Alex Edelman, Nikiya Mathis, More to Receive Special Tony Awards

The first round of this year's non-competitive Tony Awards has been revealed. Among those receiving a Special Tony Award this year will be Alex Edelman, in recognition of his "exemplary debut" in Just for Us. The solo show played a Broadway run in 2023, and was filmed onstage at the Hudson and is now streaming via Max.

Also receiving Special Tonys are Abe Jacob, for his work establishing modern theatrical sound design; and Nikiya Mathis, for her hair and wig work on this season's Best Play nominee Jaja’s African Hair Braiding.

“We are honored to present these three extraordinary individuals with Special Tony Awards,” says Interim Broadway League President Jason Laks in a statement. “Alex Edelman had an exemplary debut in Just for Us, a show that was as moving as it was hilarious and spoke to the power of communication, identity, and empathy at a time when it is needed more than ever. Abe Jacob is a true pioneer of theatre sound design who created the modern approach to theatrical sound design and has contributed his unique and irreplaceable sound to each of his productions for decades. Nikiya Mathis has transformed the approach to hair and wig design and hair maintenance in our theatres and her incredible work was rightly the centerpiece of this season’s incredible Jaja’s African Hair Braiding. We salute these esteemed members of our community as we award them with this special distinction.”

Also announced were this year's Tony Honors for Excellence in the Theatre. Earning recognition this year are scenic projection designer Wendall K. Harrington, ASU Gammage Executive Director and Broadway League member Colleen Jennings-Roggensack, outgoing Playwrights Horizons Board Chair Judith O. Rubin, the Dramatists Guild Foundation, and the Samuel J. Friedman Health Center for the Performing Arts, the latter of which tailors its services to those working in performing arts and entertainment.

“It is a pleasure to present the 2024 Tony Honors for Excellence in the Theatre to these five unsung heroes doing invaluable work behind the scenes in the theatre community,” adds American Theatre Wing President and CEO Heather Hitchens. “Wendall K. Harrington’s projection design masterpieces; Colleen Jennings-Roggernsack’s unwavering dedication to promoting artists and advancing equity, diversity, inclusion, and access in the theatre; Judith O. Rubin’s passionate advocacy for culture; the Dramatists Guild Foundation’s life-changing support to theatre writers; and the Friedman Health Center’s commitment to the wellness of the community have been pivotal to the success of countless productions, and we are thrilled they are getting the recognition they deserve with this special honor.”

Nominations for the 2024 Tony Awards were revealed April 30, with Hell's Kitchen and Stereophonic taking the mantle as the most Tony-nominated productions of the seasons with 13 nods each. See the full list of nominations here.

Winners will be named at The 77th Annual Tony Awards, set for June 16 at Lincoln Center’s David H. Koch Theater. The evening will kick off with The Tony Awards: Act One, streaming for free on Pluto TV. Details are to be announced. The 77th Annual Tony Awards will follow beginning at 8 PM ET, broadcasting live on CBS (check local listings) and streaming live (for premium-level subscribers) via Paramount+. All Paramount+ subscribers will have on demand access to the broadcast beginning June 17. Stage and screen star Ariana DeBose will be back for the third consecutive year to host.

Visit Playbill.com/Tonys for more.