A Night For Theatre Kids

Last night, my inner theatre geek was screaming for joy as thousands gathered in New York City for the 71^st annual Tony Awards. In honor of the awards show, I decided to write about all the little fun facts I learned over the years about Broadway and the Tony’s.

Broadway, or “The Great White Way” has been around since the 18^th century and continues to draw people from all over the world. The nickname, “The Great White Way” refers to Broadway’s being one of the first streets to be completely lit up with lights in the US. The famous song doesn’t lie when it says, “the neon lights are bright on Broadway.” To be considered a Broadway show, a production must take place in one of the 41 professional theatres. Shows are usually categorized as a musical or a play (though there have been shows that are a hybrid). Loosely the main distinction between the two is that musicals integrate the plot into songs and dances whereas plays typically tell the story through spoken dialogue. Whether you prefer one over the other, Broadway is guaranteed to deliver a stellar show.

The Tony Awards began in 1947 by the American Theatre Wing to praise and acknowledge excellence in Broadway theatre. Each year, a Nominating Committee of about 50 professionals in theatre see all the new shows on Broadway and decide which shows and artists should be recognized. The Tony Awards are presented by two companies that come together: The American Theatre Wing and The Broadway League.

Who votes for the winners, you may be asking? Well, the voters come from many companies and organizations dedicated to Broadway, theatre, and the arts in general. As a former intern of one of these companies, I can vouch for them and say they are extraordinary people who are fighting to keep the arts alive.

Antoinette Perry was an actress, stage director, and philanthropist who founded the American Theatre Wing. The Tony’s were named in honor of her and the first award ceremony was held the year after she passed away. From the beginning, this night has been about celebrating all of those who dedicate their lives to theatre. It has grown into one of the most highly anticipated events for the theatre community.

So, who won last night?

·       Best Play: Oslo

·       Best Musical: Dear Evan Hansen

·       Best Revival of a Play: August Wilson’s Jitney

·       Best Revival of a Musical: Hello, Dolly!

·       Best Actor in a Leading Role in a Play: Kevin Kline (Present Laughter)

·       Best Actress in a Leading Role in a Play: Laurie Metcalf (A Doll’s House, Part 2)

·       Best Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical: Ben Platt (Dear Evan Hansen)

·       Best Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical: Bette Midler (Hello, Dolly!)

·       Best Actor in a Featured Role in a Play: Michael Aronov (Oslo)

·       Best Actress in a Featured Role in a Play: Cynthia Nixon (The Little Foxes)

·       Best Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical: Gavin Creel (Hello, Dolly!)

·       Best Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical: Rachel Bay Jones (Dear Evan Hansen)

·       Best Book, Musical: Steven Levenson (Dear Evan Hansen)

·       Original Score: Dear Evan Hansen music and lyrics by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul

·       Best Scenic Design for a Play: Nigel Hook (The Play That Goes Wrong)

·       Best Scenic Design for a Musical: Mimi Lien (Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812)

·       Best Costume Design for a Play: Jane Greenwood (The Little Foxes)

·       Best Costume Design for a Musical: Santo Loquasto (Hello, Dolly!)

·       Best Lighting Design for a Play: Christopher Akerlind (Incedent)

·       Best Lighting Design for a Musical: Bradley King (Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812)

·       Best Direction for a Play: Rebecca Taichman (Incedent)

·       Best Direction for a Musical: Christopher Ashley (Come From Away)

·       Best Choreography: Andy Blankenbuehler (Bandstand)

·       Best Orchestrations: Alex Lacamoire (Dear Evan Hansen)

·       Special Tony Award: Gareth Fry and Pete Malkin’ sound design for The Encounter

A total of 12 productions (13 including the special award) accepted a Tony Award last night. It’s incredible how many productions got recognition for their outstanding work. I cannot wait to see some of these productions.