News on your favorite shows, specials & more!
Mary Testa Headshot

Mary Testa

Birth Place: Philadelphia, PA, USA

Get Mary Testa Email Alerts

Be the first to get news, photos, videos & more.

BIO

Broadway: Wicked, Guys and Dolls, Xanadu, Chicago, 42nd St., Marie Christine, On the Town, Forum, The Rink, Marilyn, Barnum. Off-Broadway includes: Portuguese Kid, Government Inspector, First Daughter Suite, Queen of the Mist, See What I Wanna See, A New Brain. Much film and television. Twelve original cast albums. Multiple Tony, Lucille Lortel, Drama Desk, Drama League nominations and a special Drama Desk award celebrating 'Three Decades of Outstanding Work.'

Photos

STAGE CREDITS

[Off-Broadway]
Lincoln Center Theater Off-Broadway Premiere Production, 2023
Granmama (Magdalena)

[Off-Broadway]
New York City Center Encores! Production, 2023
Widow Corney

[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 2019
Aunt Eller

[Off-Broadway]
St. Ann's Warehouse Production, 2018
Aunt Eller

[Off-Broadway]
Royal Family Off-Broadway Production, 2018
Performer

[Off-Broadway]
Transport Group Concert Production, 2017
Performer

[Off-Broadway]
Manhattan Theatre Club Original Off-Broadway Production, 2017
Mrs. Dragonetti

[Off-Broadway]
Red Bull Theater Adaptation, 2017
Performer

[Off-Broadway]
Public Theater World Premiere Off-Broadway Production, 2015
Barbara Bush

[Off-Broadway]
Return Engagement [Off-Broadway], 2013
Shirley

[Off-Broadway]
Classic Stage Company Production, 2013
Governor's Wife

[Off-Broadway]
Transport Group, 2011
Anna Edson Taylor

[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 2011
Performer

[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 2009
Performer [Replacement]

[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 2009
General Matilda B. Cartwright

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2007
Melpomene

Medusa

[Off-Broadway]
2006
Myra Kesselman [Replacement]

[New York]
Reading, 2006
Melephone

Melephone

[Off-Broadway]
Off-Broadway Concert, 2006
Performer

[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 2005
Aunt Monica

The Medium

[Off-Broadway]
2004
Woman #2

[Off-Off-Broadway]
Off-Off-Broadway Revival, 2004
Lorena Hickock

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2003
Madame Morrible [Replacement]

[Off-Broadway]
Musicals in Mufti Concert, 2003
Performer

[Broadway]
Richard Rodgers 100th Birthday Celebration, 2002
"The Gentleman Is a Dope" Performer

[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 2001
Maggie Jones

[Off-Broadway]
2000
Angie

[Off-Broadway]
2000
Voice Over

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1999
Magdalena

[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 1999
Performer [Replacement]

Performer [Replacement]

[Off-Broadway]
1999
Dorine

[Off-Broadway]
Encores! Concert, 1999
Roles originated by Fanny Brice

[Broadway]
Broadway Transfer Production, 1998
Madame Maude P. Dilly

Little Old Lady

Little Old Lady/Mme. Maude P. Dilly

[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 1998
Lisa

Lisa

[Off-Broadway]
1998
Roz

[Off-Broadway]
1997
Little Old Lady/Mme. Maude P. Dilly/People of New York

[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 1996
Matron "Mama" Morton [Replacement]

[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 1996
Domina

[Off-Broadway]
1993
Zerbinette

[Off-Broadway]
1992
Performer

[Off-Broadway]
1991
Gladys (Secrets)

[Off-Broadway]
1989
Mrs. Dewey (Finnegan's)/ Mona (Peter Breaks Through)

[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 1988
Taradee

Taradee

[Off-Broadway]
1988
Rita

[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 1988
Rita

[Off-Broadway]
1987
Subway Orator/ Cousin Elizabeth/ Shalamis (Tiny Mommy)

[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 1987
Sally

Sally

[Off-Broadway]
1986
Patty Ann

[Off-Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Off-Broadway Production, 1985
Performer

[Off-Broadway]
Off-Broadway Revival, 1984
Performer

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1984
Angel (Standby) [Replacement]

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1983
Dottie

Hedda

Factory Girl

Ensemble

[Off-Broadway]
1982
Singing Telegram Lady

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1980
Pre-Show Entertainer [Replacement]

Ensemble (Understudy) [Replacement]

Joice Heth (Understudy)

