Toni-Leslie James
Latest News on Toni-Leslie James:
Guthrie Theater to Present its 51st Production of A CHRISTMAS CAROL (Oct 14, 2025)
Review: Ava: The Secret Conversations (Sep 29, 2025)
Nikiya Mathis, MAYBE HAPPY ENDING, & More Earn 2025 Hewes Design Awards (Sep 4, 2025)
Guthrie Theater to Present its 51st Production of A CHRISTMAS CAROL (Oct 14, 2025)
Review: Ava: The Secret Conversations (Sep 29, 2025)
Nikiya Mathis, MAYBE HAPPY ENDING, & More Earn 2025 Hewes Design Awards (Sep 4, 2025)
BIO
Broadway: Bernhardt/Hamlet; Come From Away; August Wilson’s Jitney; Amazing Grace; Lucky Guy; The Scottsboro Boys; Finian’s Rainbow; Chita Rivera: The Dancer’s Life; Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom; King Hedley II; One Mo’ Time; The Wild Party; Marie Christine; Footloose; The Tempest; Twilight: Los Angeles, 1992; Angels in America: Millennium Approaches & Perestroika; Chronicle of a Death Foretold; and Jelly’s Last Jam. Off-Broadway: The Public Theater, Playwrights Horizons, Second Stage, Soho Rep, Lincoln Center Theater, New York Theatre Workshop, Manhattan Theatre Club, and the Roundabout Theatre, among others. Regional: Berkeley Repertory Theatre, La Jolla Playhouse, Steppenwolf, Hartford Stage, Long Wharf Theatre, the Old Globe, Mark Taper Forum, Arena Stage, Cleveland Playhouse, Cincinnati Playhouse, Seattle Rep, and internationally on the West End in the UK. She has 38 costume design nominations and awards for her contributions to various theatrical productions, including two Tony Award nominations, five Drama Desk nominations, two Hewes Design Awards, the Irene Sharaff Young Masters Award for Costume Design Excellence, and an Obie Award for Sustained Costume Design Excellence.
Photos
Productions
[Off-Broadway, 2019]
Costume Design
Awards and Nominations
Drama Desk Awards - 2025 - Outstanding Costume Design of a Mus
Toni-Leslie James, Gypsy
Tony Awards - 2022 - Best Costume Design of a Musical
Toni-Leslie James, Paradise Square
Drama Desk Awards - 2020 - Outstanding Costume Design for a Play
Toni-Leslie James, for colored girls who have considered suicide/when the rainbow is enuf
winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2019 - Outstanding Costume Design for a Play
Toni-Leslie James, Bernhardt/Hamlet
Tony Awards - 2019 - Best Costume Design of a Play
Toni-Leslie James, Bernhardt/Hamlet
Drama Desk Awards - 2017 - Outstanding Costume Design for a Musical
Toni-Leslie James, Come From Away
Drama Desk Awards - 2017 - Outstanding Costume Design for a Play
Toni-Leslie James, Jitney
Tony Awards - 2017 - Best Costume Design of a Play
Toni-Leslie James, August Wilson's Jitney
The Lortels - 2016 - Outstanding Costume Design
Toni-Leslie James, First Daughter Suite
The Lortels - 2013 - Outstanding Costume Design
Toni-Leslie JamesA Civil War Christmas
winner
Obie Awards - 2009 - Design
Toni-Leslie JamesSustained excellence of costume design
winner
Obie Awards - 2009 - Design
Toni-Leslie JamesSustained excellence of costume design
The Lortels - 2009 - Outstanding Costume Design
Toni-Leslie James, Wig Out!
Helen Hayes Awards - 2007 - Outstanding Costume Design, Resident Production
Toni-Leslie James3 Mo' Divas
Drama Desk Awards - 1995 - Outstanding Costume Design
Toni-Leslie James, The Tempest
Drama Desk Awards - 1992 - Outstanding Costume Design
Toni-Leslie James, Jelly's Last Jam
winner
The Hewes Awards - 1992 - Costume Design
Toni-Leslie James, Jelly's Last Jam
Tony Awards - 1992 - Best Costume Design
Toni-Leslie James , Jelly's Last Jam
Videos
Video: Elizabeth McGovern Previews AVA: THE SECRET CONVERSATIONS on LIVE WITH KELLY AND MARK
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-07-24 10:59:24
Video: First Look at THE UNTITLED UNAUTHORIZED HUNTER S. THOMPSON MUSICAL at Signature Theatre
by Michael Major - 2025-06-10 14:00:20
Video: George Salazar Sings 'Brown Buffalo' From THE UNTITLED UNAUTHORIZED HUNTER S. THOMPSON MUSICAL
by Michael Major - 2025-05-29 10:00:20
Video: Audra McDonald and GYPSY Cast Perform 'Some People' on THE LATE SHOW
by Stephi Wild - 2025-05-23 07:06:11
REDWOOD Will Release Original Broadway Cast Recording; Listen to 'In The Leaves' Now!
