Kara Young has found her purpose in dramatic story-telling. For the fourth year in a row, the actress has been nominated for a Tony Award for Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play. She breaks her own record that she set last year as the first Black performer to receive that many consecutive nominations. She’s currently starring as Aziza Houston in Purpose at the Hayes Theater on Broadway.
She made her triumphant Broadway debut in 2021’s Clyde’s followed by Cost of Living in 2022. Last year, she won for her portrayal in Purlie Victorious: A Non-Confederate Romp Through the Cotton Patch as Lutiebelle Gussie Mae Jenkins.
The celebrations have already begun leading up to the 78th Annual Tony Awards on June 8. For the first time, Young walked up the famous stairs at the The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City for the annual Met Gala, held on the first Monday in May. This year’s theme was “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.” The Costume Institute’s spring 2025 exhibition presents a cultural and historical examination of Black style over three hundred years through the concept of dandyism.
Broadway Direct got an exclusive look at Young getting ready for one of the most exciting and high-profile events of the year – on the same day Purpose, written by Tony Award winner Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama.
When got your invitation to the Met Gala what was your reaction?
I was so very grateful to be invited, especially for this iconic year celebrating Black Dandyism, which to me, is the celebration of Black Culture at the root of what it means to feel your very best. I am still pinching myself.
What designer are you wearing and how did you secure the look?
I am wearing anOnlyChild. Someone on my team had a connection to a fashion house that connected me to anOnlyChild.
How did you decide on your look to fit within this year’s dress code “Tailored for You?”
I tried on several options and multiple people had a reaction to the two-piece-suit. For the tailoring process, I reached out to my incredible stylist, Mary R. Gigler, and she connected me to Moses Moreno. He was a magician with the precision of pinning and seeing the suit and how it could be flattering to my body. The tailoring was done in-house at anOnlyChild.
Where did you get ready?
I got ready at a nearby hotel with the help of Mary and her magical team, my wonderful makeup artist Starr Simpson, and Tony Award-winning hair designer Nikiya Matthis.
What was your first reaction to finding out today that Purpose has won the Pulitzer?
I was very loud with emotion! Of course, I called Branden Jacobs-Jenkins! I also found out earlier that [Purpose costar] Alana Arenas won the Theatre World Award, and that made me incredibly happy! It was a big day of celebration and recognizing genius.
What do you hope audiences take away from seeing Purpose on Broadway?
I hope people blur out any possible distractions from their lives so every beating heart present can lean in fully, together. There are so many parts of humanity that they can take with them. It is challenging to prescribe a specific thing because Branden gives us so much to sit with.
With your fourth Tony nomination, you’ve beat your own record for most consecutive nominations for a Black performer. How does this honor feel the fourth time around and after your win last year?
I love the stage. I love that people of all backgrounds get to sit together to witness something that only happens once. Yes, there’s eight shows a week, but every performance is different because it’s made up of new alchemy. I say all that to say: It feels like a huge honor to be recognized and also an honor to be doing the work.
What does it mean to be recognized for your work every single year?
I am always so surprised. Truly. The recognition of the work is also the recognition of the extraordinary writers, directors, and actors I’ve had the honor to do this with.
Where do you keep your Tony Award?
At my parents’ house. The awards, as cheesy as it sounds, belong to my village, and that includes everyone who has been on this journey.
Head to our Instagram for more photos of Kara Young’s big night preparing for the Met Gala.