“Kimberly Akimbo,” a story about a teenager who ages in reverse, and Tom Stoppard’s autobiographical play “Leopoldstadt” emerged as winners at the Tony Awards despite the ongoing Writers Guild of America strike. The three-hour telecast, which aired on CBS, was hosted by Ariana DeBose, a Tony and Academy Award winner. This year, the event took place at the United Palace in Washington Heights, showcasing musical performances from the nominated shows. Additionally, there was a special dance performance in honor of Joel Grey and John Kander, the recipients of the 2023 lifetime achievement awards.
Amidst the celebrations, Patrick Marber, who won the best director of a play award for “Leopoldstadt,” used his acceptance speech to express support for the writers’ strike. Marber acknowledged the evening’s success without writers, crediting the improvisational skills of the actors. However, he hoped this would not become a trend.
Surprising many, “Kimberly Akimbo” won the award for best musical, triumphing over more extravagant and higher-budget productions like “New York, New York” and “Some Like It Hot.” Victoria Clark received her second Tony Award for her portrayal of the title character in “Kimberly Akimbo,” having previously won in 2005 for “The Light in the Piazza.”
“Leopoldstadt,” the best play winner, also won the 2020 Olivier Award in London for best new play. It follows the journey of a Jewish Viennese family over five decades. Sean Hayes took home the award for best lead actor in a play for his performance as Oscar Levant in “Goodnight, Oscar.”
In a historic moment, J. Harrison Ghee and Alex Newell became the first openly nonbinary actors to win Tony Awards. Ghee won best actor in a leading role in a musical for “Some Like It Hot,” while Newell won for best actor in a featured role in a musical, portraying the brassy character Lulu in “Shucked.”
Other notable winners included Jodie Comer for best actress in a play for her role in “Prima Facie” and Michael Arden for best direction of a musical for the revival of “Parade.” “Topdog/Underdog” was awarded the Tony for best revival of a play.
Prior to the main event, technical categories and special awards were presented during a pre-show hosted by Julianne Hough and Skyler Astin, which was streamed on the free platform Pluto TV. The Pasadena Playhouse won the award for best regional theater, while director and choreographer Jerry Mitchell received the Isabelle Stevenson Award.