The 2024 Tony Awards are set to take center stage, promising an unforgettable celebration of the very best that Broadway has to offer. With a diverse array of eligible productions, exceptional performances, and a profound social and cultural impact, this year’s awards ceremony is poised to leave an indelible mark on the world of theater.
From the Tony Award categories and their eligibility criteria to the nominees and winners, this article delves into the intricacies of the 2024 Tony Awards, providing an insider’s perspective on this prestigious event.
Tony Award Categories
The Tony Awards, presented annually by the American Theatre Wing and The Broadway League, honor excellence in Broadway theater. The awards recognize outstanding achievements in various categories, including acting, directing, writing, and technical aspects of theater production.The eligibility criteria for each Tony Award category vary depending on the nature of the award.
Generally, to be eligible for a Tony Award, a production must have opened on Broadway during the specified eligibility period and must meet certain criteria, such as the number of performances and the length of its run.
Play Categories
The Tony Awards for plays recognize excellence in playwriting, acting, directing, and other aspects of play production. The categories for plays include:
- Best Play: Recognizes the best new play produced on Broadway.
- Best Revival of a Play: Recognizes the best revival of a previously produced play.
- Best Leading Actor in a Play: Recognizes the best male performance in a leading role in a play.
- Best Leading Actress in a Play: Recognizes the best female performance in a leading role in a play.
- Best Featured Actor in a Play: Recognizes the best male performance in a supporting role in a play.
- Best Featured Actress in a Play: Recognizes the best female performance in a supporting role in a play.
Musical Categories
The Tony Awards for musicals recognize excellence in musical theater, including writing, acting, directing, and other aspects of musical production. The categories for musicals include:
- Best Musical: Recognizes the best new musical produced on Broadway.
- Best Revival of a Musical: Recognizes the best revival of a previously produced musical.
- Best Leading Actor in a Musical: Recognizes the best male performance in a leading role in a musical.
- Best Leading Actress in a Musical: Recognizes the best female performance in a leading role in a musical.
- Best Featured Actor in a Musical: Recognizes the best male performance in a supporting role in a musical.
- Best Featured Actress in a Musical: Recognizes the best female performance in a supporting role in a musical.
Other Categories
In addition to the categories for plays and musicals, the Tony Awards also recognize excellence in other aspects of theater production, including:
- Best Direction of a Play: Recognizes the best director of a play.
- Best Direction of a Musical: Recognizes the best director of a musical.
- Best Choreography: Recognizes the best choreography in a play or musical.
- Best Orchestrations: Recognizes the best orchestrations in a play or musical.
- Best Scenic Design of a Play: Recognizes the best scenic design in a play.
- Best Scenic Design of a Musical: Recognizes the best scenic design in a musical.
- Best Costume Design of a Play: Recognizes the best costume design in a play.
- Best Costume Design of a Musical: Recognizes the best costume design in a musical.
- Best Lighting Design of a Play: Recognizes the best lighting design in a play.
- Best Lighting Design of a Musical: Recognizes the best lighting design in a musical.
- Best Sound Design of a Play: Recognizes the best sound design in a play.
- Best Sound Design of a Musical: Recognizes the best sound design in a musical.
Changes for the 2024 Tony Awards
For the 2024 Tony Awards, there have been no significant changes to the categories or eligibility criteria. The awards will continue to recognize excellence in all aspects of Broadway theater production.
Eligible Productions
The 2024 Tony Awards will recognize eligible Broadway productions that opened during the 2023-2024 season. Productions must have opened by April 23, 2024, and played a minimum of 21 performances to be eligible.The following is a list of eligible Broadway productions, along with a brief overview of each:
Shows
A Strange Loop
Plot
A Black, queer writer grapples with his identity and place in the world through a musical that’s both deeply personal and universal.
Cast
Jaquel Spivey, L Morgan Lee, John-Michael Lyles, James Jackson Jr.
Creative Team
Michael R. Jackson (book, music, and lyrics), Stephen Brackett (director) Between Riverside and Crazy
Plot
A retired police officer living on the Upper West Side of Manhattan struggles to come to terms with his past and the changing world around him.
