The 77th Tony Awards celebrated the best of Broadway on Sunday night, with two productions emerging as the biggest winners.
The Outsiders Takes Home Best Musical
S.E. Hinton’s classic novel came to life on stage with a bang, as “The Outsiders” triumphed in the fiercely competitive Best Musical category. The production edged out “Hell’s Kitchen,” a jukebox musical featuring Alicia Keys’ music, which garnered acting wins for Maleah Joi Moon and Kecia Lewis. However, “The Outsiders” secured the top prize thanks to a crucial win for director Danya Taymor.
Stereophonic Makes History with Record Nominations
While not breaking the record for most Tony wins, “Stereophonic” nevertheless etched its name in history by becoming the most nominated play ever. Though it fell short of a clean sweep, the production walked away with a respectable five Tony Awards, solidifying its critical acclaim.
Celebrations All Around
The night was filled with other notable wins. Stephen Sondheim’s “Merrily We Roll Along” returned in a triumphant revival, earning the prestigious Best Revival of a Musical award. Branden Jacobs-Jenkins’ play “appropriate” took home Best Revival of a Play.
Several Hollywood stars also celebrated their first Tony Awards. Daniel Radcliffe, Sarah Paulson, and Jeremy Strong all received recognition for their stage work. Strong, in his acceptance speech, called his winning play “a cry from the heart” that tackles pressing issues.
Jonathan Groff, a lifelong musical theater enthusiast, finally received his first Tony Award for his role in “Merrily We Roll Along.” He expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to be part of the vibrant New York theater scene.
The ceremony also marked a step forward for female representation, with a noteworthy number of women receiving nominations in the Best Direction of a Musical category. Danya Taymor ultimately took home the award for her direction of “The Outsiders.”
