As the 2023-2024 Broadway season draws to a close, the 77th Annual Tony Awards made a triumphant return, bringing with it historic wins, head-turning red carpet looks, and unforgettable musical numbers. Held for the first time at the Lincoln Center, the event was a dazzling celebration of theater excellence.
Star-Studded Performances and Special Highlights
This year, the Tony Awards featured highly anticipated performances from the casts of “Stereophonic,” “Cabaret,” “Illinoise,” “Merrily We Roll Along,” “Suffs,” “The Outsiders,” “The Who’s Tommy,” and “Water for Elephants.” A special highlight of the evening was Jay-Z joining Alicia Keys onstage to perform “Empire State of Mind” as part of a Hell’s Kitchen medley, captivating the audience with their electrifying presence.
Red Carpet Glamour At 77th Annual Tony Awards
Hosted by Ariana DeBose for the third consecutive year, the Tony Awards saw celebrities like Angelina Jolie and Daniel Radcliffe gracing the red carpet. Their ensembles reflected personal styles that showcased their onstage charisma. The Lincoln Center buzzed with the excitement of fans and stars alike, each eager to witness the celebration of theatrical achievements.
Major Wins and Surprises
The night’s top honor, Best Musical, went to “The Outsiders,” a 12-time nominee that captivated audiences and critics alike. However, the evening was not without its surprises and snubs.
Best Direction of a Musical
Maria Friedman, who was widely expected to win Best Direction of a Musical for her transformative work on “Merrily We Roll Along,” was edged out by Dayna Taymor of “The Outsiders.” Taymor’s direction, especially the cinematic fight scenes, earned high praise and ultimately the Tony Award.
Scenic Design and Other Awards
“Here Lies Love,” a collaboration between David Byrne and Fatboy Slim, transformed the Broadway Theater into a disco dance floor. Despite high expectations for Best Scenic Design, the award went to “Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club,” which immersed audiences in an innovative theater-in-the-round experience.
Multiple Nominees Shut Out
Several shows with multiple nominations, such as “Water for Elephants” (seven nominations), “Mother Play,” “Mary Jane,” and “Here Lies Love” (each with four nominations), walked away empty-handed. “Cabaret” and “Illinoise,” despite their numerous nominations, each secured only one award.
Acting Categories and Surprises
In the acting categories, there were notable surprises:
- Lead Actor in a Play: Jeremy Strong (“Enemy of the People”) won over Leslie Odom Jr., in what was considered a tightly contested category.
- Featured Actor in a Play: Will Brill (“Stereophonic”) emerged victorious, surprising many pundits.
- Best Actress in a Play: Sarah Paulson triumphed over Jessica Lange, marking a close race between the two acclaimed actresses.
Full List of Best Musical Producers
Best Musical Winner: “The Outsiders”
Producers:
- The Araca Group
- American Zoetrope
- Olympus Theatricals
- Sue Gilad & Larry Rogowsky
- Angelina Jolie
- Betsy Dollinger
- Jonathan & Michelle Clay
- Cristina Marie Vivenzio
- The Shubert Organization
- LaChanze & Marylee Fairbanks
- Debra Martin Chase
- Sony Music Masterworks
- Jamestown Revival Theater
- Jennifer & Jonathan Allan Soros
- Tanninger Entertainment
- Tamlyn Brooke Shusterman
- Geffen Playhouse/Howard Tenenbaum/Linda B. Rubin
- Kevin Ryan
- Mistry Theatrical Ventures
- Galt & Irvin Productions
- Tulsa Clarks
- Paul & Margaret Liljenquist
- Bob & Claire Patterson
- Voltron Global Media
- James L. Nederlander
- Warner Bros. Theatre Ventures
- The John Gore Organization
- Independent Presenters Network
- Stephen Lindsay & Brett Sirota
- Jeffrey Finn
- Playhouse Square
- Sue Marks
- Indelible InK
- Lionheart Productions
- The Broadway Investor’s Club
- Starhawk Productions
- Distant Rumble
- Green Leaf Partnership
- Michael & Elizabeth Venuti
- Leslie Kavanaugh
- Deborah & Dave Smith
- Belle Productions
- Chas & Jen Grossman
- Miranda & Sahra Esmonde-White
- Rungnapa & Jim Teague
- Michael & Molly Schroeder
- Casey & Chelsea Baugh
- James L. Flautt
- Jon L. Morris
- Becky Winkler
- William Moran Hickey, Jr. & William Horan Hickey, III
- Oddly Specific Productions
- Melissa Chamberlain & Michael McCartney
- Rachel Weinstein
- Wavelength Productions
- Rob O’Neill & Shane Snow
- Eric Stine
- Cornice Productions
- La Jolla Playhouse
Conclusion
The 77th Annual Tony Awards were a testament to the resilience and creativity of the theater community. With unexpected wins and heartfelt performances, the night celebrated the best of Broadway, leaving audiences eagerly anticipating the next season.