Behind the Scenes: Hannah Cruz’s Hidden Passageway to Love and Broadway Success
Hidden Passageway Connects Broadway Stars: Hannah Cruz and Edred Utomi’s Love Story
Broadway, NY — In a delightful twist of fate, actress Hannah Cruz has uncovered a hidden passageway connecting two iconic Broadway theaters, a secret revealed to her by none other than Lin-Manuel Miranda. This enchanting discovery has allowed Cruz to steal precious moments with her husband, fellow Broadway star Edred Utomi, as they navigate their careers on the Great White Way.
Cruz, who recently received her first Tony Award nomination for her captivating performance in Chess, met Utomi during the Hamilton tour in 2018. Their love story blossomed on stage, where Cruz played Eliza and Utomi was a standby. The couple officially began dating in 2021 and tied the knot in August 2024.
This Broadway season, the couple found themselves performing just steps away from each other—Utomi as Alexander Hamilton at the Richard Rodgers Theatre and Cruz at the Imperial Theatre in Chess. Their proximity became even more convenient after Miranda introduced Cruz to the hidden passageway that links the two theaters.
“It’s probably more of an alleyway, now that I’m thinking about it,” Cruz chuckled. “But it’s perfect because it spits me out right on stage right wing of the Rodgers.”
Miranda even joined Cruz on her first exploration of the tunnel, leading to a memorable moment when Utomi turned around to find his wife and the Hamilton creator standing behind him. “It was the most Broadway thing to ever happen to anyone,” Cruz recalled with laughter.
Since then, Cruz has frequently used the passageway to sneak over and see Utomi between performances. “It’s easier than sneaking out of the Imperial!” she said, reflecting on the joy of their shared Broadway experience.
As Cruz prepares for the Tony Awards, she is focused on her role in Chess, where she plays Svetlana, the wife of Soviet chess champion Anatoly Sergievsky. Her performance brings depth to a character often overshadowed by the romance between Anatoly and American chess second Florence Vassy, played by Lea Michele.
“I love how malleable she is,” Cruz explained. “I get to change my intention nightly. It’s kind of like a choose-your-own-adventure thing.”
Cruz also relishes the opportunity to perform the beloved song “I Know Him So Well” alongside Michele, a dream come true for the actress who has admired Michele since her high school days.
As she celebrates her Tony nomination, Cruz credits Utomi for his unwavering support. “I truly could not do this without him,” she said, sharing how he ensures she’s ready for her big moments. “He takes care of our cat, Svetlana, when I’m not home,” she added with a laugh, noting the coincidence of her pet sharing a name with her character.
With the 2026 Tony Awards approaching, Cruz is excited to see where this journey takes her. Tickets for Chess are available now, and the awards ceremony will be broadcast live from Radio City Music Hall on June 7.
As the curtain rises on this new chapter in her life, Hannah Cruz continues to shine brightly on Broadway, proving that love and passion can indeed light the way through the hidden passageways of life.