[Off-Off-Broadway]
Off-Off-Broadway Revival, 1980
Performer

[Off-Broadway]
1979
Performer

[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 1979
Miss Goldberg

Performer

[New York]
Workshop, 2001
Performer


Movies

Going in Style
[ 1979 ] Teller
Stanley & Iris
[ 1990 ] Joanne
Two Bits
[ 1995 ] Housewife
Sleepers
[ 1996 ] Nun
The Out-of-Towners
[ 1999 ] Dominatrix
The Business of Strangers
[ 2001 ] Receptionist
Tony & Tina's Wedding
[ 2004 ] Sister Clare
Stay
[ 2005 ] Waitress #1
Goodbye Baby
[ 2007 ] Cting Director
Four Single Fathers
[ 2009 ] Maria
Eat Pray Love
[ 2010 ] Laundromat Gal
The Bounty Hunter
[ 2010 ] Maid at the Taj
Archaeology of a Woman
[ 2012 ] Senior Center Director
Tio Papi
[ 2013 ] Principal Rosen
Big Stone Gap
[ 2014 ] Zia Maria Luisa
Love on the Run
[ 2016 ] Nadine
Looking for the Jackalope
[ 2016 ] Barb
Most Likely to Murder
[ 2018 ] Mrs. Lipman
The Portuguese Kid
[ 2018 ] Mrs. Dragonetti
A Vigilante
[ 2018 ] Eva Greenberg

TV Shows

Courage the Cowardly Dog
Shirley the Medium
Jack in a Box
Jack's Mother, Mom, Mother
The Battery's Down
Blue Bull Casting Director, Casting Director
The Good Fight
Amy Ann Howard
Whoopi
Sophia

Awards and Nominations

Drama Desk Awards - 2019 - Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical

Mary Testa, Oklahoma!

Tony Awards - 2019 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical

Mary Testa, Oklahoma!

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2018 - Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play

Mary Testa, The Government Inspector

Drama Desk Awards - 2016 - Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical

Mary Testa, First Daughter Suite

The Lortels - 2016 - Outstanding Lead Actress in a Musical

Mary Testa, First Daughter Suite


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2012 - Special Award

Mary Testa, Queen of the Mist

Drama League Awards - 2012 - Distinguished Performance Award

Mary Testa, Queen of The Mist

The Lortels - 2012 - Outstanding Lead Actress

Mary Testa, Queen of the Mist

Drama Desk Awards - 2007 - Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical

Mary Testa, Xanadu


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2004 - Outstanding Featured Actress - Musical

Mary Testa, First Lady Suite

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2001 - Outstanding Featured Actress - Musical

Mary Testa, 42nd Street

Tony Awards - 2001 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical

Mary Testa, 42nd Street

Tony Awards - 1999 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical

Mary Testa, On the Town


winner
Obie Awards - 1998 - Performance

Mary Testa, On the Town


winner
Obie Awards - 1998 - Performance

Mary Testa, From Above

Videos

News


John Cariani, Mary Testa, and More Set For Transport Group's 2024-25 Season

Transport Group has announced its 2024-25 season. Learn more about the full lineup here!
Review: 54 SINGS THE RINK Pays Tribute to a Kander & Ebb Gem at 54 Below

Charles Kirsch, host of the Backstage Babble podcast, produced Monday night’s 54 Sings The Rink concert, featuring an array of talent who all had some connection to the 1984 musical. The Rink was a treasure, and this concert was a treasure, too, featuring Karen Ziemba, Mary Testa, Caroline O'Connor and many other stars.
See Laura and Linda Benanti & More Next Week at 54 Below

Next week, 54 BELOW will present some of the brightest stars from Broadway, cabaret, jazz, and beyond. See the full lineup and learn how to purchase tickets.
Mary Testa to Star in QUEEN OF THE MIST in Concert at PEAK Performances

Mary Testa will star in concert performances of Queen of the Mist at PEAK Performances. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
Exclusive: Oh My Pod U Guys- Singing For My Supper with Mary Testa

In this video, I am joined by a true Broadway legend, Miss Mary Testa. Mary's career as a performer has spanned over 4 decades and has garnered her extensive recognition as one of Broadway's strongest voices. With thirteen Broadway credits and three Tony Award nominations, Mary's work has impacted countless people and has transcended genre.
Linda Eder, Laura and Linda Benanti, and More to Play 54 Below Next Month

Next month, 54 BELOW, Broadway's Supper Club & Private Event Destination, will present some of the brightest stars from Broadway, cabaret, jazz, and beyond.
Photos: Stars Turn Out To Honor Alfred Molina and Ann K. McDonald At the 2024 RUNNING OF THE BULLS Gala

Red Bull Theater honored Alfred Molina with the Matador Award for Extraordinary Achievement in Classical Theater and K. Ann McDonald with the George Mayer Award for Extraordinary Service to Classical Theater at the Running of the Red Bulls Gala Benefit last night, Monday June 3rd. See photos from inside the event!
Red Bull Theater to Honor Alfred Molina & K. Ann McDonald at Red Bulls Gala Benefit

