Tony Award winner Joaquina Kalukango was welcomed back to Paradise Square  with newsworthy enthusiasm.

Joaquina Kaukango is the star of the Broadway musical Paradise Square. The show performed at this year's Tony Awards. It was nominated for Best Musical. While it did not take home that award, the show did not go home empty handed. The show's leading performer took home the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical. Kalukango performed at the awards ceremony, and her performance was so breathtakingly powerful, with real tears streaming from the actress's eyes as she belted out her powerful notes, filling Radio City Music Hall with her raw emotion, had she not left with the award there would have been an incredibly justified revolt at the historic theatre.

Prior to the night of the Tony Awards, Kalukango was a phenom. She was a talented actor, brilliantly leading her show to triumph and success. Now, she is a mega star. This was evidenced upon her first return to her usual stage at the Barrymore Theatre for Paradise Square. When the actress made her first entrance after winning the award, the crowd exploded in cheers and laughter. They sprung to their feet, cheering for an amount of time that definitely lengthened the overall run time of the production.

Kalukango is a powerful performer and an exceptional person. She feels incredibly blessed to be surrounded by her talented and kind cast, and she hopes that people leave Paradise Square filled with the drive to fight towards building a community. In an interview with Playbill she shared:

"I have nothing but admiration for our incredible ensemble. These are athletes who are giving their full bodies every single day. It's truly spectacular....I don't feel alone because the entire cast is on that stage. In that moment, I feel like I'm carrying all these people's voices and standing up for our community in a really powerful way...We need more grace, more love, more understanding, and more truthful conversations to start the process of healing."

Congratulations again to Kalukango's well deserved award.

Tags: Paradise Square Joaquina Kalukango Tony Awards