Maybe Happy Ending: Beloved South Korean musical wins six Tony awards
The Broadway version of the beloved Korean musical Maybe Happy Ending has won six Tony awards, including best musical.The production about the friendship between two humanoid robots was nominated for 10 awards on Sunday. It also won best book of a musical and best original score.Maybe Happy Ending premiered in South Korea in 2016 and debuted on Broadway in 2024 to glowing reviews.The Tony wins have given South Korea EGOT status, meaning it has won the four most important awards in US entertainment - Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony.
Hue Park and Will Aronson took home the Tony for best book of a musical.Former Glee star Darren Criss, who played one of the robots won best lead actor in the musical category. It is the actor's first ever Tony win.
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Powys County Times
43 minutes ago
- Powys County Times
Cynthia Erivo shines as host in star-studded 2025 Tony Awards
Wicked star Cynthia Erivo led a star-studded night at the 2025 Tony Awards. The evening's big winners included Succession star Sarah Snook and Cole Escola, who took home awards for leading actress and actor in a play. In the musical categories, Glee alum Darren Criss was named best leading actor in a musical, while Nicole Scherzinger earned best leading actress for her turn as Norma Desmond in Sunset Blvd. The show celebrated a blend of Broadway newcomers, veterans, and Hollywood stars with performances, tributes, and surprises throughout the night. Erivo, the English stage and screen actress who won a Tony in 2016 for her role in The Colour Purple, kicked off the festivities from her dressing room at Radio City Music Hall in New York, where her stage manager asked if she had an opening number prepared. View this post on Instagram A post shared by CBS (@cbstv) She joked she was still figuring it out. As she made her way to the main stage, she ran into several people offering advice, until she met Oprah Winfrey, who simply told her: 'The only thing you need to do is just be yourself.' On stage, Erivo launched into the original number Sometimes All You Need Is a Song, written by Scott Wittman, Marc Shaiman, Benj Pasek, and Justin Paul. In her opening monologue, Erivo paid tribute to first-time nominees Escola, Sadie Sink, Louis McCartney and 'an up-and-comer that I think you're going to really be hearing quite a bit about: George Clooney'. At one point, Erivo was joined on stage by singer Sara Bareilles for a rendition of Tomorrow from the musical Annie, in tribute to those in the theatre community who had died throughout the year. A star-studded lineup of presenters included Samuel L Jackson and wife LaTanya Richardson Jackson, Oprah Winfrey, Ben Stiller and Lin-Manuel Miranda. Calling back to Winfrey's talk show days, Erivo told her to check under her chair, where she found a gift bag containing a toy car. 'You get a car!' Erivo said. 'I've been waiting all night to do that.' Maybe Happy Ending, a romantic comedy about a pair of androids, picked up awards for best new musical, best original score written for theatre and best scenic design of a musical and best direction of a musical. Criss, the show's lead actor, thanked his wife in an emotional acceptance speech. 'Your love and your support for me and our beautiful children, combined with the miracle of working on something as magical as Maybe Happy Ending, has been and will always be award enough,' he said. Purpose, Branden Jacobs-Jenkins' drawing-room drama won best new play, while Sam Pinkleton won best director of a play for Oh, Mary! 'Broadway is officially back,' Erivo told the crowd during the show, referencing the industry's highest-grossing season on record. Delighting the audience, the original cast of Hamilton reunited to perform a medley to celebrate the show's 10th anniversary. Francis Jue, who won as best featured actor in a play for Yellow Face, paid tribute to those struggling in the current political climate. 'To those who don't feel seen, to those who are being targeted in these authoritarian times, I see you at its best,' he said. 'This community sees you.'
