N.C. A&T Theatre Alumna Williams Nominated For 2023 Tony Award

By Donna Bradby

NaTasha Yvette Williams ‘92, who graduated from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University’s Theatre Arts Program in the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences (CAHSS), has been nominated for Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical for “Some Like It Hot.”

“Some Like It Hot” is the story of two musicians forced to flee the Windy City after witnessing a mob hit. With gangsters hot on their heels, they join an all-girl band and catch a cross-country train for a life-chasing, life-changing trip.

Williams, who received the Alumni Achievement Award from CAHSS in 2021, is receiving rave reviews for her performance as band leader Sweet Sue.

“Every time NaTasha Yvette Williams was on the stage as the acerbic Sweet Sue, she threatened to run away with the entire show,” said Entertainment Weekly.

Williams has previously portrayed Aretha Franklin in “A Night with Janis Joplin,” and has appeared in George “Porgy and Bess” and “The Color Purple.” She previously performed with the Indianapolis Symphony, Naples Philharmonic and Baltimore Symphony orchestras. In 2021, she starred in the Broadway family comedy “Chicken and Biscuits.”

Williams holds a BFA from A&T and an MFA in acting from Michigan State University.

“Some Like It Hot” received 13 nominations for the 2023 Tony Awards, which have recognized distinguished achievement in American theatre since 1947. Awards are given for best play, best musical, best play revival, and best musical revival, and in categories such as acting, directing, music, choreography, set design, and costume design.

The 76th Annual Tony Awards will air live Sunday, June 11, at 8 p.m. on CBS from United Palace Theatre in New York City. Oscar-winning actress Ariana DeBose is this year’s host.