TONY TONY TONY! Sarah had the amazing opportunity to fill in for Alan Seales & The Theatre Podcast at the 77th Annual Tony Awards press room. All the winners are brought to the press room right after they receive their Tony Awards and then all the press folx get to ask questions, it's so fun!
Dede Ayite
Dede Ayite is a costume designer whose Broadway credits include A Soldier’s Play, Slave Play, American Son, and Children of a Lesser God. Select Off-Broadway credits include Secret Life of Bees, FireFlies, Marie and Rosetta, Tell Hector I Miss Him (Atlantic); By The Way, Meet Vera Stark, JHAT (Signature); BLKS, Collective Rage…, School Girls… (MCC); Slave Play (NYTW); Sugar in Our Wounds (MTC); If Pretty Hurts…, Mankind, Bella: An American Tall Tale (Playwrights Horizons); The Royale (Lincoln Center); Ugly Lies the Bone (Roundabout); and brownsville song [b-side for tray] (LCT3).
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BIO
Dede Ayite is a costume designer whose Broadway credits include A Soldier’s Play, Slave Play, American Son, and Children of a Lesser God. Select Off-Broadway credits include Secret Life of Bees, FireFlies, Marie and Rosetta, Tell Hector I Miss Him (Atlantic); By The Way, Meet Vera Stark, JHAT (Signature); BLKS, Collective Rage…, School Girls… (MCC); Slave Play (NYTW); Sugar in Our Wounds (MTC); If Pretty Hurts…, Mankind, Bella: An American Tall Tale (Playwrights Horizons); The Royale (Lincoln Center); Ugly Lies the Bone (Roundabout); and brownsville song [b-side for tray] (LCT3). Regionally, Ayite’s works has appeared at Oregon Shakespeare Festival; Williamstown Theatre Festival; Steppenwolf; American Repertory Theater, Denver Center; California Shakespeare; La Jolla Playhouse; Berkeley Repertory; Baltimore Center Stage; Arena Stage; Cleveland Playhouse; Signature Theatre; and McCarter Theatre, Hartford Stage. She has worked in television with Netflix, Comedy Central, and FOX Shortcoms. Ayite earned her MFA at the Yale School of Drama and has received an Obie, Lucille Lortel, Helen Hayes, Theatre Bay Area, and Jeff Awards, along with four Drama Desk Nominations.
Photos
Productions
Awards and Nominations
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2026 - Outstanding Costume Design
Dede Ayite, Goddess
winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2025 - Outstanding Costume Design of a Pla
Dede Ayite, Our Town
Tony Awards - 2025 - Best Costume Design of a Musical
Dede Ayite, Buena Vista Social Club
Drama Desk Awards - 2024 - Outstanding Costume Design of a Musical
Dede Ayite, Buena Vista Social Club
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2024 - Outstanding Costume Design (Broadway or Off-Broadway)
Dede Ayite, Jaja's African Hair Braiding
The Lortels - 2024 - Outstanding Costume Design
Dede Ayite, Buena Vista Social Club
Tony Awards - 2024 - Best Costume Design of a Musical
Dede Ayite, Hell's Kitchen
winner
Tony Awards - 2024 - Best Costume Design of a Play
Dede Ayite, Jaja's African Hair Braiding
Tony Awards - 2024 - Best Costume Design of a Play
Dede Ayite, Appropriate
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2023 - Outstanding Costume Design (Play or Musical)
Dede Ayite, Topdog/Underdog
winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2022 - Special Award
Dede Ayite
Tony Awards - 2020 - Best Costume Design of a Play
Dede Ayite, Slave Play
Tony Awards - 2020 - Best Costume Design of a Play
Dede Ayite, A Soldier's Play
Videos
Video: Kennedy Caughell and Desmond Sean Ellington Talk HELL'S KITCHEN National Tour
by A.A. Cristi - 2026-10-16 23:16:29
Video: Glenn Davis and Namir Smallwood in TOPDOG/UNDERDOG at Steppenwolf
by Stephi Wild - 2026-09-30 09:21:58
Video: Watch the Trailer for THE CONVERSATION Starring Joshua Henry and Julia Harriman
by Chloe Rabinowitz - 2026-09-15 14:34:02
