Former Top Model Finalist Yaya DaCosta Receives Raves for Stage Debut

Former America's Next Top Model finalist Yaya DaCosta has shown she's more than just a pretty face -- she's receiving rave reviews for her stage debut in Signature Theatre Company's The First Breeze of Summer.

Yaya, who stars opposite Leslie Uggams in the production, was singled out in Ben Brantley's review of the show for her "exquisite form." The notoriously hard-to-please critic said she made a "lovely New York debut." Other reviewers have called her performance "star-making," "vivid" and "luscious." Not bad!

In addition, Yaya and Leslie were featured in a New York Times profile in today's paper. That article can be read here.

And -- to see video of Yaya in action, check out a trailer for the show below.

The First Breeze of Summer has been extended through October 5. To purchase tickets, call 212-244-7529, or visit www.signaturetheatre.org.

America's Next Top Model's Yaya DaCosta to Make Stage Debut in Signature's "The First Breeze of Summer"

The reality TV/theater connection isn't just about musicals!

America's Next Top Model finalist Yaya DaCosta will make her stage debut in Signature Theatre Company's production of Leslie Lee's The First Breeze of Summer. The production starts performances in NYC on August 5.

Tickets are only $20 for all seats, and go onsale July 10 at 1PM. Tickets can be purchased by calling (212)244-PLAY or visiting http://www.signaturetheatre.org/.

The First Breeze of Summer received a Tony Award nomination for Best Play during its 1975 original Broadway run at the Palace Theatre. Leslie Lee won an Obie Award for his play, which takes place over the course of one sweltering weekend in June, as three generations of the Edwards family collide with their past and confront the choices that will define their future.

Joining Yaya in the cast will be Tony Award winner Leslie Uggams, Quincy Dunn Baker (Romeo and Juliet), Harvey Blanks (Tabletop), Sandra Daley (Defying Gravity), Crystal Anne Dickinson (Tyler Perry's House of Payne), Brandon Dirden (Prelude to a Kiss), Jason Dirden (Two Trains Running), Marva Hicks (Caroline, or Change), John Earl Jelks (Radio Golf), Tuck Milligan (Book of Days), Gilbert Owuor (The Brothers Size), Brenda Pressley (Dreamgirls), and Keith Randolph Smith (Come Back, Little Sheba).

Tyra would be so proud!