Producer Matthew Rego and the cast and crew of The Outsiders accept the award for best musical at the 77th Annual Tony Awards in New York City on Sunday. (Brendan Mcdermid/Reuters/ CBC News)
"The Outsiders," a gritty adaptation of S.E. Hinton's classic novel, triumphed at the Tony Awards on Sunday, earning the title of best new musical. This win also marked Angelina Jolie's first Tony as a producer.
The musical tells the story of rival gangs in 1960s Oklahoma. Producer Matthew Rego, in his acceptance speech, thanked Hinton, who was present at the ceremony, for her impactful story of love and family.
The play "Stereophonic," which follows a band reminiscent of Fleetwood Mac during a turbulent year, won the best new play and took home the most awards of the night with five. It was written by David Adjmi, with songs by former Arcade Fire member Will Butler. Adjmi expressed his gratitude and emphasized the importance of funding the arts in America.
The evening was highlighted by appearances from Jay-Z and Hillary Rodham Clinton. Clinton, who produced the musical "Suffs" about suffragettes, presented an award and shared her thoughts on the challenges of making change.
Alicia Keys performed a medley from her semi-autobiographical musical "Hell’s Kitchen," including her hit "Empire State of Mind" with Jay-Z. Newcomer Maleah Joi Moon won best leading actress for "Hell's Kitchen," dedicating her award to her parents.
Danya Taymor won best director for "The Outsiders," becoming the sixth woman to achieve this honor. Shaina Taub, who wrote, composed, and starred in "Suffs," won best score and best book, encouraging everyone to vote and celebrate loud girls everywhere.
Jeremy Strong received the first major award of the night, winning best lead actor in a play for his role in the revival of "An Enemy of the People." Kara Young made history by becoming the first Black performer nominated for a Tony three consecutive years, winning best-featured actress in a play for "Purlie Victorious."
Daniel Radcliffe won best-featured actor in a musical for "Merrily We Roll Along," his first Tony award. The revival of the Stephen Sondheim musical also won Best Musical Revival and earned Jonathan Groff his first Tony for Best Leading Actor in a musical.
Kecia Lewis, who has a 40-year Broadway career, won her first Tony for her role in "Hell’s Kitchen." She reflected on her long journey and urged others to never give up on their dreams.
"Appropriate," a play about a family reunion in Arkansas, won best play revival. Sarah Paulson, who starred in "Appropriate," won the best leading actress in a play, expressing her gratitude for being able to explore the human condition through her work.
Chita Rivera received a special tribute from Audra McDonald, Brian Stokes Mitchell, and Bebe Neuwirth, with performances from her iconic roles in "Chicago," "Kiss of the Spider Woman," and "West Side Story." Host Ariana DeBose, who won an Oscar for her role in "West Side Story," also participated.
The show featured performances from various musicals, including a haunting rendition of "Willkommen" from "Cabaret" led by Eddie Redmayne, a guitar performance by Pete Townshend for "The Who’s Tommy," and a dynamic scene from "The Outsiders."
Upcoming shows were teased during the telecast, with Nicole Scherzinger singing for the "In Memoriam" section and announcements about Nick Jonas and Adrienne Warren starring in "The Last Five Years" in 2025.