Video: 'I Can Hear the Stars' from BASURA at Alliance Theatre
by Joshua Wright - 2026-05-28 16:39:59
Video: Michelle Obama Highlights the Importance of Black Storytelling in PROOF
by Josh Sharpe - 2026-05-22 13:40:46
Video: CRAZYSEXYCOOL – THE TLC MUSICAL Cast Begins Rehearsals at Arena Stage
by Stephi Wild - 2026-05-19 09:11:09
Video: Alex Lacamoire and BASURA Pay Tribute To Michael Greif On RENT 30th Anniversary
by A.A. Cristi - 2026-04-29 23:30:20
Video: Ayo Edebiri Has a Tattoo of a Quote From Her PROOF Co-Star
by Josh Sharpe - 2026-04-29 09:28:49
Video: Go Inside the First Rehearsal For BASURA at Alliance Theatre
by Michael Major - 2026-04-24 15:58:42
Video: Why Don Cheadle Doesn't Want to Know Who's in the Audience for PROOF
by Josh Sharpe - 2026-04-21 15:48:50
Video: Don Cheadle and Ayo Edebiri Discuss Their Broadway Debuts, Love of Theater on CBS SUNDAY MORNING
by Josh Sharpe - 2026-04-20 10:51:30
Video: THE LAST FIVE YEARS Standbys Noah Kieserman & Nasia Thomas Have Special Performance
by Michael Major - 2025-06-16 09:44:10
Video: Watch HELL'S KITCHEN Perform 'Girl on Fire' & 'No One' on GOOD MORNING AMERICA
by Michael Major - 2025-06-13 14:09:08
Nick Jonas and Adrienne Warren Reflect on Artistic Risk & Social Media Pressure
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-05-27 10:00:40
Video: Nick Jonas Shares the Biggest Difference Between Touring and Broadway
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-05-16 14:00:43
Video: Tank and Amanda Reid Perform 'If I Ain't Got You' From HELL'S KITCHEN; Deluxe Album Out Next Week
by Stephi Wild - 2025-05-16 05:37:09
Video: How Nick Jonas Learned 'The Schmuel Song' From THE LAST FIVE YEARS
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-05-15 15:15:53
Video: Nick Jonas and Adrienne Warren Reveal Their Favorite Moments in THE LAST FIVE YEARS
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-04-11 18:01:08
Video: What Adrienne Warren Wants People to Know About Broadway Previews
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-04-01 12:26:31
News
BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB Tour Sets Box Office Records in Miami and Fort Lauderdale
by Stephi Wild - Oct 20, 2026
The five-time Tony Award-winning musical broke attendance and box office records at the Adrienne Arsht Center in Miami and Broward Center in Fort Lauderdale, continuing its national tour through 2027 and beyond.
by Stephi Wild - Oct 20, 2026
The five-time Tony Award-winning musical broke attendance and box office records at the Adrienne Arsht Center in Miami and Broward Center in Fort Lauderdale, continuing its national tour through 2027 and beyond.
Amber Gray, Jasmine Cephas Jones, and More Will Lead Lin-Manuel Miranda and Eisa Davis' WARRIORS
by Stephi Wild - Oct 20, 2026
Initial casting has been announced for Warriors, the new musical with book, music and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda and Eisa Davis, coming to Broadway next year! Find out who is starring in the show here.
by Stephi Wild - Oct 20, 2026
Initial casting has been announced for Warriors, the new musical with book, music and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda and Eisa Davis, coming to Broadway next year! Find out who is starring in the show here.
Video: Kennedy Caughell and Desmond Sean Ellington Talk HELL'S KITCHEN National Tour
by A.A. Cristi - Oct 16, 2026
Watch Hell's Kitchen stars Kennedy Caughell and Desmond Sean Ellington discuss the music and story of Alicia Keys' Broadway musical, now playing its Canadian premiere in Toronto through October 25.
by A.A. Cristi - Oct 16, 2026
Watch Hell's Kitchen stars Kennedy Caughell and Desmond Sean Ellington discuss the music and story of Alicia Keys' Broadway musical, now playing its Canadian premiere in Toronto through October 25.
