Shoshana Bean

Shoshana Bean is a Tony Award-winning actress, singer, and songwriter known for her work in musical theater, Broadway, and jazz music. Bean has appeared in numerous musicals, performing in major Off-Broadway and Broadway productions, including the original production of "Hairspray." Shortly after moving to New York City, Bean was cast in the Off-Broadway revival of "Godspell" at the York Theatre at Saint Peter's Church in Midtown Manhattan. She made her Broadway debut as an original cast member in the role of Shelley in the Tony Award-winning production of "Hairspray."

Bean made history as the first replacement for Elphaba in "Wicked." When Idina Menzel was unable to perform due to injury, Bean stepped in and subsequently took over the role full-time, performing opposite Jennifer Laura Thompson and later Megan Hilty as Glinda. She later reprised the role of Elphaba in the first national tour of "Wicked." Bean returned to Broadway as Jenna Hunterson in "Waitress" and starred in "Mr. Saturday Night" at the Nederlander Theatre alongside Billy Crystal. For her performance in "Mr. Saturday Night," Bean received nominations for the Distinguished Performer Award at the Drama League Awards, Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical at the Outer Critics Circle Awards, and the Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical.

Bean starred as Jersey in Alicia Keys' Off-Broadway jukebox musical "Hell's Kitchen" at The Public Theater before joining the Broadway production at the Shubert Theatre. Her portrayal of Jersey earned her a Grammy Award, a second Tony Award nomination, a Drama League Award nomination, and a Drama Desk nomination. Bean won Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical at the Tony Awards for her role as Lucy Emerson in "The Lost Boys."

Beyond the stage, Bean has established herself as an independent recording artist, with six albums and EPs that have topped the iTunes and Billboard charts, including reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Jazz Chart. Her debut solo album, "Superhero," was released on her own label Shotime Records and is described as pop rock, while her second album, "O'Farrell Street," was produced by Tim K and incorporates 1960s-era soul. Bean has sold out concerts internationally and contributed vocals to films and television shows, including "Sing," "Sing 2," "Enchanted," "Jersey Boys," "Glee," and "Galavant." She has also performed a sold-out solo concert at Carnegie Hall. With a career spanning Broadway, recording, film, and television, Bean is recognized for her contributions to musical theater, jazz, and contemporary music.