Cynthia Erivo arrives at the 77th Tony Awards on Sunday, June, 16, 2024, in New York (Photo by Evan Agostini / invision / AP)
NEW YORK (AP) — "The Outsiders," an adaptation of S. E. Hinton's novel, clinched Broadway's top honor as best new musical, marking a breakthrough evening for women at the Tony Awards.
The musical, portraying rival gangs in 1960s Oklahoma, secured Angelina Jolie her first Tony as producer. Matthew Rego, accepting the award, thanked Hinton, present at Lincoln Center, for her impactful story.
"Stereophonic," a play depicting a Fleetwood Mac-esque band navigating a tumultuous year, led with five awards, including best new play. Playwright David Adjmi, accompanied by former Arcade Fire member Will Butler, spoke of the play's arduous 11-year journey.
Political and musical luminaries graced the stage, including Jay-Z and Hillary Rodham Clinton. Clinton, a producer of "Suffs," a musical on suffragettes, presented the show.
Alicia Keys performed from her autobiographical musical "Hell’s Kitchen," joined by Jay-Z for "Empire State of Mind," amid fervent applause. Newcomer Maleah Joi Moon won best leading actress for "Hell's Kitchen," dedicated to her parents.
Danya Taymor, directing "The Outsiders," became the sixth woman to win a Tony for directing a musical. Shaina Taub, one of Broadway's few women to write, compose, and star in a musical, earned best score for "Suffs," urging voter registration.
Jeremy Strong won best lead actor for Henrik Ibsen’s "An Enemy of the People." Kara Young, the first Black performer nominated thrice consecutively, won best featured actress for "Purlie Victorious," honoring her ancestors.
Daniel Radcliffe earned his first Tony for featured actor in a musical, "Merrily We Roll Along," thanking his parents for fostering his love for Sondheim.
Chita Rivera received a tribute for her legendary career. Host Ariana DeBose, co-choreographer of the opening number, celebrated theater’s transformative power.
Performances included Eddie Redmayne leading "Cabaret," Pete Townshend on guitar for "The Who's Tommy," and a dynamic presentation from "The Outsiders."
The telecast highlighted upcoming shows, with Nicole Scherzinger performing during the "In Memoriam" segment.
