Christiani Pitts is an American actress, singer and dancer. She has originated the roles of Ann Darrow in the musical King Kong and was nominated for the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical as Robin Rainey in Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York).
Early life She is the daughter of Byron Pitts, the anchor of ABC's Nightline. She started in theatre in Atlanta and New Jersey, and moved to New York City after graduating from Florida State University.https://cfa.fsu.edu/fsu-alumna-christiani-pitts-earns-tony-nomination-for-leading-role-in-two-strangers/
Career Pitts debuted on Broadway in 2017 in the ensemble of the musical A Bronx Tale. She was later a replacement for the role of Jane. From 2018 to 2019, she played Ann Darrow in King Kong on Broadway. She was called the first woman of color to play the role. Slate called Pitts "a wonder herself, a rawly funny actor with a five-alarm voice", while Observer called her acting "wooden".
In April 2025, Pitts was cast as Robin in the American premiere of Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York) at the American Repertory Theater. Pitts said she was drawn to the role because "[t]his is a Black woman who gets to explore [wanting to be happy] without any severe trauma or pain attached to it". The Bay State Banner said Pitts's performance added "dimension" to the character, calling her charismatic, and New York Stage Review said she "pitches in with tenderness in her solos, and lightning-fast timing when it’s called for".
In August 2025, Pitts played Hannah in a production of Come From Away at The Cape Playhouse. It was confirmed Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York) would transfer to Broadway, with Pitts reprising her role. The production began previews at the Longacre Theatre on November 1, 2025, and opened on November 20, 2025. It is actively showing as of June 14th, 2026.
Filmography
Film YearTitleRole2011Big Mommas: Like Father, Like SonDiva #22021Resort to LoveBeverly Strattford
TV YearTitleRoleNotes2018ElementaryAllisonEpisode: Nobody Lives Forever2019EvilAnnie CommerceEpisode: 2 Fathers2020The Good FightMelanie EversEpisode: The Gang Offends Everyone2022Blue BloodsDeanna ParkerEpisode: Allegiance2023Dead Ringers (miniseries)LilyEpisode: Six2021–2026Power Book III: Raising KananPernessa Reed15 episodes
Theatre
YearTitleRoleVenue2016–2018A Bronx TaleDenise / JaneLongacre Theatre2018–2019King KongAnn DarrowBroadway Theatre2025Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York)Robin RaineyAmerican Repertory Theater2025Come from AwayHannahThe Cape Playhouse2025–Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York)Robin RaineyLongacre Theatre
Awards and nominations YearAwardCategoryWorkResultRef.2026Drama League AwardDistinguished PerformanceTwo Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York)Broadway.com Audience Choice AwardsFavorite Leading Actress in a MusicalFavorite Onstage Pair (with Sam Tutty)Performance of the Year (Musical)Tony AwardsBest Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical
References
External links