Daily Mail
an hour ago
- Daily Mail
Nicole Scherzinger proudly brandishes her Best Actress gong as she cosies up to Cynthia Erivo at glitzy Tony Awards aftertparty
Nicole Scherzinger looked in great spirits as she joined Cynthia Erivo at the Tony Awards afterparty at MoMA in New York City on Sunday. The Pussycat Dolls singer, 46, was understandably pleased after accepting her first ever Broadway honor at the star-studded 78th Annual ceremony, which has held earlier that night at Radio City Music Hall. Nicole won the Best Leading Actress in a Musical award, for her performance of fading Hollywood star Norma Desmond in Sunset Boulevard, based on the 1950 film noir of the same name by Billy Wilder. She proudly brandished her award at the party, where she looked incredible in a sequinned scarlet gown that clung to her figure. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new Showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. Also dressed to impress was Tonys host Cynthia, 38, who looked incredible in a black tulle dress with a puffball skirt. Sadie Sink looked phenomenal in a plunging satin gown as she partied at the event alongside her brother Mitchell. Julianne Hough was also a vision as she modelled a slinky white gown with a tulle skirt. The group looked in great spirits at the party after an emotional ceremony. During the event, Nicole burst into tears as she accepted her Best Actress award. 'Growing up I always felt like I didn't belong, but you all have made me feel like I belong, and I have come home at last,' she shared in her acceptance speech. She went on to thank her fiancé Thom Evans, adding he 'believes in me when I forget to believe in myself.' Darren Criss, 38, won big, earning his first Tony Award for Best Leading Actor in a Musical for his performance in Maybe Happy Ending, written by Will Aronson and Hue Park. Tony Awards 2025 winners: AT A GLANCE MUSICAL CATEGORIES A sobbing Nicole Scherzinger won the Best Leading Actress in a Musical award, for her performance in Sunset Boulevard Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical: Nicole Scherzinger — Sunset Blvd. Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical: Darren Criss — Maybe Happy Ending Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical: Natalie Venetia Belcon — Buena Vista Social Club Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical: Jak Malone — Operation Mincemeat Best Musical: Maybe Happy Ending Best Revival of a Musical: Sunset Blvd. Best Direction of a Musical: Michael Arden — Maybe Happy Ending PLAY CATEGORIES Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play: Sarah Snook — The Picture Of Dorian Gray Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play: Cole Escola — Oh, Mary! Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play: Kara Young — Purpose Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Play: Francis Jue — Yellow Face Best Play: Purpose — Author: Branden Jacobs-Jenkins Best Revival of a Play: Eureka Day — Author: Jonathan Spector Best Direction of a Play: Sam Pinkleton — Oh, Mary! The play — which explores themes of love, loneliness, and mortality and follows two 'Helperbots', robots designed to assist people, named Oliver and Claire — also won the top honor for Best Musical, with producer Jeffrey Richards accepting the award. Meanwhile George Clooney, 64 — who was nominated for Good Night, And Good Luck — was shockingly snubbed, when he lost the Best Actor in a Play award to Cole Escola, 38. The star, who uses they/them pronouns, won for their performance in Oh, Mary! which they wrote and star in. The show, hosted by Cynthia, celebrated Broadway's brightest talents in singing, acting, dancing and more. Nicole started her acceptance speech, telling the audience: 'First of all, I just have to thank God, for carrying me every step of the way. I give you all the glory.' 'I'm so honored to be recognized alongside these exceptional warrior women in this category. I want to thank you all so much for making this little Hawaiian/ Ukrainian/ Filipino girl's dream come true. So proud to represent.' She also thanked her family, including her mom, stating she 'had me at 18 and gave everything up for me.' She then thanked composer Andrew Lloyd Webber, sharing: 'It has been such an honor to be able to create with you the past 15 years.' Later she gave a shout out to producer Jamie Lloyd: 'Jamie, you saw in me what no one else did. You have given us all new ways to dream and you have changed my life forever.' She wrapped up her inspiring speech, sharing, 'If there's anyone out there who feels like they don't belong, or your time hasn't come, don't give up.' 'Just keep on giving and giving, because the world needs your love and your light now more than ever.' 