The lights of Broadway burned especially bright Sunday night as “The Outsiders,” a poignant adaptation of the classic young adult novel, clinched the Tony Award for Best New Musical. The evening was marked not just by phenomenal performances but also by significant strides for women in theater.
“The Outsiders,” inspired by S.E. Hinton’s timeless story of rival gangs in 1960s Oklahoma, captured the essence of Broadway with its rugged charm. This triumph also saw Angelina Jolie, one of the show’s producers, taking home her first Tony Award. In an emotional acceptance speech, producer Matthew Rego expressed heartfelt gratitude to Hinton, who was present at Manhattan’s Lincoln Center. “Susie, I’m here to tell you that your story and its eternal message of love and family and staying gold has forever changed all of our lives,” Rego said, deeply moved.
The night also belonged to “Stereophonic,” a riveting play about a Fleetwood Mac-style band crafting an album amidst turbulent circumstances. This show bagged five awards in total, including Best New Play. Penned by David Adjmi with songs by ex-Arcade Fire member Will Butler, “Stereophonic” electrified the audience. Adjmi, in his acknowledgment speech, humorously admitted, “Oh, no. My agent gave me a beta blocker, but it’s not working.” Reflecting on the arduous 11-year journey to bring the play to life, he emphasized, “We need to fund the arts in America.”
Adding star power to the event were Jay-Z and Hillary Rodham Clinton. Clinton, notably a producer of a musical about suffragettes titled “Suffs,” presented the piece with unmistakable passion. “I have stood on a lot of stages, but this is very special,” Clinton remarked, appreciating the courage and effort it takes to drive societal change through art.
Alicia Keys brought her star-studded charisma to the stage with a stunning piano performance during the first musical segment. She and Jay-Z revived their 2009 hit “Empire State of Mind,” which was met with rapturous applause. In a subsequent highlight, 21-year-old Maleah Joi Moon won Best Leading Actress for her role in Keys’ semi-autobiographical musical, “Hell’s Kitchen,” surpassing seasoned contender Kelli O’Hara.
. Moon dedicated her award to her supportive parents.
Danya Taymor, niece of the pioneering Julie Taymor, made history as the sixth woman to win Best Director for a Musical for her work on “The Outsiders.” Shaina Taub also made waves, winning Best Score for “Suffs,” making her only the ninth woman to receive this honor. Taub, who also won Best Book earlier in the night, rallied the audience: “If you are inspired by the story of Suffs, please make sure you and everyone you know have registered to vote and vote, vote, vote!”
Emmy and Golden Globe winner Jeremy Strong snagged his first Tony Award for Best Lead Actor in a Play for “An Enemy of the People,” a revival of Henrik Ibsen’s 1882 political drama. Elsewhere, Kara Young, recognized as the first Black performer to bag Tony nominations three consecutive years, won Best Featured Actress in a Play for “Purlie Victorious.”
Daniel Radcliffe, widely known for his role as Harry Potter, solidified his theatrical credentials by winning Best Featured Actor in a Musical for his performance in “Merrily We Roll Along.” Radcliffe shared his joy, saying, “This is one of the best experiences of my life,” and thanked his parents for immersing him in Sondheim’s music during his childhood.
“Merrily We Roll Along” also earned top honors for Best Musical Revival and saw Jonathan Groff bag his first Tony for Leading Actor in a Musical. Groff, previously nominated for “Spring Awakening” and “Hamilton,” delivered a teary-eyed tribute to his family’s unwavering support of his acting dreams.
Veteran actress Kecia Lewis, portraying a formidable piano teacher in “Hell’s Kitchen,” garnered her first Tony after four decades of dedication to theater. “This moment is the one I dreamed of for those 40 years,” she shared, urging aspiring artists to never give up on their dreams.
“Appropriate,” authored by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins and centered on a family reunion in Arkansas, was recognized as the Best Play Revival. Sarah Paulson, who captivated audiences with her role in “Appropriate,” won Best Leading Actress in a Play, further cementing her reputation for profound portrayals of the human condition.
The night honored legends of the stage with a special tribute to three-time Tony recipient Chita Rivera. The tribute featured standout performances from Audra McDonald, Brian Stokes Mitchell, and Bebe Neuwirth, with host Ariana DeBose — notable for winning an Oscar for Rivera’s role in “West Side Story” — joining in.
DeBose, hosting for the third time, co-choreographed the opening number, “This Party’s for You,” which celebrated artistic perseverance while playfully chiding more lucrative entertainment mediums. Additional performances included Eddie Redmayne’s haunting rendition from “Cabaret,” Pete Townshend’s guitar riff on “The Who’s Tommy,” and a dramatic scene from “The Outsiders.”
The ceremony concluded with a moving “In Memoriam” segment, featuring Nicole Scherzinger’s rendition of “What I Did for Love,” paying homage to departed icons such as Christopher Durang, Alan Arkin, and Glenda Jackson.
As Broadway continues to illuminate the artistic landscape, this year’s Tony Awards stood out not just for lauding exceptional talent but also for emphasizing the importance of inclusivity and perseverance in the arts.
