Jordan Fisher pays tribute to Tony winner Lillias White during Black History Month. Their Broadway connection highlights her lasting impact on theater.
Jordan Fisher Spotlights Lillias White
Jordan Fisher shares a heartfelt video praising Lillias White as part of Black History Month celebrations. He calls her "Auntie Lil" and traces his inspiration back to her powerhouse "Dreamgirls" run, which first drew him to theater's raw power. Fisher, now leading "Little Shop of Horrors" as Seymour—the first Black actor in the role—first shared the stage with White in "Hadestown", where her commanding Hermes breathed new life into his Orpheus. Broadway Buzz profiles unpack more of Fisher's dynamic rise.
Lillias White's Broadway Breakthroughs
Lillias White claimed the 1997 Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in "The Life", embodying Sonja amid the show's gritty Times Square backdrop of survival and hustle. That triumph came alongside Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle honors, marking her as a force in musical theater. Her credits stretch from voicing the sassy Calliope in Disney's "Hercules" to a 2010 Tony nomination for "Fela!", and even recent "Hadestown" returns that showcased her timeless range.
Shared Stages and Mentorship Magic
Fisher and White's "Hadestown" overlap sparked a bond built on mutual respect and shared artistry. He marvels at her knack for slipping into tight-knit casts, elevating the rhythm without missing a beat—like joining a well-oiled machine. Broadway.com captured Fisher's words in a late February video, where he credits her warmth and generosity for easing his path through demanding, long-haul Broadway runs. Their duet moments, such as "Wait For Me", still highlight that electric chemistry.
Black History Month Theater Tributes
This nod fits broader Black History Month honors for trailblazers like White, whose versatility continues to reshape Broadway norms and open doors. Fisher, paired opposite Nikki M. James as Audrey in historic casting, carries that legacy forward with his own boundary-pushing work. Their story underscores how seasoned performers mentor rising talents, blending grit with guidance to sustain theater's evolution. White's path influences not just Fisher but a new generation navigating the Great White Way.
- Tony Win: "The Life" (1997), Sonja role
- Voice Work: Calliope in "Hercules"
- Recent Role: Hermes in "Hadestown"
White's influence echoes in Fisher's bold performances and beyond. Fans catch traces of her unyielding spirit in his fresh "Little Shop" take and their archived "Hadestown" highlights. Playbill archives illuminate White's Tony-defining night. Their connection spotlights why Black History Month resonates on stage—honoring resilience, mentorship, and transformative talent that shapes Broadway's future.
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