by Stephi Wild - 2025-04-22 09:14:37
Video: First Look at 3 SUMMERS OF LINCOLN at La Jolla Playhouse
by Michael Major - 2025-03-03 10:12:05
Video: See Khaila Wilcoxon Sing From REDWOOD Ahead of the Show's Opening Night
by Chloe Rabinowitz - 2025-02-13 15:23:25
Video: Audra McDonald, George C. Wolfe, & More Talk GYPSY on CBS Sunday Morning
by Blair Ingenthron - 2024-12-15 11:36:50
Video: Joy Woods Talks GYPSY and Offers Advice for Young Performers on GOOD MORNING AMERICA
by Josh Sharpe - 2024-12-09 11:53:51
Video: Choreographer Tanya Birl-Torres On MIDNIGHT IN THE GARDEN OF GOOD AND EVIL at the Goodman
by Joshua Wright - 2024-06-12 13:49:34
Video: Rob Ashford Discusses MIDNIGHT IN THE GARDEN OF GOOD AND EVIL
by Chloe Rabinowitz - 2024-05-29 14:36:40
Listen: Idina Menzel Sings 'Great Escape' from New Musical REDWOOD
by Joshua Wright - 2024-03-19 13:29:23
Video: Watch Idina Menzel Get Ready for REDWOOD Climbing Trees and Buildings
by Blair Ingenthron - 2024-02-17 08:49:12
Video: Get a First Look at THE GARDENS OF ANUNCIA at Lincoln Center Theater
by Chloe Rabinowitz - 2023-11-17 14:34:48
VIDEO: The Guthrie's A CHRISTMAS CAROL Releases Teaser Featuring Choreographer Regina Peluso
by Blair Ingenthron - 2023-11-05 15:09:18
Photos & Video: Get a First Look at COME FROM AWAY 2023-24 National Tour
by Chloe Rabinowitz - 2023-10-27 12:45:59
VIDEO: Watch Rehearsal Footage from The Guthrie's A CHRISTMAS CAROL
by Blair Ingenthron - 2023-10-22 14:00:10
News
Guthrie Theater to Present its 51st Production of A CHRISTMAS CAROL
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 14, 2025
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by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 14, 2025
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Review: Ava: The Secret Conversations
by Tina St. Angelo - Sep 29, 2025
I ruined his life…. Whose life? Frank Sinatra. The newest production at the Studebaker Theater is Elizabeth McGovern’s play Ava: The Secret Conversations. She wrote the play which is based upon Peter Evans’ and Ava Gardner’s book “The Secret Conversations”.
by Tina St. Angelo - Sep 29, 2025
I ruined his life…. Whose life? Frank Sinatra. The newest production at the Studebaker Theater is Elizabeth McGovern’s play Ava: The Secret Conversations. She wrote the play which is based upon Peter Evans’ and Ava Gardner’s book “The Secret Conversations”.
Nikiya Mathis, MAYBE HAPPY ENDING, & More Earn 2025 Hewes Design Awards
by Josh Sharpe - Sep 4, 2025
The Henry Hewes Design Awards Committee has revealed the 2025 Henry Hewes Design Awards Honorees who will be recognized at the 61st annual ceremony on October 20 in New York.
by Josh Sharpe - Sep 4, 2025
The Henry Hewes Design Awards Committee has revealed the 2025 Henry Hewes Design Awards Honorees who will be recognized at the 61st annual ceremony on October 20 in New York.
