A revival of Arthur Miller’s “Death of a Salesman” emerged as the biggest winner at Sunday night’s 79th Annual Tony Awards, taking six honors and leading a ceremony that celebrated both Broadway’s classic revivals and new productions.
The acclaimed production won best revival of a play, while Laurie Metcalf earned featured actress in a play and Joe Mantello received the award for best direction of a play. The show, starring Nathan Lane as Willy Loman, topped a night in which awards were widely distributed among several productions.
“Schmigadoon!,” based on the Apple TV+ musical comedy series, captured best musical and added awards for original score, book and orchestrations. Producer Christine Schwarzman credited the television show’s cancellation for helping pave the way to Broadway.
Among revivals, “Ragtime” won best revival of a musical and secured acting honors for Joshua Henry and Caissie Levy. The victory marked the first time the musical claimed the Tony’s top revival prize.
“The Lost Boys” earned four awards, including featured acting trophies for Ali Louis Bourzgui and Shoshana Bean, along with scenic and lighting design honors. “Cats: The Jellicle Ball” collected three awards, including best direction of a musical and a historic costume design win for Qween Jean, who became the first openly transgender Tony Award winner.
In the play categories, “Liberation,” centered on a feminist reading group in the 1970s, won best play. Playwright Bess Wohl became the first American woman in nearly four decades to receive the award.
John Lithgow won best leading actor in a play for “Giant,” portraying author Roald Dahl in a drama examining a controversy surrounding the writer. It marked Lithgow’s third Tony Award. Lesley Manville received best leading actress in a play for her Broadway debut in “Oedipus.”
The ceremony, held at Radio City Music Hall, was hosted by singer Pink, who mixed humor with commentary on current events and Broadway’s role in reflecting social issues. Musical performances celebrated milestone anniversaries for long-running productions including “Chicago,” “The Book of Mormon” and “Rent.”
The three-hour broadcast drew an audience that included Broadway veterans, Hollywood stars and theater newcomers. By evening’s end, the awards showcased a Broadway season that balanced beloved revivals with fresh productions while highlighting themes of inclusion, history and social change.
Source: Variety