NEW YORK—The biggest accolades in the world of theatre were handed out on Sunday, June 10 from Radio City Music Hall. The 72nd Annual Tony Awards were hosted by singers Sara Bareilles and Josh Groban. I must say I miss Neil Patrick Harris who was a hoot as the host of the ceremony in past years. I was skeptical about Bareilles and Groban, but they kicked off the ceremony with a song poking fun at the ceremony, their lack of accolades and giving kudos to those nominees who will walk away empty-handed.
That is the one thing that is amazing about the Tony Awards: you see actually people sing, perform and deliver on the stage instead of relying on lip syncing. The first award of the night for Leading Actor in a Play was given to Andrew Garfield, and rightfully so for his riveting work in “Angels in America.” Watching that musical number for “Mean Girls” reminded me just how great that comedy written by Tina Fey and starring Rachel McAdams and Lindsay Lohan was.
Carey Mulligan presented the Tony Award for Featured Actress in a Play to Laurie Metcalf for “Three Edward Albee’s Three Tall Women.” It’s nice to see Metcalf get a bit of recognition. I loved her performance in “Lady Bird.” The Tony Award for Featured Actress in a Musical went to Lindsay Mendez for “Roger and Hammerstein’s Carousel.” Itamar Moses’ “The Band’s Visit” won for Book of a Musical beating out Tina Fey for “Mean Girls.”
Revered actor Nathan Lane picked up another Tony for Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Play for “Angels in America.” Ari’el Stachel “The Band’s Visit” took home the prize for Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical.
Leading Actress in a Play was a victory for Glenda Jackson for her performance in Edward Albee’s “Three Tall Women.” Nabbing a victory in the Best Play race was “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Parts One and Two,” while “Angels in America” won the prize for Best Revival of a Play. “The Band’s Visit” and “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Parts One and Two” picked up a bevy of prizes throughout the night in the technical races.
In perhaps the biggest surprise and upset of the night, “Once on This Island” took home the Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical. I must say the audience was happy with the result as well, as thunderous applause roared through the room. I’m not sure exactly what actor Robert De Niro shouted as he took the stage, but it was enough to get the crowd cheering and standing to their feet. Not to mention being bleeped several times.
It was a moment for Tony Shaloub who picked up his first Tony Award after three nominations for his work as Leading Actor in a Musical for “The Band’s Visit.” He gave a memorable speech, where he got choked up several times while giving his speech. On the other end of the spectrum his co-star, Katrina Lenk took home the Tony for Leading Actress in a Musical.
The night came to an end with the prize for Best Musical being awarded to “The Band’s Visit.” I will admit the 72nd Annual Tony Awards had its slow moments. Perhaps this is a direct result of not having an actual standout like the unbelievable spectacle that “Hamilton” was back in 2016. That’s the 2018 Tony Awards people, see you in 2019!
Written By Kelsey Thomas
