Sarah Snook, best known for her Emmy-winning role as Shiv Roy in Succession, has taken the Broadway stage by storm in 2025, earning critical acclaim and a coveted Tony Award for her groundbreaking performance in The Picture of Dorian Gray. This blog post dives into Snook’s remarkable Broadway debut, her Tony Awards success, and why her role in this innovative production has become a defining moment in theater this year.
A Dazzling Broadway Debut in The Picture of Dorian Gray
Sarah Snook made her Broadway debut in The Picture of Dorian Gray, a bold adaptation of Oscar Wilde’s classic 1891 novel, at the Music Box Theatre. Opening on March 27, 2025, after previews began on March 10, the production was directed and adapted by Kip Williams, former artistic director of the Sydney Theatre Company. What sets this show apart is its innovative use of live and pre-recorded video, allowing Snook to play all 26 characters, including Dorian Gray and Lord Henry Wotton, in a seamless blend of theater and technology.
The production, which originated in Sydney in 2020 and enjoyed a sold-out run in London’s West End in 2024, received widespread praise for its ambitious staging. Snook’s ability to shift between characters, aided by intricate camera work and choreography, was described as a “masterclass” and “dazzling” by critics. Her performance earned her an Olivier Award in London, setting high expectations for her Broadway run.
Tony Awards 2025: Snook’s Historic Win
At the 78th Annual Tony Awards on June 8, 2025, held at Radio City Music Hall, Sarah Snook won the Tony Award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play. Competing against strong contenders like Laura Donnelly (The Hills of California), Mia Farrow (The Roommate), LaTanya Richardson Jackson (Purpose), and Sadie Sink (John Proctor Is the Villain), Snook’s win was a testament to her extraordinary talent. Accepting the award, she said, “This means so much for a little Australian girl,” thanking her husband, actor Dave Lawson, for his support.
The production also saw success with Melbourne-based costume designer Marg Horwell winning a Tony for Best Costume Design. Despite nominations in categories like lighting, sound, and direction, The Picture of Dorian Gray secured two awards, with Snook’s performance as the centerpiece. Critics, including Elisabeth Vincentelli of The New York Times, predicted her win early, noting, “They might as well start engraving Sarah Snook’s Tony right then and there.”
Why The Picture of Dorian Gray Stands Out
Unlike traditional one-person shows, The Picture of Dorian Gray uses cutting-edge video design by David Bergman to create a dynamic interplay between Snook’s live performance and pre-recorded segments. Camera operators on stage, equipped with Steadicams and tripods, capture Snook’s transformations in real-time, projecting them onto screens for a visually stunning effect. This approach, while technologically complex, amplifies the story’s themes of vanity and identity, though some critics, like Variety, noted the production leaned heavily into comedy, diverging from the novel’s darker gothic tone.
Despite mixed reviews on its tonal shift, Snook’s ability to embody 26 distinct characters—from the youthful Dorian to the manipulative Lord Henry—earned universal praise. Her performance, described as “nothing less than dazzling” by Showbiz411, showcased her versatility and cemented her status as a theater powerhouse.
Setting the Record Straight: No Connection to Purpose or Adam Lambert
It’s worth clarifying that Sarah Snook did not star in Purpose, a Pulitzer Prize-winning play by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins that won Best Play at the 2025 Tony Awards. While Purpose featured standout performances, including Kara Young’s second consecutive Tony win for Best Featured Actress in a Play, Snook’s work was exclusively tied to The Picture of Dorian Gray. Additionally, despite searches linking Adam Lambert to Dorian Gray, Lambert was only a presenter at the 2025 Tony Awards and has no direct connection to Snook’s production.
Snook’s Journey to Broadway Stardom
Before The Picture of Dorian Gray, Snook had an extensive theater background in Australia, with roles in King Lear and Saint Joan for the Sydney Theatre Company, the latter earning her a 2019 Helpmann Award. Her transition to Broadway came after her Emmy-winning performance in Succession and a Golden Globe win, making her a household name. Snook joined the Dorian Gray production in 2023, post-Succession, and balanced rehearsals with motherhood, having welcomed her daughter that year.
Her husband, Australian actor Dave Lawson, has been a steadfast supporter, with Snook acknowledging him during her Tony acceptance speech for “holding down the fort.” Their partnership adds a personal layer to her professional triumph, resonating with fans who admire her grounded demeanor.
Why This Matters for Broadway Fans
Snook’s Tony win and the innovative staging of The Picture of Dorian Gray highlight a vibrant 2024-2025 Broadway season, which saw record-breaking box office grosses of $1.9 billion. The season celebrated bold, original works like Maybe Happy Ending, which won six Tonys, including Best New Musical, and Oh, Mary!, starring Cole Escola. Snook’s success underscores Broadway’s embrace of daring performances and fresh storytelling, making The Picture of Dorian Gray a must-see for theatergoers.
Final Thoughts
Sarah Snook’s Broadway debut in The Picture of Dorian Gray is a landmark achievement, blending theatrical innovation with a tour-de-force performance. Her 2025 Tony Award win solidifies her as a versatile talent, capable of captivating audiences on both screen and stage. As Broadway continues to recover and thrive post-pandemic, Snook’s triumph is a beacon of creativity and excellence.
For those eager to experience this production, check for ticket availability at the Music Box Theatre, though its limited 14-week engagement means seats are scarce. Stay tuned for updates on Snook’s future projects, as her trajectory toward EGOT status seems well within reach.
