Marketing / 06.14.23

The Soaring Highs and Puzzling Lows of the 2023 Tony Awards

Access Staff

Vogue (06/23) Barnard, Christopher

This year's Tony Awards were a mix of spontaneity and predictability, with the show going forward despite the Writers Guild of America strike, provided nothing appeared on teleprompters. The improvisation forced by this mandate served the event well given the circumstances. The announced wins more or less lined up with the projected favorites like Kimberly Akimbo and Some Like It Hot in the musical category and Leopoldstadt and Life of Pi in the play category. Openly nonbinary actors J. Harrison Ghee and Alex Newell made Tony history by winning best lead actor and best featured actor in a musical, respectively. The winnings by Parade and Leopoldstadt amplified the Tonys' relevance in showcasing socially significant works, especially with antisemitic hate and violence escalating worldwide. The improvised nature of the show also highlighted mistakes, flubs and controversial remarks, which added to the energized atmosphere.

Read the full story from Vogue.

Tags: Leadership , Tony Awards