Alumna Wins Second Tony Award
Ashlee Latimer (’16) won her second Tony Award on Sunday, September 26, for her work co-producing The Inheritance. She won her first Tony in 2018 for co-producing the revival of Once on This Island.
The Inheritance came away with awards for best play, best direction of a play, best performance by an actor in a leading role in a play, and best actress in a featured role in a play during the ceremony covering the 2019–20 season. The awards were delayed due to COVID-19.
In January 2020, the New York Times lauded Latimer’s deft use of Twitter in promoting The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical.
“It has been a difficult couple of years with Broadway closed,” said Latimer. “I am humbled to be a part of the producing team for The Inheritance and share in this Tony win.
“It’s a true delight to see the hard work of this entire company recognized, and I’m thrilled for Matthew Lopez, who wrote the play and is the first Latine playwright to win Best Play in Tony Award history.
“As always, I remain grateful for the theatre education and mentorship I received in Knoxville.”
“Ashlee has a creative spirit,” said Professor of Theatre and Interim Department Head Casey Sams, “always putting her seemingly limitless energy into making the world a kinder, more understanding place. We are all incredibly proud of her second Tony win, and we can’t wait for the release of her first children’s book, Francis Discovers Possible, this spring. Congratulations on all your successes, Ashlee!”