HELL'S KITCHEN Tickets to Go on Sale for Dallas Engagement
by A.A. Cristi - Oct 5, 2026
Tickets for Alicia Keys' Tony and Grammy Award-winning musical HELL'S KITCHEN will go on sale for its Dallas premiere at the Music Hall at Fair Park, with prices starting at $45.
by A.A. Cristi - Oct 5, 2026
Tickets for Alicia Keys' Tony and Grammy Award-winning musical HELL'S KITCHEN will go on sale for its Dallas premiere at the Music Hall at Fair Park, with prices starting at $45.
Michael Cerveris, Montego Glover, and More Will Lead HERE THERE ARE BLUEBERRIES
by Stephi Wild - Oct 5, 2026
The Pulitzer Prize finalist play by Moisés Kaufman and Amanda Gronich will open at the Barrymore Theatre with an ensemble featuring Tony Award winners Michael Cerveris and Montego Glover.
by Stephi Wild - Oct 5, 2026
The Pulitzer Prize finalist play by Moisés Kaufman and Amanda Gronich will open at the Barrymore Theatre with an ensemble featuring Tony Award winners Michael Cerveris and Montego Glover.
Video: Glenn Davis and Namir Smallwood in TOPDOG/UNDERDOG at Steppenwolf
by Stephi Wild - Sep 30, 2026
Steppenwolf Theatre Company has launched its 51st Season with Suzan-Lori Parks’ Topdog/Underdog, helmed by Kenny Leon. Check out an all new video clip from the show here!
by Stephi Wild - Sep 30, 2026
Steppenwolf Theatre Company has launched its 51st Season with Suzan-Lori Parks’ Topdog/Underdog, helmed by Kenny Leon. Check out an all new video clip from the show here!
BOOP!, MAYBE HAPPY ENDING, and BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB Tickets on Sale at Playhouse Square
by Stephi Wild - Sep 30, 2026
Playhouse Square released individual tickets for three touring Broadway productions in the 2026-27 KeyBank Broadway Series. BOOP! The Musical, MAYBE HAPPY ENDING, and BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB will perform at the Connor Palace.
by Stephi Wild - Sep 30, 2026
Playhouse Square released individual tickets for three touring Broadway productions in the 2026-27 KeyBank Broadway Series. BOOP! The Musical, MAYBE HAPPY ENDING, and BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB will perform at the Connor Palace.
Xolo Maridueña to Make Broadway Debut in BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB
by A.A. Cristi - Sep 29, 2026
Television and film star Xolo Maridueña will join the Tony and Grammy Award-winning Broadway production of BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB, playing Juan De Marcos at the Schoenfeld Theatre.
by A.A. Cristi - Sep 29, 2026
Television and film star Xolo Maridueña will join the Tony and Grammy Award-winning Broadway production of BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB, playing Juan De Marcos at the Schoenfeld Theatre.
Review: TOPDOG/UNDERDOG at Steppenwolf Theatre Company
by Rachel Weinberg - Sep 28, 2026
Steppenwolf opens its 51st season with a blistering and captivating production of Suzan Lori-Parks’s Topdog/Underdog. This play has long been on my theater bucket list, and it’s absolutely what I think of when I think of a “Steppenwolf play”: A gritty family drama about brothers undergoing hard times, grappling with racial injustice and the fallacy of the American Dream. With direction by Kenny Leon, Steppenwolf Co-Artistic Director Glen Davis and Ensemble Member Namir Smallwood are dazzlingly suited to take on the roles of Lincoln and Booth. While they tell us their names are a joke by their parents, it’s also revealing of their sibling dynamic and their fates. Though American society at large may view them as insignificant and non-contributors to capitalism, Lincoln and Booth nonetheless feel pressured to constantly one up each other — though they may have few means to do so.
by Rachel Weinberg - Sep 28, 2026
Steppenwolf opens its 51st season with a blistering and captivating production of Suzan Lori-Parks’s Topdog/Underdog. This play has long been on my theater bucket list, and it’s absolutely what I think of when I think of a “Steppenwolf play”: A gritty family drama about brothers undergoing hard times, grappling with racial injustice and the fallacy of the American Dream. With direction by Kenny Leon, Steppenwolf Co-Artistic Director Glen Davis and Ensemble Member Namir Smallwood are dazzlingly suited to take on the roles of Lincoln and Booth. While they tell us their names are a joke by their parents, it’s also revealing of their sibling dynamic and their fates. Though American society at large may view them as insignificant and non-contributors to capitalism, Lincoln and Booth nonetheless feel pressured to constantly one up each other — though they may have few means to do so.
