starring and learn how to purchase tickets here!

Hugh Panaro and Elizabeth Stanley To Join The NY Pops In FROM STAGE TO SCREEN At Carnegie Hall
by A.A. Cristi - Sep 11, 2025

The New York Pops, led by Music Director and Conductor Steven Reineke, will open its 43rd season at Carnegie Hall with From Stage to Screen on Friday, October 24, 2025, at 8:00 p.m. in Stern Auditorium / Perelman Stage.

Jessica Vosk To Join The New York Pops For Cabaret At 54 Below
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Aug 26, 2025

Jessica Vosk will headline the annual New York Pops Underground cabaret performance at 54 Below with an intimate and eclectic evening of songs. Learn more!