James Monroe Iglehart Takes Home His First Tony

By Lyndsay Borko

Not even a week after winning his first Drama Desk award, James Monroe Iglehart, who is portraying the magical genie in the Disney production of "Aladdin" at the New Amsterdam Theatre, took home his first Tony Award on June 8th, 2014. Other performers up for the coveted Tony Award for “Best Actor in a Featured Role” included Danny Burstein for "Cabaret," Nick Cordero for "Bullets Over Broadway," Joshua Henry for "Violet," and Jarrod Spector for "Beautiful."

Iglehart was beyond excited to accept his first Tony Award in his dashing, sparkling tuxedo. He joined Fran Drescher and Zachary Levi on stage with a huge smile on his face. He began his acceptance speech by thanking G-d, because he had prayed for this since he was a teenager. He followed that by thanking his wife, who has always supported him in every endeavor. He made sure to thank his mom and dad, the Disney company, the composer of the musical, his vocal coach, among other important people who helped him achieve his goal of being on Broadway and winning a Tony award.

He told the audience at Radio City Music Hall, “I know this is supposed to be the most dignified awards show of the season, but I have to do this. This is a praise shout!” and he could not resist jumping around and dancing a little bit in his excitement on the historic stage. The crowd erupted in cheers, and Iglehart walked off stage triumphant amid the thunderous sound of applause.