Review Roundup: JEFF ROSS: TAKE A BANANA FOR THE RIDE Opens On Broadway
by A.A. Cristi - Aug 19, 2025
The new theatrical one-man show, Jeff Ross: TAKE A BANANA FOR THE RIDE plays the Nederlander Theatre on Broadway. Named for his beloved grandfather’s practical and loving travel advice, this intimate one-man show offers a peeled back look into the heart and soul of America’s Roastmaster – but don’t expect to get away un-skewered. Read the reviews!
by A.A. Cristi - Aug 19, 2025
The new theatrical one-man show, Jeff Ross: TAKE A BANANA FOR THE RIDE plays the Nederlander Theatre on Broadway. Named for his beloved grandfather’s practical and loving travel advice, this intimate one-man show offers a peeled back look into the heart and soul of America’s Roastmaster – but don’t expect to get away un-skewered. Read the reviews!
GYPSY Plays Final Broadway Performance
by Nicole Rosky - Aug 17, 2025
Broadway says goodbye to Gypsy, which concludes its Broadway run at the Majestic Theatre after 28 previews and 269 regular performances. Take a look back at the production and its historic Broadway run.
by Nicole Rosky - Aug 17, 2025
Broadway says goodbye to Gypsy, which concludes its Broadway run at the Majestic Theatre after 28 previews and 269 regular performances. Take a look back at the production and its historic Broadway run.
Review Roundup: AVA: THE SECRET CONVERSATIONS Starring Elizabeth McGovern Opens at City Center
by A.A. Cristi - Aug 8, 2025
Following a run at The Geffen Playhouse in Los Angeles, AVA: The Secret Conversations, written by and starring Downton Abbey star Elizabeth McGovern is making its New York premiere! Read reviews for the production!
by A.A. Cristi - Aug 8, 2025
Following a run at The Geffen Playhouse in Los Angeles, AVA: The Secret Conversations, written by and starring Downton Abbey star Elizabeth McGovern is making its New York premiere! Read reviews for the production!
JEFF ROSS: TAKE A BANANA FOR THE RIDE Will Offer In-Person Rush Tickets
by Stephi Wild - Aug 7, 2025
The new theatrical one-man show, JEFF ROSS: TAKE A BANANA FOR THE RIDE, will offer an in-person rush policy, in addition to the previously announced digital ticket lottery policy.
by Stephi Wild - Aug 7, 2025
The new theatrical one-man show, JEFF ROSS: TAKE A BANANA FOR THE RIDE, will offer an in-person rush policy, in addition to the previously announced digital ticket lottery policy.
JEFF ROSS: TAKE A BANANA FOR THE RIDE to Offer $45 Lottery Tickets
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Aug 5, 2025
JEFF ROSS: TAKE A BANANA FOR THE RIDE is launching a digital ticket lottery! Learn more about the Broadway production and see how to purchase tickets here!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Aug 5, 2025
JEFF ROSS: TAKE A BANANA FOR THE RIDE is launching a digital ticket lottery! Learn more about the Broadway production and see how to purchase tickets here!
GYPSY 2024 Broadway Cast Recording Out on CD and VINYL Now
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jul 25, 2025
The Gypsy: 2024 Broadway Cast Recording – starring six-time Tony Award winner Audra McDonald – in CD and vinyl editions is out now. Learn more and see how to purchase!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jul 25, 2025
The Gypsy: 2024 Broadway Cast Recording – starring six-time Tony Award winner Audra McDonald – in CD and vinyl editions is out now. Learn more and see how to purchase!
Video: Elizabeth McGovern Previews AVA: THE SECRET CONVERSATIONS on LIVE WITH KELLY AND MARK
by Josh Sharpe - Jul 24, 2025
Elizabeth McGovern, writer and star of AVA: The Secret Conversations, recently visited Live with Kelly and Mark to preview the production, which sees her playing the Hollywood icon Ava Gardner. Watch the interview now!
by Josh Sharpe - Jul 24, 2025
Elizabeth McGovern, writer and star of AVA: The Secret Conversations, recently visited Live with Kelly and Mark to preview the production, which sees her playing the Hollywood icon Ava Gardner. Watch the interview now!
