Hamilton-born Broadway actress Caissie Levy won a Tony Award for best actress in a leading role in a musical for her performance as Mother in the revival of “Ragtime.” Levy, who grew up in Canada, expressed gratitude to her parents for their support and for teaching her important values. She also thanked her babysitters for enabling her to balance her career as a Broadway actor and a mother.
Several Canadians had success at the 79th annual Tonys. Joshua Henry, originally from Winnipeg, won his first Tony for best leading actor in a musical for his role in “Ragtime.” Lorne Michaels, the creator of “Saturday Night Live,” received his first Tony as a producer for “Schmigadoon!” which won best new musical.
Bess Wohl’s play “Liberation” won the best new play award, shedding light on a women’s group in 1970s Ohio. Wohl emphasized the importance of women using their voices and encouraged girls to speak their truths.
The best play revival was awarded to “Death of a Salesman,” earning six Tonys, including Laurie Metcalf’s third Tony for her role in the play. John Lithgow won best lead actor in a play for “Giant,” making him the oldest man to win a competitive acting Tony.
Shoshana Bean won best featured actress in a musical for her performance in “The Lost Boys,” dedicating her award to single mothers and the women who support and uplift her. “Cats: The Jellicle Ball” was recognized for best direction of a musical, acknowledging the contributions of Black and brown LGBTQ+ pioneers.
Lesley Manville won best lead actress in a play for her Broadway debut in a modern adaptation of Sophocles’ classic tragedy “Oedipus.”
Pink, the host of the event, delivered a lively and entertaining performance, including a memorable rendition of “Lady Marmalade” with various performers. The gala also featured touching tributes to lost figures in the entertainment industry and notable Broadway milestones.
The evening concluded with special performances, including a reunion of the original cast members of “The Book of Mormon” to celebrate the show’s 15th anniversary.