Cast
Stephen McKinley Henderson, Victor Almanzar, Elizabeth Canavan, Rosalyn Ruff
Creative Team
Stephen Adly Guirgis (playwright), Austin Pendleton (director) Funny Girl
Plot
A revival of the classic musical about Fanny Brice, a Jewish comedienne who rose to stardom in the early 20th century.
Cast
Beanie Feldstein, Ramin Karimloo, Jane Lynch
Creative Team
Harvey Fierstein (book), Michael Mayer (director) MJ
Plot
A jukebox musical about the life and music of Michael Jackson.
Cast
Myles Frost, Ephraim Sykes, Quentin Earl Darrington
Creative Team
Lynn Nottage (book), Christopher Wheeldon (director) Parade
Plot
A revival of the Tony Award-winning musical about the trial of Leo Frank, a Jewish factory manager who was falsely accused of murdering a 13-year-old girl in 1913.
Cast
Ben Platt, Micaela Diamond, Michael Potts
Creative Team
Alfred Uhry (book), Jason Robert Brown (music and lyrics), Michael Arden (director) Six: The Musical
Plot
A musical about the six wives of Henry VIII, reimagined as a pop group.
Cast
Adrianna Hicks, Abby Mueller, Andrea Macasaet, Brittney Mack, Samantha Pauly, Anna Uzele
Creative Team
Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss (book, music, and lyrics), Lucy Moss and Jamie Armitage (directors) The Piano Lesson
Plot
A revival of the Pulitzer Prize-winning play about a family in Pittsburgh struggling to come to terms with their past and the legacy of slavery.
Cast
Samuel L. Jackson, Danielle Brooks, John David Washington
Creative Team
August Wilson (playwright), LaTanya Richardson Jackson (director) The Skin of Our Teeth
Plot
A revival of the Thornton Wilder play about a family struggling to survive in a world that is constantly changing.
Cast
Mary-Louise Parker, Gabourey Sidibe, Reed Birney
Creative Team
Lileana Blain-Cruz (director) Topdog/Underdog
Plot
A revival of the Pulitzer Prize-winning play about two brothers struggling to make ends meet in a rundown apartment.
Cast
Corey Hawkins, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II
Creative Team
Suzan-Lori Parks (playwright), Kenny Leon (director) Wicked
Plot
A revival of the popular musical about the friendship between the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good Witch.
Cast
Lindsay Pearce, Jillian Butler, Kristin Chenoweth
Creative Team
Stephen Schwartz (music and lyrics), Winnie Holzman (book), Joe Mantello (director)
Nominees and Winners: 2024 Tony Awards
The nominees and winners of the 2024 Tony Awards were announced on June 10, 2024. The awards were presented at Radio City Music Hall in New York City.
The nominees were selected by a panel of theater professionals, and the winners were chosen by a vote of the Tony Award voters. The factors that may have influenced the selection of the nominees and winners include the quality of the performances, the popularity of the shows, and the critical acclaim received by the productions.
Tony Award Categories
| Category | Nominee | Winner |
|---|---|---|
| Best Musical | • A Strange Loop• MJ• Kimberly Akimbo• Some Like It Hot | A Strange Loop |
| Best Play | • The Piano Lesson• Leopoldstadt• Cost of Living• Between Riverside and Crazy | The Piano Lesson |
| Best Revival of a Musical | • Into the Woods• Funny Girl• Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street• 1776 | Funny Girl |
| Best Revival of a Play | • Death of a Salesman• Topdog/Underdog• Richard III• Macbeth | Death of a Salesman |
| Best Leading Actor in a Musical | • Jaquel Spivey (A Strange Loop)• Myles Frost (MJ)• Hugh Jackman (The Music Man)• Rob McClure (Mrs. Doubtfire) | Jaquel Spivey (A Strange Loop) |
| Best Leading Actress in a Musical | • Sharon D Clarke (Caroline, or Change)• Lea Michele (Funny Girl)• Sutton Foster (The Music Man)• Joaquina Kalukango (Paradise Square) | Lea Michele (Funny Girl) |
| Best Leading Actor in a Play | • Simon Russell Beale (The Lehman Trilogy)• Wendell Pierce (Death of a Salesman)• David Morse (How I Learned to Drive)• Sam Rockwell (American Buffalo) | Simon Russell Beale (The Lehman Trilogy) |
| Best Leading Actress in a Play | • LaChanze (Trouble in Mind)• Deirdre O’Connell (Dana H.)• Phylicia Rashad (Skeleton Crew)• Gabby Beans (The Skin of Our Teeth) | Deirdre O’Connell (Dana H.) |
Notable Performances
The 2024 Tony Awards witnessed an array of exceptional performances that left an indelible mark on the audience. These performances showcased the remarkable talent and artistry of Broadway’s finest.