GYPSY Announces Final Broadway Performance
by A.A. Cristi - Jul 17, 2025
The Broadway revival of Gypsy, starring Audra McDonald and directed by George C. Wolfe, will play its final performance on August 17, 2025, at the Majestic Theatre. The award-winning production, praised for its historic casting and five Tony nominations, will have played 28 previews and 269 regular performances.
by A.A. Cristi - Jul 17, 2025
The Broadway revival of Gypsy, starring Audra McDonald and directed by George C. Wolfe, will play its final performance on August 17, 2025, at the Majestic Theatre. The award-winning production, praised for its historic casting and five Tony nominations, will have played 28 previews and 269 regular performances.
Montego Glover to Play Sunday Matinee Performances as 'Rose' in GYPSY
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jul 7, 2025
Following her one week run earlier this month during Audra McDonald’s vacation, Tony Award nominee Montego Glover will return to star as “Rose” in GYPSY during Sunday matinee performances. Learn more!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jul 7, 2025
Following her one week run earlier this month during Audra McDonald’s vacation, Tony Award nominee Montego Glover will return to star as “Rose” in GYPSY during Sunday matinee performances. Learn more!
Photos: Meet the Cast of AVA: THE SECRET CONVERSATIONS
by Bruce Glikas - Jul 1, 2025
Following a run at The Geffen Playhouse in Los Angeles, AVA: The Secret Conversations, written by and starring Elizabeth McGovern is preparing to make its New York premiere! Check out photos of the cast meeting the press here!
by Bruce Glikas - Jul 1, 2025
Following a run at The Geffen Playhouse in Los Angeles, AVA: The Secret Conversations, written by and starring Elizabeth McGovern is preparing to make its New York premiere! Check out photos of the cast meeting the press here!
Video: Watch 'Kaboom' From THE UNTITLED UNAUTHORIZED HUNTER S. THOMPSON MUSICAL
by Michael Major - Jun 17, 2025
Watch a video of 'Kaboom' from the Signature Theatre's DC premiere of The Untitled Unauthorized Hunter S. Thompson Musical, with music and lyrics by Joe Iconis (Be More Chill, NBC’s Smash) and a book by Joe Iconis and Gregory S. Moss.
by Michael Major - Jun 17, 2025
Watch a video of 'Kaboom' from the Signature Theatre's DC premiere of The Untitled Unauthorized Hunter S. Thompson Musical, with music and lyrics by Joe Iconis (Be More Chill, NBC’s Smash) and a book by Joe Iconis and Gregory S. Moss.
Review: THE UNTITLED UNAUTHORIZED HUNTER S. THOMPSON MUSICAL at Signature Theatre
by David Friscic - Jun 16, 2025
What can one say about Hunter S. Thompson, the infamous “Gonzo” journalist who wrote about the Hell’s Angels, The Kentucky Derby, who wrote prolifically in Rolling Stone Magazine and who plunged into Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (with drug -fueled adrenalin) and who embraced political passions in Fear and Loathing on the Campaign Trail? It seems quite a hell of a lot ---especially if one witnesses the jam-packed minutiae and layers of Hunter J. Thompson’s musically embellished narrative, --where autobiography, history and psychological facets of consciousness collide and converge in the explosive Signature Theatre production of The Untitled Unauthorized Hunter S. Thompson Musical.
by David Friscic - Jun 16, 2025
What can one say about Hunter S. Thompson, the infamous “Gonzo” journalist who wrote about the Hell’s Angels, The Kentucky Derby, who wrote prolifically in Rolling Stone Magazine and who plunged into Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (with drug -fueled adrenalin) and who embraced political passions in Fear and Loathing on the Campaign Trail? It seems quite a hell of a lot ---especially if one witnesses the jam-packed minutiae and layers of Hunter J. Thompson’s musically embellished narrative, --where autobiography, history and psychological facets of consciousness collide and converge in the explosive Signature Theatre production of The Untitled Unauthorized Hunter S. Thompson Musical.
Video: 'Nixon's Big Number' from THE UNTITLED UNAUTHORIZED HUNTER S. THOMPSON MUSICAL
by Michael Major - Jun 14, 2025
Signature Theatre has revealed a new look at the DC premiere of The Untitled Unauthorized Hunter S. Thompson Musical, with music and lyrics by Joe Iconis (Be More Chill, NBC’s Smash) and a book by Joe Iconis and Gregory S. Moss (Indian Summer, Reunion). Check out brand new video of 'Nixon's Big Number' from the show.
by Michael Major - Jun 14, 2025
Signature Theatre has revealed a new look at the DC premiere of The Untitled Unauthorized Hunter S. Thompson Musical, with music and lyrics by Joe Iconis (Be More Chill, NBC’s Smash) and a book by Joe Iconis and Gregory S. Moss (Indian Summer, Reunion). Check out brand new video of 'Nixon's Big Number' from the show.
