Broadway Celebrates at 2023 Tony Awards: "Maybe Happy Ending" Shines
By Mark Kennedy, AP Entertainment Writer
NEW YORK (AP) — The 2023 Tony Awards transformed Broadway into a vibrant celebration, with "Maybe Happy Ending," a rom-com about androids, snagging the coveted Best New Musical title and leading the night with six awards. The show, featuring Darren Criss and Helen J. Shen, explores the relationship between two decommissioned robots, offering poignant reflections on humanity and time.
Kara Young made headlines as she won her second consecutive Tony for Best Featured Actress, marking a milestone as the first Black individual to achieve this feat. Young’s historical win came alongside playwright Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, whose drama "Purpose"—focused on an accomplished Black family facing societal pressures—was awarded Best New Play. Jacobs-Jenkins celebrated his back-to-back triumph, highlighting the importance of supporting regional theaters.
Other standout moments included Nicole Scherzinger winning Best Lead Actress in a Musical for her role in "Sunset Blvd.," which also took home Best Musical Revival, granting composer Andrew Lloyd Webber his first competitive Tony since 1995. Broadway favorite Sarah Snook won Best Leading Actress in a Play for her multifaceted performance in "The Picture of Dorian Gray."
Cynthia Erivo, hosting the ceremony for the first time, captivated the audience with her opening performance and humor. Amidst her engaging anecdotes, she pointed out that Broadway has rebounded remarkably post-COVID, boasting its highest-ever revenue of $1.9 billion for the 2024-2025 season.
The night also honored several artistic achievements, including lifetime recognition for Harvey Fierstein. The Broadway community came together in a spirit of collaboration and celebration, illustrating the resilience and creativity that defines theater.
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