In a year filled with unexpected twists and turns, the 76th Annual 2023 Tony Awards defied expectations and delivered a captivating evening unlike any other. It almost fell victim to the looming threat of the Writers Guild of America strike.
Remarkably, there was no script to guide the performers, adding an air of spontaneity and exhilaration to the event.
The event took place at the United Palace, a lavish old movie theater nestled in the vibrant Dominican neighborhood of Washington Heights. It was a locale that mirrored the setting of a previous Tony-winning musical and, interestingly, emanated intense heat throughout the evening, prompting Sean Hayes to tease about the sweltering conditions when he entered the media room after winning Best Actor for Leading Role in a Play for “Goodnight, Oscar.”
Deviating from the typical pattern, there was no single production that dominated the awards with a clean sweep. Nevertheless, the evening turned out to be entertaining, defying expectations.
If you’re interested in the roster of major victors, you can find them right here. Below are six takeaways that left a lasting impression from the Tony Awards on that Sunday night.
- A Historic moment unfolded
Alex Newell, adorned in a resplendent gold dress, emerged as the Tony Award winner for Best Featured Actor in a Musical, for their remarkable performance in “Shucked.” This victory marked a significant milestone since they became the first nonbinary actor to ever receive such an honor.
Expressing their overwhelming gratitude, Alex Newell shared, “I have wanted this my entire life. Thank you for seeing me, Broadway. I should not be up here as a queer, nonbinary, fat, Black little baby from Massachusetts.”
Shortly thereafter, J. Harrison Ghee joined the ranks of trailblazers by becoming the second actor to triumph, securing the Tony Award for Best Leading Actor for their portrayal of a jazz musician in “Some Like It Hot.” Just over a year ago, J. Harrison Ghee publicly embraced their nonbinary identity. In the bustling media room, amidst a crowd of journalists vying for space, they emphasized the significance of embracing one’s true self.
“You may think you’re afraid — afraid of what? Of whose opinion? If it brings you joy, do it,” they passionately conveyed.
- Broadway’s improvised extravaganza
A unique agreement was forged in a remarkable collaboration between the producers of the Tony Awards and the Writers Guild of America amidst an ongoing strike. The WGA agreed not to picket, allowing the Tonys to proceed without a scripted framework, as typically provided by WGA members for televised broadcasts.
The evening commenced with host Ariana DeBose playfully flipping through a binder labeled “script,” only to reveal its empty pages. What followed was a dazzling display of innovation—a captivating dance montage unfolded, led by DeBose herself, as an ensemble twirled and strutted through the grandeur of the United Palace, adorned with opulence and intricate detailing.
Emphasizing the spontaneity of the event, DeBose declared, “Every presenter is unscripted—we’re making it up as we go along.” With a mischievous wink, she added, “To anyone who may have found last year’s show a bit unhinged, darlings, I say, buckle up for an exhilarating ride.”
- Powerful reflections on antisemitism
Two plays centered around the theme of antisemitism made a profound impact, garnering significant recognition at the 2023 Tony Awards.
“Parade,” a revival of the 1998 musical that delves into the trial, imprisonment, and tragic lynching of a Jewish man in Georgia, captivated audiences with Ben Platt’s remarkable performance. Additionally, Tom Stoppard’s chilling drama, “Leopoldstadt,” which explores the far-reaching effects of the Nazis on a prominent Viennese family, triumphed in its category.
Within the media room, several individuals emphasized that these productions struck a chord, resonating with the current surge of overt hatred towards minority groups.
Brandon Uranowitz, who claimed the Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in “Leopoldstadt,” underscored the relevance of these shows by stating, “We are seeing a lot of those tiny seemingly little inconsequential things [that happen in the play] happening right now. It’s a clarion call to pay attention to those seemingly inconsequential things that accumulate and lead to mass devastation.”
- The 2023 Tony Award winners unite in support of the WGA strike
Throughout the 2023 Tony Awards ceremony, winners wholeheartedly expressed their support for the ongoing Writers Guild of America (WGA) strike, despite its consequence of leaving the event without a scripted framework. On numerous occasions, both onstage and within the media room, victors reiterated their backing for the striking writers.
Miriam Silverman, honored for her performance as a featured actress in Lorraine Hansberry’s play “The Sign in Sidney Brustein’s Window,” emphatically declared, “We are a staunchly pro-union household. And I have to say my parents raised me to believe in the power of labor and workers being compensated and treated fairly. And we stand with the WGA in solidarity.”
- Diverse identities were celebrated
In a year marked by powerful expressions of self-empowerment, 2023 Tony Award winners embraced their identities and encouraged the audience to do the same. Michael Arden, recognized for his direction of “Parade,” delivered a touching speech that resonated deeply.
While CBS bleeped out a derogatory slur he used to describe gay men, Arden reclaimed the term, proudly stating,
“Growing up, I was called the f-word more times than I can remember, and now all I can say is that I’m a f**** with a Tony.” He further emphasized, “When you hide in shame you are uncounted.”
- A new approach …. one without traditional scripts
Instead of the customary chit-chat and comedic interludes, the stage was filled with mesmerizing performances and expertly produced videos. Celebrity presenters showcased their improvisational skills. Notably, there were no cringe-inducing moments or prolonged attempts to elicit laughter from the audience. Rather, the atmosphere exuded warmth and hospitality, similar to a comforting bear hug.
Even without a dominant sweep in multiple categories, the highly amusing and emotionally resonant production “Kimberly Akimbo” emerged as the deserving big winner, securing the Best Musical award along with four other accolades. However, the true delight came in the form of punctuality—the show concluded on time.