After too many nights where the theater sat dark, the 75th Annual Tony Awards showcased a vibrant, diverse, and thriving theater scene that is ready to welcome its audience yet again. From crowning another member of the EGOT elite to firsts across many categories, the Great White Way became a prism of inclusion.
The past couple of years have been a struggle for live theater. While many people longed to fill that open seat, the perils of COVID have caused numerous changes. Even this year’s Tony Awards was not immune. The cast of Tony-nominated Six The Musical had one of its understudies help close the show.
Looking at the nominated shows and performances, there were many icons that were part of the celebration as well as firsts that need to be acknowledged. Other award shows might want to look to the Tonys as an example of diversity.
As Ariana DeBose kicked off the show with her medley of iconic musicals, it set the tone for the night. Blending the old and the new seemed to be the theme for the evening. From the revivals of Company with the incomparable Patti LuPone to newcomers Miles Frost in MJ, the pool of talent is quite deep.
The list of firsts was long. From the first openly transgender nominee to Deirdre O’Connell earning recognition for Dana H, where she lip-synced to recordings, the theater shows that it can evolve in ways that push both the creator and the audience.
Whether or not there were big upsets, predicted winners, or something in between, it was a night where everyone was feeling the love for the stage. From telling inspirational stories to basking in the spotlight, this award show seemed to celebrate the dedication to the craft.
Sometimes the Tony Awards are a way for some productions to get a needed boost, either in New York City or via a National Tour. Although productions like Six the Musical are already slated for a National Tour, other shows the new production of Company or A Strange Loop could get more interest outside of the theater world.
Speaking of A Strange Loop, the critically acclaimed musical earned Jennifer Hudson a unique honor. As one of the show’s producers, she became an EGOT, winning an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony.
Here are some of the winners from the 75th Annual Tony Awards.
Best Musical
Best Play
- “The Lehman Trilogy,” Stefano Massini and Ben Power
Best Revival of a Play
Best Revival of a Musical
Best Book of a Musical
- “A Strange Loop,” Michael R. Jackson
Best Original Score Written for the Theater
- “SIX: The Musical,” Music and Lyrics: Toby Marlow & Lucy Moss
Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play
- Simon Russell Beale, “The Lehman Trilogy”
Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play
- Deirdre O’Connell, “Dana H.”
Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical
Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical
- Joaquina Kalukango, “Paradise Square”
Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Play
- Jesse Tyler Ferguson, “Take Me Out”
Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play
- Phylicia Rashad, “Skeleton Crew”
Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical
- Matt Doyle, “Company”
Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical
- Patti LuPone, “Company”
