Lillian Tang

At just 16-years-old, Lillian Tang, Bloomfield Hills High School student, has achieved the honor of outstanding performer in a leading role at the 14th annual Sutton Foster Awards Showcase.

The young thespian has been interested in performing since she was a small child.

“I definitely always loved being center stage,” she said. “Whenever I had the opportunity to perform, I would. And, my love of theater has only grown.” 

Tang’s first major performance was “Les Miserables.”

“I played young Cosette,” she said. “It was with Dream Arts Company. It was such a wonderful community, and I knew it was what I wanted to do.” 

At the time, Tang was enrolled in dance classes at Next Step Broadway in Birmingham. 

“I was in two virtual musicals during Covid,” she said. “That was really fun. I was in 'The Little Mermaid' and 'Annie.' I played Annie for that production.”

In addition to acting, singing and dancing, Tang is also a musician. 

“I’ve played piano since I was five and clarinet since the sixth grade.” 

When performing, Tang is invigorated by the audience and the ambiance of the theater. She was part of the Detroit Opera Youth Chorus and the BalletMet Nutcracker Ballet at the Detroit Opera House.

“What I like best is seeing that magic come to life,” she said. “Everyone works so hard on creating a wonderful production and it is truly magical to see it all come together. Also, it was great how the older kids stepped up and taught me how to be a theater kid.”

As a Bloomfield Hills High School student, Tang is extraordinarily grateful for the opportunities she has been afforded. She is the assistant junior captain of the color guard and a two-time state finalist for forensics. She is also part of the superintendent student advisory board, co-junior president of the TRI-M chapter and co-president of the Asian Student Alliance.

“Bloomfield Hills High School gives everyone so many opportunities to be a part of so many different clubs,” she noted.

In May of 2026, Tang won the Sutton Foster Award, named in honor of the Broadway star, originally from Oakland County. She was nominated for her role in “The Hello Girls.”

“I was honestly in shock,” she said. “It was so surreal. Being a sophomore, I couldn’t have imagined myself being a finalist. I’m so honored that I got to represent my high school, Michigan and my community.”

Tang was then sent to Julliard to take classes and workshops.

“It was so much fun,” she said. “Getting there in the first place felt so surreal. The opportunity to have coaching from Broadway professionals was amazing. It was so wonderful.”

As a young accomplished actress, Tang gives much credit to her family for their help along the way.

“My whole family has given me so much support,” she said. “My mom has been there every step of the way. They’ve gotten me singing lessons and dancing lessons. They’ve given me so many opportunities to perform in my community.”

Tang is still exploring options toward her bright future.

“I’m interested in medicine and science,” she said. “But I love performing. That’s where I’m most happy. So, whether it’s professional or just for fun, I want to perform.”

Story: Katey Meisner

Photo: Laurie Tennent