Sara Chase, the star of the acclaimed musical series *Schmigadoon!*, had a whirlwind of a day on June 7, which saw her juggling rehearsals, performances, and the prestigious Tony Awards. The actress received a nomination for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical for her portrayal of Melissa, making the day’s events all the more significant.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/sara-chase-061226-1-8cd9bc0668f9482eb29aa07e6c83f1a0.jpg)
Chase’s day began early with a dress rehearsal for the upcoming 2026 Tony Awards, a critical step in preparing for the evening’s festivities. This was followed by her performing in the matinee showing of *Schmigadoon!*, an experience that set the tone for the excitement to come. After finishing her performance, she made her way back to Radio City Music Hall, ready to celebrate her nomination at the iconic awards event.
With the help of her dedicated glam squad, Chase was well-prepared for the evening ahead. Her styling team included the talented Emma Pritchard, along with assistants Jacinto Onofre and Rina Andreatta. For hair and makeup, she relied on the expertise of Emily Katz and Shaniqua Griffin. Together, they worked to transform the actress into a dazzling star ready to grace the red carpet.
True to her New Yorker roots, Chase opted to take the subway to the awards ceremony, embodying the quintessential urban spirit despite the excitement of the night. Along with fellow actress Ana Gasteyer, Chase shared some light-hearted moments during their commute, illustrating the camaraderie and fun that typically accompanies the theatre community.
Chase later recounted the challenges she faced in getting ready for the awards ceremony, noting the limited time she had to transition from her casual street clothing to an extravagant corseted gown, weighing in at an impressive 20 pounds. “I had about 20 minutes to change from street clothes and post-show makeup and hair into this double corseted, 20 lb. gown and glam,” she said. The rush meant that she had to stand while the stylists strapped her into the dress, all while the makeup artists worked their magic.
Capturing the day on social media, Chase shared behind-the-scenes glimpses with her followers, highlighting the chaotic yet exhilarating nature of the day. She remarked on the cooperative effort required to complete her transformation: “It takes a village.” In the spirit of theatre, she made sure to pose for photos, even in the hustle and bustle, showcasing her playful side amidst the stress of preparation.
Once fully dressed and prepared for the long-awaited event, Chase made her way down the avenue towards the red carpet, with the weight of her gown requiring assistance from two people. She jokingly noted, “And I thought I was sweating before?!” conveying the mix of excitement and physical effort involved in participating in such a grand event.
Ultimately, the evening culminated in a triumph for *Schmigadoon!*, as the show took home the award for Best Musical. This victory added a cherry on top of an already momentous day, marking a significant milestone for Chase and her cast. The actress’s journey from rehearsal to acceptance at the Tony Awards exemplifies the dedication and spirit of those in the performing arts, as well as the unique challenges that accompany life in the spotlight.
As the excitement from the day continues to resonate, Chase’s commitment to her craft and her ability to share her experiences serves as an inspiring reminder of the hard work and joy that characterises the world of theatre.