Last night’s Tony Awards show deserves its on Emmy. Right now.
In case you missed it, here’s Neil Patrick Harris and the casts of nearly every musical on Broadway doing the opening number:
Quick rundown: Kinky Boots won Best Musical and Pippin, Best Musical Revival. Christopher Durang’s Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike won Best Play, while Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf received Best Revival of a Play. See the complete list here.
Most outstanding acceptance speeches you’re got to see –
– Billy Porter, Best Leading Actor in a Musical (Kinky Boots) ” the journey of forgiveness and acceptance that saved my soul”
– a deeply moved Tracy Letts, Leading Actor in a Play (Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf) “to all the actors in Chicago and in storefronts everywhere. We are the ones who say it to their faces, and we have a unique responsibility.”
– Cicely Tyson, Leading Actress in a Play (The Trip to Bountiful) “It’s been 30 years since I stood on a stage… I had a burning desire to do just one more great role.”
– Steppenwolf Theatre’s award for Best Revival of a Play, Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?Emily Mann accepting: saluting theatres across the country “and to Chicago theatres, whose artists, theatres, audiences and critical community are committed to creating a rich culture life…”. Yes! She recognized critics!
Amen, Lorraine! What a night.
I was particularly elated for Cyndi Lauper’s win for her music and lyrics for Kinky Boots, and the insanely talented Tracey Letts – now a record-breaker as the only Best Play and Best Actor Tony winner.
I was also moved by the grace and eloquence of Cicely Tyson when she took the stage for her Leading Actress Tony.
And, like the rest of the viewers, I was BLOWN AWAY at the tap-dancing skills of that dynamo from A CHRISTMAS STORY. That was Luke Spring, 10-years old, and we will most certainly see him win a Tony if he stays with it and keeps using those amazing feet for the good of all.
I can barely get through ten minutes of the Oscars and rarely pay attention to awards shows, other than AFI, Mark Twain Comedy Prize or Kennedy Center Honors. But I never miss the Tony Awards.