VideoSee Tony Winner Joaquina Kalukango's Standing Ovation For Her First Post-Tonys Paradise Square Entrance
Starring as Nelly Freeman, Kalukango won Best Leading Actress in a Musical at the 75th Annual Tony Awards June 12.
By
Raven Brunner
June 15, 2022
2022 Best Leading Actress in a Musical Tony winner Joaquina Kalukango received a standing ovation during her entrance at her first post-Tony Award performance in Paradise Square June 14. The new musical, created by Larry Kirwan, Christina Anderson, Craig Lucas, Jason Howland, Nathan Tysen, and Masi Asare, was nominated in 10 categories, with Kalukango's the production's sole win. Watch Kalukango make her triumphant entrance above.
The ensemble cast gathered at Radio City Music Hall to perform a mash-up of "Paradise Square" and "Let It Burn" at the ceremony, the latter carried by Kalukango.
The new work opened on Broadway April 3 at Ethel Barrymore Theatre, following previews that began March 15. With direction by Moisés Kaufman and choreography by Bill T. Jones, the musical takes place during the Civil War and tells the rich story of Irish immigrants and Black Americans.
Joining Kalukango in the large ensemble cast is Chilina Kennedy (Beautiful: The Carole King Musical), John Dossett (Gypsy), Matt Bogart (Smokey Joe’s Café), Kevin Dennis (Assassins), Nathaniel Stampley (Porgy & Bess), A.J. Shively (Bright Star), Sidney DuPont (Beautiful: The Carole King Musical), Gabrielle McClinton (Pippin), and Jacob Fishel (Fiddler on the Roof).
The show features staging by Alex Sanchez; music supervision, direction, and orchestrations by Howland; scenic design by Allen Moyer; costume design by Toni-Leslie James; lighting design by Donald Holder; sound design by Jon Weston; and projection design by Wendall K.
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See the Production Photos of Paradise Square on Broadway
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