Backstage at the Longacre Theatre with the cast of The Prom—moments before my Broadway debut! 

Dear Family and Friends,

     I did it! I made my Broadway debut May 16 in this season's new musical The Prom! It was the most magical night of my life. I delivered the opening line of the show opposite my Tony Award-winning scene partner Beth Leavel. (She won in 2003 and is nominated again for The Prom.) More on my experience below—plus a link to watch me onstage!    

     May has been a busy month leading up to the Tony Awards. Set your DVRs, make party plans because the 73rd Annual Tony Awards air this Sunday, June 9 at 8PM ET on CBS. Tune in to Playbill's Facebook page as I host our annual Life From the Red Carpet Special beginning at 5PM ET. Follow us here and you'll get a notification when we're live.

     At Playbill, I launched our usual #25DaysofTonys campaign, having interviewed 62 nominees at the press day. You can check them out here, or more Tonys coverage here.

     Earlier this month, the tables turned and I had to answer the questions on a panel as part of Disney's new initiative: Women of Broadway. The spotlight series originated from the annual Women's Day on Broadway, now with smaller panels on specific topics. I participated in Women in Theatre Journalism. Watch the conversation here.

      Who's heard of the Jimmy Awards out there? Also known as the National High School Musical Theatre Awards, the Jimmys come around each June and celebrate the best young performers in the country. (The current Evan Hansen on Broadway, Andrew Barth Feldman, was last year's male champion.) But before that, Andrew won his regional competition: the Roger Rees Awards. I hosted the RRA Facebook Live and it reminded me of how my exposure to theatre, my arts teachers from Aiken Elementary to King Philip Middle School to Hall High School, prepared me for the life I have today. I may not be performing onstage, but arts education taught me creativity, artistry, expression, joy—not to mention practical skills like discipline and time management. Support arts education! My teacher Haig Shaverdian was the first person to say, "It's not about reaching the bar. The is no bar. Show me where the bar is." I think I'm still reaching.

     Thank you for lifting me on your shoulders so that I can. Scroll down for videos, articles, my favorite things this month, and more. If you like what you find, forward to a friend. Until next time, thank you for all the love.

Print your ballot for the 2019 Tony Awards here!

The view from The William Vale in Brooklyn at the Younger Season 6 premiere.

I felt fashionable enough to come thanks to styling genius Sam Ratelle. (He's responsible for Billy Porter!)

Recommendations: 

1. Younger. The half-hour hit television series returns June 12 and I know I wrote about it in my last newsletter, but seriously you should be watching. Sutton Foster, Miriam Shor, and Hilary Duff sing TOGETHER in the Season 6 premiere.

2. Cynthia Erivo, Annaleigh Ashford, Megan Hilty Live at Lincoln Center. Three incredible women, three gorgeous concerts. If you missed them on PBS, go to PBS.org!

3. Book of the Month. Younger knows how to put together a swag bag. After the Season 6 premiere party (which was awesome), I walked away with a complimentary 3-month subscription. Each month, you choose one book from their five recommendations, spread across different genres. Books delivered to your door, for way less than a bookstore.

4. “Costume Institute: Notes on Camp” exhibit. If you enjoy photos of the Met Gala and you can get to the Met Museum, DO IT. This exhibit is stellar—and not just because of the clothes. The exhibit explains the origins of camp, what makes something camp in an intellectual yet unpretentious display based on Susan Sontag’s essay. You can easily make it through in an hour if you need. It’s cheeky, it’s hip, it’s smart.

5. Pop-Up Magazine. I made it to the Spring Issue of this live magazine. Hrishikesh Hirway of Song Exploder applied his logic to explode the taste behind his favorite cookie. Michelle Buteau shared a dating story. There was Bollywood. Pop-Up tours the country, so no excuses. If you want to learn more about what a live magazine is, check out my story. Or, find more of their upcoming events here.

6. StoryCourse PrideTable Edition. My dear friend Adam Kantor (formerly of The Band’s Visit) launched this culinary theatrical experience last year—and it is brilliant. The evening uses meal courses to tell the stories of the chefs who make them. This month, LGBTQ+ chefs join together to present their stories and their dishes in Pridetable. Read my piece on StoryCourse here. Check out tickets for Pridetable here.

7. Ben Platt. On May 14, I saw Ben Platt play the Beacon Theatre. His debut solo album Sing to Me Instead is incredible and yet his live show made the record look like child’s play. He returns to New York, this time at Radio City Music Hall, September 29. If you’re not going home for Rosh Hashanah, get your tickets. Trust.

My Philosophy

I believe in art's power to create change. Art—particularly theatre—can help us reflect, determine, and, sometimes, change our beliefs. I hope that you all continue to engage with the storytelling and art around you—wherever you are and whatever level—and that you entertain different points of view. Advocate for your principles while always leaving room to hear others and evolve. Let's stay engaged, thoughtful, and active. 

As always, if you need show recommendations or if you have theatre questions, please get in touch! I LOVE to answer. Keep tabs on Playbill.com and RuthieFierberg.com, and thank you for your enduring support.