'This is a testament that love always wins. Thank you so much. God Bess you.' George Clooney, 64 — who was nominated for Good Night, And Good Luck — was shockingly snubbed, when he lost the Best Actor in a Play award to Cole Escola, 38, who won for Oh, Mary! Sarah Snook, 37, kicked off the show, winning the Best Leading Actress in a Play award for her unbelievable performance in The Picture of Dorian Gray In the Best Leading Actor in a Musical category, Criss beat out Andrew Durand for Dead Outlaw, Tom Francis for Sunset Boulevard, Jonathan Groff for Just in Time, Jeremy Jordan for Floyd Collins, and James Monroe Iglehart for A Wonderful World: The Louis Armstrong Musical. Sarah Snook, 37, kicked off the show, winning the Best Leading Actress in a Play award for her unbelievable performance in The Picture of Dorian Gray, where she played all 26 characters, including Dorian and Lord Henry. The Succession star made her Broadway debut in the ambitious stage adaptation of Oscar Wilde's 1890 novel, directed and written by Kipp Williams. Snook beat out a strong lineup of nominees including Laura Donnelly for The Hills of California, acting legend Mia Farrow for The Roommate, LaTanya Richardson Jackson for Purpose, and Stranger Things star Sadie Sink for John Proctor Is the Villain. Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure stars Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter presented her with the award. Francis Jue, 61, won the best featured actor in a play for his performance in Yellow Face. He beat out Glenn Davis for Purpose, Gabriel Ebert for John Proctor Is the Villain, Bob Odenkirk for Glengarry Glen Ross, and Conrad Ricamora, Oh, Mary! English actor Jak Malone, 30, nabbed the win for best featured actor in a musical, for his Broadway debut in Operation Mincemeat. He beat out Brooks Ashmanskas for Smash, Jeb Brown for Dead Outlaw, Danny Burstein for Gypsy, and Taylor Trensch for Floyd Collins. Kara Young won best featured actress in a play for her performance in Purpose. She triumphed over Tala Ashe for English, Jessica Hecht for Eureka Day, Marjan Neshat for English, and Fina Strazza for John Proctor Is the Villain. The Best Featured Actress in a Musical award went to Natalie Venetia Belcon, 56, for her performance in Buena Vista Social Club. The best new play award went to author Branden Jacobs Jenkins and producer Glenn Davis for Purpose. They were up against Oh, Mary!, John Proctor Is the Villain, English, and The Hills of California. Author Jonathan Spector and producer Lynne Meadow accepted the award for Best Revival of a Play for Eureka Day. They were up against Our Town, Romeo + Juliet, and Yellow Face. The best direction of a play award was given to theatre director Sam Pinkleton for Oh, Mary!. Meanwhile the best direction of a musical Tony award went to Michael Arden for Maybe Happy Ending. The prestigious ceremony honoring theatre was hosted by three-time Oscar nominee Cynthia Erivo, who kicked off the show with a thrilling performance featuring Oprah Winfrey. The star-studded list of presenters at this year's Tony's included Ariana DeBose, Adam Lambert, Ben Stiller, Bryan Cranston, Jesse Eisenberg, Keanu Reeves, Julianne Hough, Katie Holmes and more. Tony Awards 2025 WINNERS Best Musical Buena Vista Social Club Dead Outlaw Death Becomes Her Maybe Happy Ending - WINNER Operation Mincemeat: A New Musical Best Revival of a Play Eureka Day — Author: Jonathan Spector - WINNER Romeo + Juliet Thornton Wilder's Our Town Yellow Face — Author: David Henry Hwang Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play George Clooney — Good Night, And Good Luck Cole Escola — Oh, Mary! - WINNER Jon Michael Hill — Purpose Daniel Dae Kim — Yellow Face Harry Lennix — Purpose Louis McCartney — Stranger Things: The First Shadow Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical Darren Criss — Maybe Happy Ending - WINNER Andrew Durand — Dead Outlaw Tom Francis — Sunset Blvd. Jonathan Groff — Just In Time James Monroe Iglehart — A Wonderful World: The Louis Armstrong Musical Jeremy Jordan — Floyd Collins Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Play Glenn Davis — Purpose Gabriel Ebert — John Proctor Is The Villain Francis Jue — Yellow Face - WINNER Bob Odenkirk — Glengarry Glen Ross Conrad Ricamora — Oh, Mary! Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical Brooks Ashmanskas —SMASH Jeb Brown — Dead Outlaw Danny Burstein — Gypsy Jak Malone — Operation Mincemeat: A New Musical - WINNER Taylor Trensch — Floyd Collins Best Direction of a Play Knud Adams — English Sam Mendes — The Hills Of California Sam Pinkleton — Oh, Mary! - WINNER Danya Taymor — John Proctor Is The Villain Kip Williams — The Picture Of Dorian Gray Best Book of a Musical Buena Vista Social Club — Marco Ramirez Dead Outlaw — Itamar Moses Death Becomes Her — Marco Pennette Maybe Happy Ending — Will Aronson and Hue Park - WINNER Operation Mincemeat: A New Musical — David Cumming, Felix Hagan, Natasha Hodgson and Zoë Roberts Best Scenic Design of a Play Marsha Ginsberg — English Rob Howell — The Hills of California Marg Horwell and David Bergman — The Picture of Dorian Gray Miriam Buether and 59 — Stranger Things: The First Shadow - WINNER Scott Pask — Good Night, and Good Luck Best Costume Design of a Play Brenda Abbandandolo — Good Night, And Good Luck Marg Horwell — The Picture of Dorian Gray - WINNER Rob Howell — The Hills Of California Holly Pierson — Oh, Mary! Brigitte Reiffenstuel — Stranger Things: The First Shadow Best Lighting Design of a Play Natasha Chivers — The Hills Of California Jon Clark — Stranger Things: The First Shadow - WINNER Heather Gilbert and David Bengali — Good Night, And Good Luck Natasha Katz and Hannah Wasileski — John Proctor Is The Villain Nick Schlieper — The Picture Of Dorian Gray Best Sound Design of a Play Paul Arditti — Stranger Things: The First Shadow - WINNER Palmer Hefferan — John Proctor Is The Villain Daniel Kluger — Good Night, And Good Luck Nick Powell — The Hills Of California Clemence Williams — The Picture of Dorian Gray Best Choreography Joshua Bergasse — SMASH Camille A. Brown — Gypsy Christopher Gattelli — Death Becomes Her Jerry Mitchell — BOOP! The Musical Patricia Delgado and Justin Peck — Buena Vista Social Club - WINNER Best Play English — Author: Sanaz Toossi The Hills of California — Author: Jez Butterworth John Proctor Is The Villain — Author: Kimberly Belflower Oh, Mary! — Author: Cole Escola Purpose — Author: Branden Jacobs-Jenkins - WINNER Best Revival of a Musical Floyd Collins — Book/Additional Lyrics: Tina Landau; Music & Lyrics: Adam Guettel Gypsy Pirates! The Penzance Musical Sunset Blvd. - WINNER Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play Laura Donnelly — The Hills Of California Mia Farrow — The Roommate LaTanya Richardson Jackson — Purpose Sadie Sink — John Proctor Is The Villain Sarah Snook — The Picture Of Dorian Gray - WINNER Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical Megan Hilty — Death Becomes Her Audra McDonald — Gypsy Jasmine Amy Rogers — BOOP! The Musical Nicole Scherzinger — Sunset Blvd. - WINNER Jennifer Simard — Death Becomes Her Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play Tala Ashe — English Jessica Hecht — Eureka Day Marjan Neshat — English Fina Strazza — John Proctor Is The Villain Kara Young — Purpose - WINNER Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical Natalie Venetia Belcon — Buena Vista Social Club - WINNER Julia Knitel — Dead Outlaw Gracie Lawrence — Just In Time Justina Machado — Real Women Have Curves: The Musical Joy Woods — Gypsy Best Direction of a Musical Saheem Ali — Buena Vista Social Club Michael Arden — Maybe Happy Ending - WINNER David Cromer — Dead Outlaw Christopher Gattelli — Death Becomes Her Jamie Lloyd — Sunset Blvd. Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre Dead Outlaw — Music & Lyrics: David Yazbek and Erik Della Penna Death Becomes Her — Music & Lyrics: Julia Mattison and Noel Carey Maybe Happy Ending —Music: Will Aronson; Lyrics: Will Aronson and Hue Park - WINNER Operation Mincemeat: A New Musical — Music & Lyrics: David Cumming, Felix Hagan, Natasha Hodgson and Zoë Roberts Real Women Have Curves: The Musical — Music & Lyrics: Joy Huerta and Benjamin Velez Best Orchestrations Andrew Resnick and Michael Thurber — Just in Time Will Aronson — Maybe Happy Ending Bruce Coughlin — Floyd Collins Marco Paguia — Buena Vista Social Club - WINNER David Cullen and Andrew Lloyd Webber — Sunset Blvd. Best Scenic Design of a Musical Rachel Hauck — Swept Away Dane Laffrey and George Reeve — Maybe Happy Ending - WINNER Arnulfo Maldonado — Buena Vista Social Club Derek McLane — Death Becomes Her Derek McLane — Just In Time Best Costume Design of a Musical Dede Ayite — Buena Vista Social Club Gregg Barnes — BOOP! The Musical Clint Ramos — Maybe Happy Ending Paul Tazewell — Death Becomes Her - WINNER Catherine Zuber — Just In Time Best Lighting Design of a Musical Jack Knowles — Sunset Blvd. - WINNER Tyler Micoleau — Buena Vista Social Club Scott Zielinski and Ruey Horng Sun — Floyd Collins Ben Stanton — Maybe Happy Ending Justin Townsend — Death Becomes Her Best Sound Design of a Musical Jonathan Deans — Buena Vista Social Club - WINNER Adam Fisher — Sunset Blvd. Peter Hylenski — Just In Time Peter Hylenski — Maybe Happy Ending Dan Moses Schreier — Floyd Collins
Evening Standard
2 hours ago
- Evening Standard
Tony Awards 2025: Nicole Scherzinger and Sarah Snook among big winners as host Cynthia Erivo shines
'Your love and your support for me and our beautiful children, combined with the miracle of working on something as magical as Maybe Happy Ending, has been and will always be award enough,' he said.
