NEED TO KNOW
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Caissie Levy remembers her late friend Gavin Creel, who was her best friend and sang at her wedding.
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Levy believes that participating in the Broadway production of the musical «Hair» in 2009 became a turning point in her career.
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She finds solace in Creel's music and feels his presence as she celebrates her first Tony Award nomination for her role in the musical "Ragtime".
Even as she celebrates a major milestone in her career, Caissie Levy says one of the people she most wants to share the occasion with always remains on her mind.
A Tony Award nominee who received her first nomination for her role as Mother in the acclaimed production of« Ragtime »" at Lincoln Center, told PEOPLE that she still feels the presence of her late friend and former stage colleague, Gavin Creel.
«"Yes, of course. I feel Gavin's presence around me all the time," Levy says. "I talk to him.".
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Cassie Levy and Gavin Kriel at the "Hair" press conference on January 30, 2009, in New York City. Photo: Bruce Glikas/FilmMagic
Levy and Kriel became close while working together on the Broadway production of the musical «Hair» in 2009, which had a transformative effect on both actresses.
« Working with hair »It meant everything to me,« she says. »It’s still the best experience of my career.”.
The revival, directed by Diane Paulus, marked several milestones in the actress's career, including the release of her first album of the show, her first Tony Award performance, and her first appearance in an award-winning musical. Equally important, it led to a friendship that has lasted nearly two decades.
Swanson, Gavin Kriel, and Cassie Levy attend a book signing for the cast of "Hair" on June 23, 2009, in New York City. Photo: Bruce Glikas/FilmMagic
Among them was Creel, who died in September 2024 at age 48 while undergoing treatment for a rare and aggressive form of cancer called sarcoma.
«"He sang to me when we walked down the aisle at our wedding," Levy says. "He was my best friend.".
Reflecting on the show's legacy, Levy says he still keeps in touch with many of his former castmates, including Will Swanson, Allison Casey, Casey Sheik, Andrew Kober, Theo Stockman, and others.
«We still talk in the group chat after all these years,» Levi shares. «Theo just came over to see it recently.” «Hair «"".
«"That show meant so much to all of us," she continues. "We all kind of started to blossom as artists, as people, and as adults. And the activism we did behind the scenes and then brought to life on stage had a huge impact on all of us.".
«"It has stood the test of time," she adds. "It will always be the most special time we will remember.".
Gavin Kriel, Will Swenson, Casey Levy, Bryce Ryness, and Allison Case take a bow at the Broadway premiere of "Hair" on March 31, 2009, in New York City. Photo: Bruce Glikas/FilmMagic
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While the loss of Creel still hurts, Levy says her relationship with his memory has changed over time.
«"When he died, I was, of course, heartbroken. And it was painful even to think about it. I tried to avoid things like listening to his music and voicemails from him," she recalls.
Cassie Levy and Gavin Kriel at the "Hair" press conference on January 30, 2009, in New York City. Photo: Bruce Glikas/FilmMagic
For now, however, these reminders bring comfort.
«I listen to his music when I warm up before ragtime , »She brings me great comfort,” says Levi.
She continues: «I feel like he’s always with me, and I know he would be incredibly proud of me right now.».
Joshua Henry, Caissie Levy, Brandon Uranowitz, and other actors perform a number in the musical "Ragtime" on Broadway. Photo: Matthew Murphy
Levy, who is entering a major milestone in her career that many Broadway fans believe has been years in the making, says the lessons she learned from Creel remain a guiding light.
«"I learned so much from him," she says. "I learned everything from him.".
«So yes,» Levi adds with a smile. “He’s with me forever.”.
Tickets for the musical "Ragtime"« Now on sale. The 2026 Tony Awards ceremony will take place at Radio City Music Hall on Sunday, June 7. The show will air live on both coasts on CBS (starting at 8:00 PM ET/5:00 PM PT) and will also be available to stream on Paramount+.
Read the original article on People.