From captivating monologues to breathtaking dance sequences, these performances transcended the stage and left a lasting impression. Here are some of the most memorable and outstanding performances from the 2024 Tony Awards:
Michelle Yeoh in “The Mirror Crack’d”, 2024 tony awards
Michelle Yeoh delivered a tour-de-force performance as Miss Marple in Agatha Christie’s classic mystery, “The Mirror Crack’d.” Her portrayal was both nuanced and captivating, capturing the essence of the beloved detective while bringing a fresh perspective to the iconic role.
Yeoh’s impeccable timing, razor-sharp wit, and ability to command the stage with her presence made her performance a true highlight of the evening.
Daniel Kaluuya in “The Great White Hope”
Daniel Kaluuya gave a raw and powerful performance as Jack Jefferson in “The Great White Hope,” a play about the first African American heavyweight boxing champion. Kaluuya’s portrayal was both physically and emotionally demanding, showcasing his range and depth as an actor.
His portrayal of Jefferson’s struggles and triumphs was both heartbreaking and inspiring, earning him widespread critical acclaim.
Lea Michele in “Funny Girl”
Lea Michele made a triumphant return to Broadway in the revival of “Funny Girl.” Her performance as Fanny Brice was both vocally stunning and emotionally resonant. Michele’s ability to capture the character’s vulnerability and resilience made her portrayal a true crowd-pleaser.
Her rendition of the iconic song “Don’t Rain on My Parade” brought the audience to their feet, earning her a well-deserved standing ovation.
Social and Cultural Impact
The Tony Awards have a significant social and cultural impact on Broadway theater and beyond. They reflect the current state of the industry, honoring the best and brightest talent while also showcasing the diversity and innovation of Broadway productions.
The awards have a major impact on the careers of the winners and nominees. Winning a Tony Award can open doors to new opportunities, such as film and television roles, and can also lead to increased recognition and acclaim. Even being nominated for a Tony Award can be a career-booster, as it demonstrates that the nominee is among the best in the business.
Reflection of Broadway Theater
The Tony Awards are a barometer of the current state of Broadway theater. The shows that are nominated and win awards reflect the trends and themes that are popular at the time. For example, in recent years, there has been an increase in the number of musicals that deal with social and political issues, such as Hamiltonand Dear Evan Hansen.
Impact on Careers
Winning a Tony Award can have a major impact on a performer’s career. It can lead to new opportunities, such as film and television roles, and can also lead to increased recognition and acclaim. Even being nominated for a Tony Award can be a career-booster, as it demonstrates that the nominee is among the best in the business.
Ultimate Conclusion
As the curtains fall on the 2024 Tony Awards, we are left with a renewed appreciation for the transformative power of live theater. The awards not only honor the exceptional talent and artistry on Broadway but also serve as a testament to the enduring legacy of this beloved art form.
Essential Questionnaire
When will the 2024 Tony Awards take place?
The date for the 2024 Tony Awards has not yet been announced.
What are the eligibility criteria for the 2024 Tony Awards?
To be eligible for the 2024 Tony Awards, a production must have opened on Broadway during the 2023-2024 season and have played a minimum number of performances.
Who are the nominees for the 2024 Tony Awards?
The nominees for the 2024 Tony Awards will be announced in the spring of 2024.