**Be sure to hear ALEX NEWELL'S 2023 TONY AWARD ACCEPTANCE SPEECH (X or TikTok)

Laverne has a fun catch-up sesh with her good friend Broadway supertalent Alex Newell. This year, Alex was one of the two gender nonconforming actors to ever win a Tony. They got theirs for their show-stopping performance as Lulu in the hit new musical Shucked. They walk Laverne through their rise to the Broadway stage, their unusual anatomy which plays a big role in their incredible voice, what’s next on their calendar, and most importantly, the crucial role The Fresh Prince of Bel Air had in their life. 

ALEX NEWELL 2023 TONY AWARD ACCEPTANCE SPEECH TRANSCRIPT:

“ I'm not going to hold y'all because it's hot in here. I have wanted this my entire life. I thank each and every one of you in this room right now. And mommy, I love you. Thank you for believing in me. Thank you for loving me unconditionally. Thank you for teaching me what strength is. To my entire building and cast and crew of Shucked, you are my rock. I love you all. Thank you for seeing me, Broadway. I should not be up here as a queer, non binary, fat, black, little baby from Massachusetts. To anyone that thinks that they can't do it, I'm going to look you dead in your face that you can do ANYTHING you put your mind to.”

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Links of Interest:

Alex Singing “Independently Owned” on The Voice Finale (2023) 

Alex’s Audition for The Glee Project Singing “And I Am Telling You”

The Glee Project

Alex Singing "I Am Changing" at 18 (credit Luciano Ferreiro)

Alex Singing “I Am Changing” at 22 (with Boston Gay Men’s Chorus)

Alex Singing “I Am Changing” at 29 (for Broadway Celebrates Juneteenth) (credit Shoshana Medney / bwaySHO)

The Broadway League

Alex Vocal Range (YouTube)

“Independently Owned” (Official Video) | Shucked

Alex in Once on This Island, “Mama Will Provide” (2018 Tony Awards)

Nell Carter

Jennifer Holliday

Black Music Archive

Alex Singing One of Producer Brooke’s Favorite Songs Ever

Other Episodes Mentioned or Relevant:

Overcoming Trauma Through Art w/ Billy Porter

Opera & Diva Worship w/ Ira Siff

CREDITS:

Executive Producers: Sandie Bailey, Alex Alcheh, Lauren Hohman, Tyler Klang & Gabrielle Collins

Producer & Editor: Brooke Peterson-Bell

Associate Producer: Akiya McKnight

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.