The Tony Awards took place June 8 at Radio City Music Hall in New York City—and some big stars were honored.
Neil Patrick Harris predictably won the Tony for performance by a leading actor in a musical for his portrayal of an East German transgender rocker in Hedwig and the Angry Inch, also named best revival of a musical. Harris' co-star in Hedwig, Lena Hall, won for featured actress in a musical, breathlessly thanking her parents, a sister who had done her hair and "my soon-to-be-born niece," USA Today noted.
Audra McDonald earned her sixth Tony—a record for a performer—for playing Billie Holiday in Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill, edging such actors as Tyne Daly ( Mothers & Sons ) and lesbian actress Cherry Jones ( The Glass Menagerie ); McDonald cried as she received a sustained standing ovation.
Mark Rylance ( who had two acting nominations ) collected his third Tony, in the category of featured actor in a play, for a U.K.-based staging of Twelfth Night. A Raisin in the Sun fared well, winning best revival of a play as well as acting honors for Sophie Okonedo and Kenny Leon.
A Gentleman's Guide to Love & Murder—which had the most nominations coming in—won for best musical, and All the Way earned best play, with Bryan Cranston ( TV's Breaking Bad ) winning the lead-actor award for the latter production.
Chicago actress Jessie Mueller performed with musical legend Carole King in a number from the nominated show Beautiful: The Carole King Musical. For her role as King in the show, Mueller won a Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical.
In addition, Rosie O'Donnell was given the Isabelle Stevenson Award for her philanthropic effort.
Hugh Jackman hosted the show for the fourth time, beginning with him bouncing through the venue while interacting with various stars, and delivering a monologue with several gay references. ( "Whether you like men dressed as women or drag queens, there's something for everyone," he said at one point. ) However, instead of an all-out musical number at the start, Patti LaBelle, Gladys Knight and Fantasia entertained with songs from best-musical contender After Midnight.
During his performance from Hedwig, Neil Patrick Harris gave a big kiss to his husband in the audience, and in his acceptance he thanked him and also their children. Other acceptance speeches featured thank yous to same-sex partners, and gay actors Matt Bomer and Zachary Quinto came on stage together to present an award.
Darko Tresnjak won for best direction of a musical, for A Gentleman's Guide To Love and Murder. He thanked his husband and then also paid moving tribute to his mother, a skydiver who fought in World War II. Tresnjak is originally from Yugoslavia.
Other show highlights included Alan Cumming performing a number from Cabaret, and Jennifer Hudson and Idina Menzel performing their own musical magic on stage.