Review: BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB National Tour at Durham Performing Arts Center
by Jeffrey Kare - Sep 24, 2026
Buena Vista Social Club is the latest in a long line of jukebox/biomusicals. This one in particular is set in Havana, Cuba from the 1950s to the 1990s. The story follows four prominent musicians. Over the course of their lives, they experienced the effects of communism and the rise of Fidel Castro, as well as their eventual collaboration in 1997 on the landmark album.
by Jeffrey Kare - Sep 24, 2026
Buena Vista Social Club is the latest in a long line of jukebox/biomusicals. This one in particular is set in Havana, Cuba from the 1950s to the 1990s. The story follows four prominent musicians. Over the course of their lives, they experienced the effects of communism and the rise of Fidel Castro, as well as their eventual collaboration in 1997 on the landmark album.
HELL'S KITCHEN to Play Bass Concert Hall in Austin
by A.A. Cristi - Sep 22, 2026
Alicia Keys' Tony and Grammy Award-winning musical HELL'S KITCHEN will make its Austin premiere at Bass Concert Hall. Tickets go on sale Sept. 25.
by A.A. Cristi - Sep 22, 2026
Alicia Keys' Tony and Grammy Award-winning musical HELL'S KITCHEN will make its Austin premiere at Bass Concert Hall. Tickets go on sale Sept. 25.
Review: BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB at Shea's Buffalo Theatre
by Michael Rabice - Sep 17, 2026
The Buffalo theatre season most assuredly opened with a bang as the first national tour of the hit Broadway musical BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB launched in the Queen city right here at Shea's Buffalo Theatre. The Latin rhythms were infectious and the energy sizzled as the spectacular production took to the stage for it's first performances before hitting the road to travel around the country.
by Michael Rabice - Sep 17, 2026
The Buffalo theatre season most assuredly opened with a bang as the first national tour of the hit Broadway musical BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB launched in the Queen city right here at Shea's Buffalo Theatre. The Latin rhythms were infectious and the energy sizzled as the spectacular production took to the stage for it's first performances before hitting the road to travel around the country.
Video: Watch the Trailer for THE CONVERSATION Starring Joshua Henry and Julia Harriman
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 15, 2026
You can now get a first look at a new trailer for The Conversation, a new original musical conceived, co-written and starring Tony Award winner Joshua Henry and Julia Harriman
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 15, 2026
You can now get a first look at a new trailer for The Conversation, a new original musical conceived, co-written and starring Tony Award winner Joshua Henry and Julia Harriman
Tickets On Sale For HERE THERE ARE BLUEBERRIES on Broadway
by Stephi Wild - Sep 8, 2026
Tickets for the new play, Here There Are Blueberries, written by Moisés Kaufman and Amanda Gronich, are on sale. Learn more about how to get tickets here!
by Stephi Wild - Sep 8, 2026
Tickets for the new play, Here There Are Blueberries, written by Moisés Kaufman and Amanda Gronich, are on sale. Learn more about how to get tickets here!
Rachel Zegler Will Host Encore BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB Dance Along Performance
by Stephi Wild - Sep 3, 2026
BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB will welcome Golden Globe and Olivier Award-winner Rachel Zegler as host of the next “dance along” performance in September.
by Stephi Wild - Sep 3, 2026
BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB will welcome Golden Globe and Olivier Award-winner Rachel Zegler as host of the next “dance along” performance in September.
Photos: TOPDOG/UNDERDOG in Rehearsal at Steppenwolf Theatre Company
by Stephi Wild - Sep 2, 2026
Steppenwolf Theatre Company will launch its 51st Season with Suzan-Lori Parks’ Pulitzer Prize-winning drama Topdog/Underdog, helmed by Tony Award-winning director Kenny Leon. Check out rehearsal photos here!
by Stephi Wild - Sep 2, 2026
Steppenwolf Theatre Company will launch its 51st Season with Suzan-Lori Parks’ Pulitzer Prize-winning drama Topdog/Underdog, helmed by Tony Award-winning director Kenny Leon. Check out rehearsal photos here!
