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Ten years ago, Ariana DeBose made her Broadway debut as an understudy of the musical adaptation of “Bring It On.”
This weekend she is hosting the Tony Awards.
Devose’s attention came to the forefront, largely because of his Oscar-winning performance in a remake of Steven Spielberg’s movie West Side Story. She was an understudy and a member of the ensemble, and she struggled before breaking through. In 2018 she was nominated for a Tony Award as one of the three actresses who play Donna Summer in “Summer,” and since then she has multiple film and television projects, including “The Prom” and “Schmigadorn.” ..
This year she became the first Academy Award-winning Afro Latina and the first openly queer-colored woman. Next, she will appear in an action movie.Argyle“Superhero movie”Kraven the hunter“And Space Thriller”ISS“
31-year-old DeBose is currently rehearsing the three-hour broadcast portion of the Tony Awards ceremony, which begins Sunday night at 8 pm east of CBS. (The time before 7:00 pm will be streamed on Paramount +.)
In this week’s interview, Devose talked about her determination to honor Broadway’s unsung hero and her desire to return to the stage. These are edited excerpts from the conversation.
What are your goals for Sunday night?
This is the first time I’ve returned to Radio City. The community is still out of a very difficult time. I see this as an opportunity to try to provide a real festive moment. Because I think it’s a great achievement and a victory to be able to work at all and reach this moment.
You are new to this. Are you nervous?
To be honest, I want to vomit. But I love the challenge. And I just feel that whatever we do will be fun.
You talked a lot about your identity. Please tell us what you want to encourage those who are watching you.
If I work properly, it will remind young people who have seen that there is a place for us. And frankly, Broadway was the place that gave me the freedom to explore my identity, my artistry. It was a place of love and acceptance that helped make the woman you are looking at right now.
There was a lot of discussion this season about the role of Understudy and Standby, He continued many shows when other performers tested positive for the coronavirus. Can you talk about your intentions on Sunday in that regard?
At three of the six Broadway shows, I was Understudy. And I started an ensemble in this industry. There’s no way for hosts like me to miss this moment without admitting swings and understudy, but there are also countless groups of people working to keep the industry going. This includes stage directors and dance. Captain, Associate, Hair Makeup Department, Musician. There is no version of the world where I don’t have anything. I’m not going to tell you what it is, but what I’m going to tell you is that if that doesn’t happen, you can hold me accountable.
One of the other important developments of the season was the death of Stephen Sondheim. Should we expect it to be recognized?
Well, without him, as we know, we wouldn’t have an American theater. So I won’t tell you what we’re doing, but there’s a beautiful moment for a man named Stephen Sondheim.
How did the pandemic affect you?
I’m one of the few actors I’ve actually had the opportunity to — I’m keenly aware of it, and I have a little survivor guilt. But my eyes are very open and I’ve seen all the challenges my colleagues are facing. That’s part of why I was really passionate about coming back to host the Tony Awards.
What do you think of Broadway?
We are heading in the right direction. However, there is something to do. Looking at the harvest of this candidate, and looking at the shows performed on Broadway this season, steps are being taken towards fairness and inclusiveness. I’m glad to see more faces that look like me. We are pleased that the variety of winners is increasing.
What is the impact of the Academy Awards? Are you flooded with jobs?
Yes, I had more opportunities, and I am very grateful. I clearly remember when I didn’t have such an opportunity. I clearly remember when I had to work hard to change people’s thinking about my talents and abilities. Frankly, it wasn’t that long ago. Now I feel it’s my job to be more discerning. I want to create a work that will make people feel and open their hearts.
You were a dancer in the “Hamilton” ensemble. How was it?
There was a time when it was challenging. After “Hamilton,” she felt she couldn’t move her body the way she wanted, so she decided to look for more to talk about. I suffered some injuries at the show. And I think such moments will come to the life of every dancer you have to stock. But I am grateful for my time at the show as it taught me my value.
Last question: Want to return to Broadway? And if so, what kind of ability?
Of course, I want to go back to Broadway. I am waiting for the right thing. I don’t necessarily want to come back and do what people know me. I want to try something new. I believe in being a versatile actor, dancer and storyteller. So maybe I’ll play a play, or maybe I’ll do a revival that looks like it’s really off the wall. But I do what I feel different.
