Photo: Go behind the scenes with Kecia Lewis as she prepares to win a Tony Award

Tony Price

For her first-ever Tony Awards ceremony, Lewis made sure to enjoy the moment and the attention.

Kecia Lewis
Getty Images for the Tony Awards

Kecia Lewis has been waiting for this moment for a long time. After nearly 40 years in the business, starting as an understudy for the role of Effie White in the original production of Dream girls In 1981, Lewis was finally nominated for a Tony Award. She is currently in Hell’s Kitchen, which features the music of Alicia Keys. That’s right, Lewis plays the role of Miss Liza Jane, an inspiring piano teacher. And then, in a surprise twist, on Sunday, June 16, Lewis became a Tony Award winner, winning Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Musical, becoming the first Black actress to win in that category since Renée Elise Goldsberry for Hamilton in 2016.

WATCH: Kecia Lewis Sings Powerful “Perfect Way to Die” Hell’s Kitchen

But before Lewis’ name was called, the actor was focused on his evening. Below are exclusive photos of Lewis preparing for the 77th Annual Tony Awards at the Langham, New York, on Fifth Avenue, along with his commentary.

“Crystal Foster and Tiffanie Garrett make art together. Laughing was CONSTANT with these two.”

Crystal Foster, Kecia Lewis and Tiffanie Garrett at the Langham, New York, Fifth Avenue
Thomas Mundell

“A moment of relaxation, appreciated.”

Crystal Foster and Kecia Lewis at the Langham, New York, Fifth Avenue
Thomas Mundell

“What’s that beauty in the mirror, darling?”

Kecia Lewis at the Langham, New York, Fifth Avenue
Thomas Mundell

“Let’s go with the BEST MANAGER EVER, Jed Abrahams.”

Jed Abrahams and Kecia Lewis at the Langham, New York, Fifth Avenue
Thomas Mundell

“Let’s find this car.”

Kecia Lewis outside the Langham, Fifth Avenue, New York
Thomas Mundell

Backstage after her victory, Lewis told Playbill that she thought of her father, who taught her the importance of perseverance: “My late father John Lewis, he was someone who wanted to perform as a that young, and he had a It was a tough time to break through in the 50s…and when he had a kid who could sing, he lit up…He was my person, he was my cheerleader Elle. added that Lewis helped her find her first singing teacher.

After the Tony Awards ceremony, it’s time for the after party.

“I exchange a lot of love and respect with my fellow candidate, Amber Iman.”

Amber Iman, Jed Abrahams and Kecia Lewis
Thomas Mundell

“Receiving love from next season’s Broadway diva.”

Kecia Lewis and Nicole Scherzinger
Thomas Mundell

Credits

Hair: Tiffanie Garrett
Makeup: Crystal Foster
Dress: Brenda Brunson-Bey for the Tribal Truths collection
Shoes: Dolce Vita