Tickets On Sale For HELL'S KITCHEN at West Herr Auditorium Theatre
by Stephi Wild - Aug 31, 2026
Tickets are now available for HELL'S KITCHEN, Alicia Keys' Tony- and Grammy-winning musical, running November 3-8 at West Herr Auditorium Theatre in Rochester as part of RBTL's 2026-2027 Broadway season.
by Stephi Wild - Aug 31, 2026
Tickets are now available for HELL'S KITCHEN, Alicia Keys' Tony- and Grammy-winning musical, running November 3-8 at West Herr Auditorium Theatre in Rochester as part of RBTL's 2026-2027 Broadway season.
HERE THERE ARE BLUEBERRIES Will Open on Broadway in Fall 2026
by Stephi Wild - Aug 27, 2026
Tectonic Theater Project's Pulitzer Prize finalist HERE THERE ARE BLUEBERRIES will begin a limited engagement at the Barrymore Theatre, directed by Moisés Kaufman in a co-production with La Jolla Playhouse.
by Stephi Wild - Aug 27, 2026
Tectonic Theater Project's Pulitzer Prize finalist HERE THERE ARE BLUEBERRIES will begin a limited engagement at the Barrymore Theatre, directed by Moisés Kaufman in a co-production with La Jolla Playhouse.
TOPDOG/UNDERDOG to Open Steppenwolf Theatre's 51st Season
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Aug 26, 2026
Steppenwolf Theatre Company will launch its 51st Season with Suzan-Lori Parks’ Pulitzer Prize-winning drama Topdog/Underdog. Topdog/Underdog will play a limited engagement
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Aug 26, 2026
Steppenwolf Theatre Company will launch its 51st Season with Suzan-Lori Parks’ Pulitzer Prize-winning drama Topdog/Underdog. Topdog/Underdog will play a limited engagement
HELL'S KITCHEN Tickets Now on Sale at Shea's Buffalo Theatre
by Stephi Wild - Aug 24, 2026
Tickets went on sale for HELL'S KITCHEN, Alicia Keys' Tony and Grammy-winning musical, for a limited engagement at Shea's Buffalo Theatre as part of the venue's Broadway season.
by Stephi Wild - Aug 24, 2026
Tickets went on sale for HELL'S KITCHEN, Alicia Keys' Tony and Grammy-winning musical, for a limited engagement at Shea's Buffalo Theatre as part of the venue's Broadway season.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What awards has Dede Ayite been nominated for?
Outstanding Costume Design (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Goddess, Outstanding Costume Design of a Pla (Drama Desk Awards) for Our Town, Best Costume Design of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Buena Vista Social Club, Outstanding Costume Design of a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Buena Vista Social Club, Outstanding Costume Design (Broadway or Off-Broadway) (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Jaja's African Hair Braiding, Outstanding Costume Design (The Lortels) for Buena Vista Social Club, Best Costume Design of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Hell's Kitchen, Best Costume Design of a Play (Tony Awards) for Jaja's African Hair Braiding, Best Costume Design of a Play (Tony Awards) for Appropriate, Outstanding Costume Design (Play or Musical) (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Topdog/Underdog, Special Award (Drama Desk Awards), Best Costume Design of a Play (Tony Awards) for Slave Play and Best Costume Design of a Play (Tony Awards) for A Soldier's Play.
What awards has Dede Ayite won?
Dede Ayite has won the Outstanding Costume Design of a Play at the Drama Desk Awards for Our Town, the Best Costume Design of a Play at the Tony Awards for Jaja's African Hair Braiding, and a Special Award at the Drama Desk Awards.
Podcasts
Listen in behind the scenes with this special episode featuring media room speeches from 2024 Tony Award winners Shaina Taub, Dede Ayite, Tom Scutt, George C. Wolfe, Justin Peck, Ryan Rumery, Nikiya Mathis, Will Brill, Kara Young, Daniel Radcliffe, Kecia Lewis, Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, Sarah Paulson, Jonathan Groff, and Maleah Joi Moon.
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