Caissie Levy reflects on first Tony nomination, juggling Broadway fame and motherhood

Broadway star Caissie Levy is celebrating a major career milestone while embracing the realities of family life, opening up about the lessons she continues to learn from balancing motherhood and a demanding stage career.

Levy, who earned her first Tony Award nomination for Best Leading Actress in a Musical for her performance in Ragtime, described the recognition as especially meaningful after more than two decades in theater.

The acclaimed performer plays Mother in the Broadway revival of Ragtime, a role she calls one of the most rewarding of her career.

Levy said the character’s emotional journey and personal growth offer layers of complexity that have made the role particularly satisfying to explore on stage.

Set in early 20th-century America, Ragtime follows several interconnected families navigating social and cultural change.

Levy’s character begins as a conventional wife and mother before gradually developing a broader understanding of the world around her.

The actress noted that audiences often connect deeply with Mother’s transformation, adding that watching theatergoers recognize that evolution throughout the performance has been one of the most fulfilling aspects of the role.

Away from the stage, Levy’s life is equally busy. She and her husband, David Reiser, share two children, and she admitted that motherhood has taught her how to quickly transition from performing under bright lights to handling everyday family responsibilities.

Levy joked that once the curtain falls, she immediately returns to “mom mode,” often preparing lunches and organizing the next day’s routine late into the evening.

Reflecting on a decade of motherhood, she said one of the biggest lessons she has learned is that perfection is unattainable.

Instead, she has embraced the idea that while it may be possible to have everything, it cannot all happen at the same time.

The actress credited her family, friends, husband and trusted babysitters for helping her navigate the challenges of balancing work and home life.

Levy and Reiser, who will celebrate 20 years together later this year and 15 years of marriage in October, first met while she was touring with Hairspray.

She recalled knowing early on that their relationship was something special and said watching him as a father has deepened her admiration for him.

Despite the demands of juggling a Broadway schedule and parenting, Levy said she feels fortunate to be experiencing this chapter of her career surrounded by loved ones and supportive colleagues.

The Tony nominee also praised her Ragtime castmates, particularly co-star Colin Donnell, whom she described as both a trusted scene partner and a close friend.

Looking back on her journey, Levy said the nomination represents more than industry recognition. After spending 20 years focused on the work itself rather than awards, she now views the honor as an acknowledgment from a community she has devoted her life to.

“I’m able to fully appreciate how special this moment really is,” she said, adding that she does not take any part of the experience for granted.