The performing arts and education nonprofit New 42 has announced the addition of five new members to its Artist Council: Tony Award winners André De Shields, J. Harrison Ghee, Renée Elise Goldsberry, Joshua Henry and Jerry Mitchell.
New 42 is the organization that operates the New Victory Theater, administers rehearsal space for Broadway shows and new works and pioneers artist and mentorship programs. The New 42 Artist Council consists of professional artists dedicated to expanding public awareness of the importance of the arts and arts education. The council is co-chaired by John Lithgow and Sarah Jessica Parker, with members Sara Bareilles, Laura Benanti, Danny Burstein, Warren Carlyle, Lilli Cooper, Rachel Dratch, Mandy Gonzalez, Neil Patrick Harris, Jessica Hecht, Bill Irwin, Nikki M. James, Celia Keenan-Bolger, Julianna Margulies, Arian Moayed, Cynthia Nixon, Billy Porter, Meryl Streep, Susan Stroman, Julie Taymor, Alex Timbers, Sergio Trujillo, Ben Vereen and Betsy Wolfe.
“J. Harrison, Renée, Joshua, Jerry and André represent decades of Broadway excellence between them, but what unites them is a shared commitment to opening doors for the artists who come next,” said Russell Granet, New 42 president and CEO. “Their voices on our Artist Council will be invaluable as we continue that work together.”
De Shields most recently appeared on Broadway as Old Deuteronomy in “Cats: The Jellicle Ball.” He won a Tony Award for his turn as Hermes in “Hadestown,” and also originated the title role in “The Wiz.” Ghee, who appeared in “Hadestown” this past summer, won a Tony for their turn in 2023’s “Some Like It Hot.” Goldsberry originated the role of Angelica Schuyler in “Hamilton”’s Off-Broadway run at the Public Theater, winning a Tony for reprising the role on Broadway. Goldsberry’s other Broadway credits include “Rent,” “The Color Purple” and “The Lion King.” Henry won a Tony for his role as Coalhouse Walker Jr. in Lincoln Center Theater’s 2025 revival of “Ragtime.” He is soon to appear in the original musical “The Conversation,” with a score he wrote alongside and Julia Harriman and book by Nick Green. Mitchell is a two-time Tony-winning choreographer and Tony-nominated director. He received the Isabelle Stevenson Award in 2023. Mitchell is the creator of Broadway Cares’ annual Broadway Bares benefit, for which he still serves as executive producer.
New 42 is helmed by president and CEO Granet and board chair Henry Tisch.
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