Hannah Cruz, leading star of the Broadway musical “Chess,” has had a moment that she describes as a “dream come true.” Attending the Tony Awards on June 7, 2026, in New York City, the 34-year-old actress was nominated for the prestigious Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical for her portrayal of Svetlana. But it was her collaboration with longtime idol Lea Michele that truly made the event unforgettable.
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Cruz, a self-proclaimed fan of Michele from her days on the hit series “Glee,” expressed her disbelief and excitement in an exclusive interview prior to the awards ceremony. “It’s a question you get asked a lot and I try to give different answers, but this really is just the dream of my life come true,” she remarked. Despite her achievements, Cruz admitted that the experience felt surreal: “I’m really trying to stay present so I can bank all of this and remember it forever because it’s remarkable.”
One of the standout highlights for Cruz was singing the iconic duet “I Know Him So Well” with Michele during the musical. Recalling the first time they performed the song, Cruz stated, “I’ll never forget the first time I got to sing it with Lea. Getting to look in her eyes every night and share that moment with her after watching Glee so ferociously growing up and now getting to call her my friend, my sister, I’ll never ever forget that.”
Among her cherished memories from “Glee,” Cruz cited a mashup between the Yeah Yeah Yeahs’ “Heads Will Roll” and Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” as a personal favourite. “I listen to it every Halloween. It’s so good,” she commented, highlighting her deep connection to the show that inspired her budding career.
During the Tony Awards, both Cruz and Michele participated in the evening’s opening number. Hosted by Pink, the performance showcased a remix of “Lady Marmalade,” leading to a delightful moment when Cruz sang, “Some leading ladies are reigning like true Chess queens,” followed by Michele with her bold declaration, “And we don’t do it for the awards.”
On the red carpet, the actress dazzled in a soft blush Christian Siriano gown that featured a mermaid hemline. Reflecting on her fashion choice, Cruz admitted to initial apprehensions, stating, “I was initially scared of this dress because it felt quite vulnerable. But I couldn’t be happier with the way the whole look turned out.” She shared that the Dior Suite at the St. Regis Hotel served as the perfect backdrop for her elegant look, noting the suite’s association with Elton John, which added a special touch to her night.
Cruz’s husband, Edred Utomi, played a significant role in her glamourous preparations. Upon his arrival for some pre-event photos, Cruz remarked, “It almost felt like our wedding since we had spent the night before apart.” She expressed her gratitude for his unwavering support throughout the season, mentioning, “Truly couldn’t have done anything this season without Edred by my side. Before the ceremony even began, I felt like a winner.”
The production of “Chess” focuses on a Cold War-era chess match, intertwined with a complicated love triangle. Along with Cruz and Michele, the cast features Nicholas Christopher as Anatoly, Svetlana’s estranged husband, and Aaron Tveit portraying his American rival, Freddie. The blend of compelling narrative and grand musical scores has captivated audiences and contributed to “Chess” being hailed as a must-see performance.
Reflecting on her legacy from “Glee,” Michele expressed how her experiences on the show inform her current motherhood. In a previous interview, she shared a heartwarming moment about introducing her son, Ever Leo, to her past performances. Despite her successful career, Michele noted that her son is still learning about her role as a singer. The mother-of-two continues to introduce her children to the exciting world of musical theatre.
As “Chess” continues its run at the Imperial Theatre through June 21, both Cruz and Michele have proven that dreams can manifest in the most unexpected and beautiful ways. Their shared moments on stage resonate with audiences, bridging the gap between fan admiration and professional partnership. For Cruz, who has walked a long path from adoring “Glee” to sharing the stage with its star, the journey holds immense significance. It is one that she will surely cherish for years to come.