The 2023 Tony Awards ceremony was a night filled with first-time winners and memorable moments. Host Ariana DeBose ended the show with a mic drop, capping off a night where all eight winners in the acting categories took home their first trophies. Notable wins included Jonathan Groff’s first win, playwright David Adjmi’s debut win for “Stereophonic,” and Danya Taymor’s first win for best direction of a musical for “The Outsiders.” The awards were spread among many nominated shows, with “Stereophonic,” “The Outsiders,” “Appropriate,” and “Merrily We Roll Again” taking home top prizes. The ceremony was praised for its improved pacing, dignified dialogue, and smoother transitions, making it feel more like Broadway on TV.
Despite the high expectations set by previous Tony Award broadcast opening numbers, this year’s attempt fell short and was criticized as a strained variety-show knockoff. Suggestions for a better opening included using “Empire State of Mind” from “Hell’s Kitchen” or “Willkommen” from “Cabaret.” Kara Young made history as the first Black actress to be nominated for a Tony in three consecutive years and won a featured actress award for her role in “Purlie Victorious.” The ceremony also showcased quirky fashion choices on the red carpet, including Brooke Shields’ rubber duck-yellow Crocs and playwright Branden Jacobs-Jenkins’ cicada brooch tie.
The importance of knowing the room and showcasing all the artists in attendance was highlighted as a downfall of the ceremony. Despite the talent of theater people to play to the live audience, the cameras seemed unprepared to capture all the important moments. However, well-written speeches by George C. Wolfe, Jack O’Brien, and Billy Porter during the pre-broadcast portion of the show stood out for their meaningful and moving messages about the power of theater. A standout performance of “Old Friends” from “Merrily We Roll Along” reminded viewers of the emotional depth and talent on display in the production.
The Tonys also celebrated playwrights and directors who had honed their craft Off Broadway before making their mark on Broadway. Winners like David Adjmi, Daniel Aukin, Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, and Danya Taymor had all started their careers downtown before moving to bigger stages and receiving recognition at the Tonys. The ceremony also saw winners delivering beautifully crafted speeches with grace, whether reading from a paper note or a smartphone. Kecia Lewis’ win for best featured actress in a musical after a 40-year career was a heartwarming moment, as she offered poignant advice to never give up.
Overall, the 2023 Tony Awards ceremony was a night of historic wins, memorable performances, and meaningful speeches. The diverse group of winners showcased the talent and dedication of theater artists, both newcomers and industry veterans. While there were some missteps in the broadcast, such as the lackluster opening number and camera work, the overall feeling was one of celebration and recognition for the achievements of those in the Broadway community.
