Nichelle Lewis Talks Inheriting Audra McDonald’s “Ragtime” Role — and the Advice the ‘Queen Diva’ Gave Her (Exclusive)

Jack Smart, Dave QuinnSun, May 31, 2026 at 8:35 PM UTC

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Nichelle Lewis and Audra McDonald
Credit: Frazer Harrison/Getty; Jamie McCarthy/Getty -

Nichelle Lewis earned her first Tony Award nomination for her supporting role as Sarah in Broadway's current revival of Ragtime

Speaking to PEOPLE ahead of the June 7 ceremony, the actress recalls the advice she's received from Audra McDonald, who won a Tony for originating Sarah in 1998

The legendary actress' advice — “‘Make sure you're leaving Sarah at the theater,'” per Lewis — has “been hard,” she admits

In more ways than one, Nichelle Lewis is following in the footsteps of a Broadway legend: Audra McDonald.

Eight times a week, Lewis, 27, brings Sarah to life in Lincoln Center Theater's hit revival of Ragtime at New York City's Vivian Beaumont Theater. It's a part that McDonald, 55, originated in the original 1998 production of the masterful Stephen Flaherty, Lynn Ahrens and Terrence McNally musical — winning the third of her record-breaking six Tony Awards (the most of any performer).

For Lewis, who grew up admiring McDonald and now finds herself playing one of the star's most celebrated roles, the connection is not lost on her. Her performance has resonated with audiences and critics alike, earning the young actress her first Tony nomination less than two years after making her Broadway debut in the 2024 revival of The Wiz.

But, it's McDonald's advice — the “mother, icon, queen diva!” Lewis quips to PEOPLE — that's been guiding her through the “beautiful experience.”

“She told me and always tells me anytime I see her, ‘Make sure you're leaving Sarah at the theater,' " Lewis says. "And it's been hard. But I'm definitely taking that advice and working every day to make sure I do that.”

Nichelle Lewis and Joshua Henry in 'Ragtime'
Credit: Matthew Murphy

McDonald and fellow Ragtime cast member Brian Stokes Mitchellattended the opening night of the revival last October together. The original production —which costarred the late Marin Mazzie, Peter Friedman, and a young Lea Michele — earned 13 Tony nominations and won four.

This revival, directed by Lear deBessonet, is up for 11 Tonys this year, including Best Revival of a Musical and performance honors for Joshua Henry, Brandon Uranowitz, Caissie Levy and Ben Levi Ross (in addition to Lewis).

The musical follows three groups of people navigating a rapidly changing America at the turn of the 20th century: a wealthy white family in New Rochelle, N.Y., a Jewish immigrant and his daughter arriving from Eastern Europe, and a Black musician determined to build a better life for his family.

At the heart of the story is Sarah, a young mother who falls in love with the ambitious and talented Coalhouse Walker Jr. As the pair dream of a brighter future together, their lives are upended by racism and injustice, setting off a chain of events that ultimately ends in tragedy.

Nichelle Lewis at opening night of Broadway's 'Ragtime' on Oct. 16, 2025
Credit: Dia Dipasupil/Getty

Lewis brings both fragility and resilience to Sarah, capturing the character's innocence and hope while underscoring the quiet strength that carries her through the show's darkest moments. It's a performance that honors the character's legacy while allowing Lewis to make the role distinctly her own.

But portraying a character who carries so much heartbreak eight times a week can be emotionally taxing. "I truly do give so much of me when I'm doing the performance,” explains Lewis. “And I have to remind myself it's okay to leave her. ‘It's okay, she'll be there when you get back.' "

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That's easier said than done, "Even coming off the stage sometimes, I have trouble getting into my own body and reminding myself that I am okay," Lewis says. "I say, 'Sarah may be going through it right now, but I am okay.' And I think it's an experience. It's something I'm really learning every day from.”

Nichelle Lewis at the 2026 Tony Awards 'Meet the Nominees' junket on May 14, 2026
Credit: Kristina Bumphrey/Variety via Getty

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That doesn't mean there's not a lot to love about the character.

“I love so many things about Sarah,” Lewis tells PEOPLE. “I love her strength. I love the way that she is so hopeful even in the midst of such chaos. Even in the times that she was in, it was the early 1900s, it was not an easy time for most people of color. And she still found dreams and hopes.”

Being a citizen of the United States, adds the Virginia native, “was such a simple thing to so many people. But for people of color who didn't have that in their life, it was such a huge thing. So I hold onto that optimism.”

'Ragtime'
Credit: Matthew Murphy

By embodying such a story alongside such a superstar cast, Lewis has learned a lot about herself.

“It's just taught me so much about my artistry, my creativity, my strength and the power that we all have on the stage to just inspire people," she says.

Bringing Sarah's story to audiences each night has also reinforced Lewis' belief in the power of theater. "I am a strong believer that theater can change the world. I think so many people come to the theater and are feeling moved and impacted on a daily basis.”

By the way, that goes for Lewis as well. “I mean, just being up there on the stage, I feel impacted and inspired every day,” she concludes.

Ragtime is now playing at the Vivian Beaumont Theater. The 2026 Tony Awards (hosted by Pink) will take place at Radio City Music Hall on Sunday, June 7. The show will be broadcast live to both coasts on CBS beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT, and will stream on Paramount+.

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Source: “AOL Entertainment”