Toni-Leslie James
Sierra Boggess, Liz Callaway and More to Perform at 70th Drama Desk Awards (May 8, 2026)
Raúl Esparza, Norbert Leo Butz, Beth Leavel and More to Present at 70th Annual Drama Desk Awards (May 4, 2026)
Review: Theatre Raleigh's COME FROM AWAY (Apr 2, 2026)
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
Awards and Nominations
Toni-Leslie James, Gypsy
Toni-Leslie James, Paradise Square
Toni-Leslie James, for colored girls who have considered suicide/when the rainbow is enuf
winner
Toni-Leslie James, Bernhardt/Hamlet
Toni-Leslie James, Bernhardt/Hamlet
Toni-Leslie James, Come From Away
Toni-Leslie James, Jitney
Toni-Leslie James, August Wilson's Jitney
Toni-Leslie James, First Daughter Suite
Toni-Leslie JamesA Civil War Christmas
winner
Toni-Leslie JamesSustained excellence of costume design
winner
Toni-Leslie JamesSustained excellence of costume design
Toni-Leslie James, Wig Out!
Toni-Leslie James3 Mo' Divas
Toni-Leslie James, The Tempest
Toni-Leslie James, Jelly's Last Jam
winner
Toni-Leslie James, Jelly's Last Jam
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
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 8, 2026
The Drama Desk Awards has revealed the line-up of special performances and tributes for the 70th Annual Drama Desk Awards, taking place Sunday, May 17, 2026 at The Town Hall.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 4, 2026
The 70th Annual Drama Desk Awards is set to be the largest gathering in the organization's seven-decade history — with the most Drama Desk winners and nominees, past and present, ever assembled for the ceremony.
by Jeffrey Kare - Apr 2, 2026
Come From Away is based on a true story of when the isolated community of Gander, Newfoundland played host to the world. What started as an average day in a small Canadian town turned into an international sleep-over when 38 planes, carrying thousands of people from across the globe, were diverted to Gander's air strip on September 11th, 2001.
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 4, 2026
The Museum of Broadway has announced a redesign of its permanent costume exhibit will exclusively feature costumes worn by iconic Black performers in celebration of Black History Month.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 18, 2025
Berkeley Repertory Theatre has revealed the full cast and creative team for Arthur Miller’s seminal work of American drama, All My Sons, performing at Berkeley Rep’s Roda Theatre.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 14, 2025
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by Tina St. Angelo - Sep 28, 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 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 A.A. Cristi - Aug 18, 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 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 A.A. Cristi - Aug 7, 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 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 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 - 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 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 A.A. Cristi - Jul 16, 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 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 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 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 13, 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.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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.
Toni-Leslie James has won the following awards: Outstanding Costume Design for a Play at the Drama Desk Awards for Bernhardt/Hamlet; Design at the Obie Awards for sustained excellence in costume design; and Costume Design at The Hewes Awards for Jelly's Last Jam.
Videos