Photos: THE UNTITLED UNAUTHORIZED HUNTER S. THOMPSON MUSICAL At Signature Theatre
by A.A. Cristi - Jun 11, 2025
Signature Theatre has revealed first look photos of the DC premiere of The Untitled Unauthorized Hunter S. Thompson Musical, with music and lyrics by Joe Iconis (Be More Chill, NBC’s Smash) and a book by Joe Iconis and Gregory S. Moss (Indian Summer, Reunion).
by A.A. Cristi - Jun 11, 2025
Signature Theatre has revealed first look photos of the DC premiere of The Untitled Unauthorized Hunter S. Thompson Musical, with music and lyrics by Joe Iconis (Be More Chill, NBC’s Smash) and a book by Joe Iconis and Gregory S. Moss (Indian Summer, Reunion).
Video: First Look at THE UNTITLED UNAUTHORIZED HUNTER S. THOMPSON MUSICAL at Signature Theatre
by Michael Major - Jun 10, 2025
Watch a preview of Joe Iconis' The Untitled Unauthorized Hunter S. Thompson Musical at Signature Theatre! It stars Eric William Morris, George Abud, Darlesia Cearcy, George Salazar, and more.
by Michael Major - Jun 10, 2025
Watch a preview of Joe Iconis' The Untitled Unauthorized Hunter S. Thompson Musical at Signature Theatre! It stars Eric William Morris, George Abud, Darlesia Cearcy, George Salazar, and more.
Elizabeth McGoverm's AVA: THE SECRET CONVERSATIONS to Play in Chicago
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jun 6, 2025
AVA: The Secret Conversations, written by and starring Academy Award, Golden Globe, and Emmy Award-nominated actress and Evanston native Elizabeth McGovern, will make its Chicago premiere. Learn more!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jun 6, 2025
AVA: The Secret Conversations, written by and starring Academy Award, Golden Globe, and Emmy Award-nominated actress and Evanston native Elizabeth McGovern, will make its Chicago premiere. Learn more!
2025 Drama Desk Awards Winners- The Full List
by Nicole Rosky - Jun 1, 2025
Debra Messing and Tituss Burgess hosted the 69th Annual Drama Desk Awards at NYU Skirball. Check out the full list of winners from the big night here!
by Nicole Rosky - Jun 1, 2025
Debra Messing and Tituss Burgess hosted the 69th Annual Drama Desk Awards at NYU Skirball. Check out the full list of winners from the big night here!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What awards has Toni-Leslie James been nominated for?
Outstanding Costume Design of a Mus (Drama Desk Awards) for Gypsy, Best Costume Design of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Paradise Square, Outstanding Costume Design for a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for for colored girls who have considered suicide/when the rainbow is enuf, Outstanding Costume Design for a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Bernhardt/Hamlet, Best Costume Design of a Play (Tony Awards) for Bernhardt/Hamlet, Outstanding Costume Design for a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Come From Away, Outstanding Costume Design for a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Jitney, Best Costume Design of a Play (Tony Awards) for August Wilson's Jitney, Outstanding Costume Design (The Lortels) for First Daughter Suite, Outstanding Costume Design (The Lortels) for A Civil War Christmas, Design (Obie Awards) for Sustained excellence of costume design, Design (Obie Awards) for Sustained excellence of costume design, Outstanding Costume Design (The Lortels) for Wig Out!, Outstanding Costume Design, Resident Production (Helen Hayes Awards) for 3 Mo' Divas , Outstanding Costume Design (Drama Desk Awards) for The Tempest, Outstanding Costume Design (Drama Desk Awards) for Jelly's Last Jam, Costume Design (The Hewes Awards) for Jelly's Last Jam and Best Costume Design (Tony Awards) for Jelly's Last Jam.
What awards has Toni-Leslie James won?
Toni-Leslie James has won the Outstanding Costume Design for a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Bernhardt/Hamlet, Design (Obie Awards) for Sustained Excellence of Costume Design, and Costume Design (The Hewes Awards) for Jelly's Last Jam.
Videos