Alfred Molina will be honored with the Matador Award for Extraordinary Achievement in Classical Theater and K. Ann McDonald will receive the George Mayer Award for Extraordinary Service to Classical Theater at the Running of the Red Bulls Gala Benefit. Learn more about the benefit and see how to purchase tickets.
Listen: SINGULAR SENSATION Releases Miniseries on the Making of RENT

Broadway Podcast Network has released the second miniseries of the new podcast, “Singular Sensation: The Triumph of Broadway,” hosted by journalist and Broadway columnist Michael Riedel. Listen now.
Gina Naomi Baez, Mary Testa & More to Star in ABRIL Industry Reading

Royal Family Productions will present a private industry reading of the new musical Abril. See who is starring and learn more about the production!
Listen: TWITS IN PERIL Launches New Season, Starring Christian Borle, Lillias White & More

Following the success of audio comedy Twits in Love,  the Broadway Podcast Network will release a new season of the self-proclaimed “steampunk distraction” by Tom Alan Robbins with Twits in Peril.  Listen to an episode!
Photos: Chip Zien Honored With Caricature at Sardi's

The stars came out at the iconic Sardi’s restaurant in Times Square on Thursday night to honor the legendary Chip Zien, star of the Barry Manilow & Bruce Sussman musical, “Harmony.” Check out photos here!
Larry Owens Debuts THE AMERICAN FOOTBALL MUSICAL at Adelphi

Performer, composer, lyricist and writer Larry Owens will present the world premiere concert debut of his new musical, The American Football Musical, a satire of The Blind Side-esque sports/white savior films, at Adelphi University Performing Arts Center (PAC) on Saturday, April 27.
Interview: MARY TESTA of TENDERNESS AND GRATITUDE at Westport Country Playhouse

The legendary Mary Testa is coming to the Westport Country Playhouse on April 15 for one night only.
Red Bull Theater to Honor Alfred Molina And K. Ann McDonald at Gala Benefit

Alfred Molina and K. Ann McDonald will be honored at the Running of the Red Bulls Gala Benefit. Learn more about the benefit and see how to purchase tickets.
Broadway Podcast Network Launches New Site & Listening Platform, and More

Broadway Podcast Network is launching their new website and listening platform. Learn more!
Freestyle Love Supreme, Marissa Jaret Winokur, and John Lloyd Young Will Headline Transport Group Gala

Transport Group has announced performers for its 2024 gala will include Tony Award winners Freestyle Love Supreme, Marissa Jaret Winokur, and John Lloyd Young.  
Westport Country Playhouse To Present Script in Hand Play Reading of TENDERNESS AND GRATITUDE NUMBER FOUR

Westport Country Playhouse will present a Script in Hand play reading of “Tenderness and Gratitude Number Four,” a new comedy written and directed by Enid Graham, on Monday, April 15, at 7 p.m.
THE GARDENS OF ANUNCIA Digital Cast Recording Out Today

The original cast recording of THE GARDENS OF ANUNCIA, the latest musical from acclaimed composer MICHAEL JOHN LaCHIUSA is now available for streaming.
Exclusive: Mary Testa Performs 'Miss the Man' From THE GARDENS OF ANUNCIA

We have your exclusive first listen to 'Miss the Man', performed by Mary Testa, from The Gardens of Anuncia. Check out the video here!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Mary Testa been in?

Mary Testa has appeared on Broadway in 13 shows.

How many West End shows has Mary Testa been in?

Mary Testa has not appeared in the West End.

What awards has Mary Testa been nominated for?

Mary Testa has received numerous nominations for her outstanding performances. She was nominated for Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical at the Drama Desk Awards for Oklahoma! and also for Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical at the Tony Awards for the same show. Additionally, she earned a nomination for Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for The Government Inspector. Testa received nominations for Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical at the Drama Desk Awards for First Daughter Suite and for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Musical at The Lortels for the same production. She was also honored with a Special Award at the Drama Desk Awards for Queen of the Mist and received the Distinguished Performance Award at the Drama League Awards for the same show. Furthermore, Testa was nominated for Outstanding Lead Actress at The Lortels for Queen of the Mist. Her accolades continue with nominations for Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical at the Drama Desk Awards for Xanadu and for Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical at the Drama Desk Awards for First Lady Suite. She was nominated for Outstanding Featured Actress - Musical at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for 42nd Street and received a nomination for Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical at the Tony Awards for 42nd Street as well. Testa was also nominated for Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical at the Tony Awards for On the Town, along with receiving Performance nominations at the Obie Awards for On the Town and From Above.

What awards has Mary Testa won?

Mary Testa has won several awards, including a Special Award from the Drama Desk Awards for Queen of the Mist. She also received the Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical award from the Drama Desk Awards for First Lady Suite. Additionally, she won Performance awards from the Obie Awards for her roles in On the Town and From Above.

Get Mary Testa Email Alerts

Be the first to get news, photos, videos & more.

Videos