On Broadway’s biggest night, Syracuse University alumni from the College of Visual and Performing Arts proved that dreams really do come true. From the spotlight of the stage to the strategic minds behind the scenes, the 2024–25 Broadway season was filled with breakthroughs, accolades and reminders of Syracuse’s creative legacy.
Tony Nominations: Who’s Who in the Cast
“Walking my first red carpet, signing my first playbill, and going on as Betty…nothing will ever beat performing at this caliber in front of my friends and family who have watched and supported my journey through the years,” says Olivia Lacie Andrews ’23 of her Broadway debut in Sunset Boulevard.
When the curtain rose at Radio City Music Hall on Sunday, June 8, for the 78th Annual Tony Awards, these Syracuse alumni were watching with extra pride—as their productions earned a combined 16 nominations.
Olivia Lacie Andrews: Sunset Boulevard
Olivia Lacie Andrews ’23 made her Broadway debut in Sunset Boulevard—a show that earned seven Tony nominations and three wins, including Best Revival of a Musical.
“The versatility in my training from Syracuse prepared me for any opportunity that comes my way—showing up confidently and professionally,” Andrews says. In the ensemble and understudying the role of Betty Schaefer, Andrews recalls her first preview: “I will never forget the roar of applause and excitement from the audience...they were absolutely electric.”
Andrews’ castmate, Nicole Scherzinger, accepted the award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical, while the production also earned the Tony for Best Lighting Design of a Musical.
“Getting to play and build chemistry with Audra McDonald onstage has been a dream come true,” says Shanel Bailey ’19 who performs in the Tony-nominated show Gypsy.
Shanel Bailey: Gypsy
Performing alongside Broadway legend Audra McDonald in Gypsy, Shanel Bailey ’19 understudies the role of Louise and covers six ensemble tracks. Bailey describes performing with McDonald—one of her greatest role models—as a dream come true. “To be recognized by the industry we pour so much into is a blessing,” says Bailey of the show’s five Tony nominations. “Syracuse University prepared me for my career in the theater by teaching the importance of community, showing up authentically as myself and always rising to the occasion.”
Tristen Buettel ’17 brings her dynamic energy to the stage as a dancer and ensemble member in the original Broadway company of Boop! The Musical.
Tristen Buettel: Boop! The Musical
As a dancer and ensemble member in the original Broadway company of Boop! The Musical, Tristen Buettel ’17 understudies the role of Valentina and was thrilled for the musical’s three Tony nominations. Having grown up watching shows choreographed by Boop!’s director and choreographer, Buettel feels her life has come full circle. “I am so mind blown that I get to do Jerry Mitchell’s Tony-nominated choreography every night. It’s so thrilling,” she says. Buettel credits her Broadway success to her time on the Hill. “I would be nowhere without the teachers and mentors in the drama department at Syracuse University,” she says. “I was always encouraged to be my best, work harder and to stay on my own path.”
Aaron Harnick ’91 is a producer at Harbor Entertainment and co-produced the Tony-nominated play Romeo + Juliet.
Aaron Harnick: Romeo + Juliet
Aaron Harnick ’91, producer at Harbor Entertainment, co-produced Romeo + Juliet, which was Tony-nominated for Best Revival of a Play. Reflecting on his time at Syracuse, Harnick says, “It was spectacular. It introduced me to my best friends—exposed me to all aspects of what is possible from directing to acting to writing.” Harnick began his Broadway career working with his Syracuse classmates and Tony-winning producers Michael Rego ’90 and Hank Unger ’90. “The very first show I was a part of was Frankie and Johnny, which starred Stanley Tucci and Edie Falco,” Harnick says. “Doing it with my best friends was just as fun as having a show up that people enjoyed.”
Broadway: On Stage and Behind the Scenes
In addition to those in Tony-eligible shows, others have spent their season contributing to long-running and celebrated productions across the Great White Way. This snapshot of talent offers just a glimpse into the many ways Syracuse University graduates are shaping the theater world today.
When Joshua Keen ’20 first joined The Book of Mormon at the age of 24, he was the youngest dance captain on Broadway.
Joshua Keen ’20 is currently a dance captain and swing in The Book of Mormon. “Having the opportunity to serve as dance captain for multiple Syracuse University productions was especially valuable in preparing me for leadership roles in professional settings,” Keen says. With the connections made at Syracuse, Keen also co-founded a production company with fellow Orange alums called Next Stop Creatives. “We proudly produced the New York theatrical premiere of The Queen of England, written by Kate Crabtree ’23, and are currently developing a Theatre for Young Audiences musical co-written by Sam Swinnerton ’22.”
“I loved my time at Syracuse, and I wouldn't trade it for anything,” says Mary Claire King ’12. “The relationships and the vast network I developed with my peers has been the most invaluable gift of all.”
Mary Claire King ’12 recently completed a five-year run in Chicago as “Go-to-Hell” Kitty and understudy for both Roxie Hart and Velma Kelly. While at Syracuse, King had the opportunity to do a three-week residency where she studied the style of renowned Chicago choreographer Bob Fosse. “I am so grateful that I was able to train as a true triple threat in the program,” she says. “I felt prepared and empowered as I landed in New York City after graduation.” Her next project, Wanted, is a Broadway-bound show with music written by fellow Syracuse alum Ross Baum ’12 and produced by Ben Holtzman ’13 and Sammy Lopez ’13.
Mary Cynthia McGowan ’17 worked ticketing and operations for the 2021 and 2022 Tony Awards. This season, she served as the associate director of Broadway’s All In: Comedy About Love.
Mary Cynthia McGowan ’17 served as associate director of All In: Comedy About Love starring a rotating cast of celebrities including John Mulaney, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Jimmy Fallon and more. McGowan is grateful for the mentorship, experiential learning and study abroad and away opportunities she had while at Syracuse University. “Our proximity to a professional theater was hugely beneficial—and meeting artists and seeing so many different shows at Syracuse Stage, in London at The Globe and in New York City was a really great way to get a taste of what working in the theater would look like post-graduation.”
Jonalyn Saxer '14 readies to go on stage as Lorraine Baines in Back to the Future: The Musical.
Jonalyn Saxer ’14 played the Clocktower Woman and understudied Lorraine Baines in the original Broadway company of Back to the Future: The Musical. Saxer has had the unique opportunity to perform in new musicals, including Mean Girls, where she originated the role of Karen Smith on the national tour. “Being a part of these shows means I’m in the room during the creation process, and often there is a bit of me in the show that now gets passed on forever,” she says. “Syracuse prepared me by challenging me to become a well-rounded and smart actor.”
Producers Michael Rego ’90 (left) and Hank Unger ’90 (right) hold their 2024 Tonys for Best Musical.
At last year’s Tony Awards, Orange alumnus Michael Rego ’90, his brother Matthew and alumnus Hank Unger ’90, co-founders of The Araca Group, stood centerstage to accept the night’s most coveted honor—Best Musical. The trio were the lead producers of The Outsiders, which won four Tony Awards. “Syracuse allowed me to foster the entrepreneurial spirit as an emerging artist,” Rego says. “Without that, I don’t know if I would have had the courage to try my hand at producing, let alone starting a business.”
With Broadway debuts, Tony nominations and industry-shaping collaborations, Syracuse University’s creative talent is shining bright. And as the lights dim and the shows begin across the Orange network on Broadway, “Cheer everyone on,” Buettel says. “Because one day, it’ll be your time!”
