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Kuwait Times
an hour ago
- Entertainment
- Kuwait Times
'Maybe Happy Ending' tops Broadway's Tony Award
"Maybe Happy Ending," a South Korean musical adapted for Broadway about two robots who find connection, won big at Sunday's Tony Awards, scooping up six prizes at the gala celebrating the best in American theater. Stars of the season Cole Escola and Nicole Scherzinger also won their first Tonys, on a night that celebrated Broadway's revival after a years-long pandemic slump. Cynthia Erivo -- the Oscar-nominated "Wicked" star who herself boasts a Tony -- hosted the ceremony at Manhattan's Radio City Music Hall honoring this year's buzzy, diverse competitive slate . It was Broadway's most financially lucrative year ever, she told the crowd. "Broadway is officially back -- provided we don't run out of cast members from 'Succession,'" she joked, referring to the decorated TV dramedy about a family's media empire. Sarah Snook -- who scored an Emmy for her role in "Succession" -- won the Tony for best leading actress in a play, taking on all 26 roles in the stage adaptation of Oscar Wilde's novel "The Picture of Dorian Gray." A host of new shows and stars drew 14.7 million people to the Broadway performances this season, grossing $1.89 billion at the box office. Some of showbiz's biggest names graced New York's stages, including George Clooney, Denzel Washington, Jake Gyllenhaal -- and Snook's "Succession" co-stars Kieran Culkin and Jeremy Strong. "Please go to the theater, whether it's a Broadway show or a school play," said Michael Arden, who won a Tony for best direction of a musical for "Maybe Happy Ending." Darren Criss of "Glee" fame -- already an Emmy winner for portraying killer Andrew Cunanan in "The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story" -- won the Tony for lead actor in that musical. "I have such immense pride to get to be part of this notably diverse exquisite Broadway season this year," he told the audience as he accepted his award. Scherzinger bested a packed field including the legendary Audra McDonald -- the performer with the most Tonys in history -- for best actress in a musical for her role as faded star Norma Desmond in "Sunset Boulevard," which also won for best revival of a musical. "If there's anyone out there who feels like they don't belong or your time hasn't come, don't give up," said an emotional Scherzinger, who once fronted the pop girl group The Pussycat Dolls. "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." 'Oh, Mary!' Even though Escola's hit dark comedy "Oh, Mary!" was the favorite for best new play, the award went to intense family portrait "Purpose" by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, which also won the 2025 Pulitzer Prize for Drama. But Escola still won big for their unhinged performance in the one-act reimagining of Abraham Lincoln's assassination through the eyes of his wife -- a raging alcoholic who dreams of life as a cabaret star. Escola bested a stacked field that included Clooney. "Oh, Mary!" also snagged the prize for best direction, won by Sam Pinkleton. "You have taught me to make what you love and not what you think people want to see," Pinkleton said in his speech, speaking directly to a tearful Escola. "We can bring joy to people at the end of a crappy day and that feels like a big deal to me," Pinkleton added to ardent applause. The night's rollicking performances included a gripping rendition of "Rose's Turn" from McDonald, and a captivating performance of "As If We Never Said Goodbye" from Scherzinger. The gala also featured a much-touted reunion of the original cast of "Hamilton," as that groundbreaking smash musical by Lin-Manuel Miranda celebrates its 10th anniversary. A heartfelt segment honored those the theater community lost over the past year, with Erivo and Sara Bareilles delivering the classic "Tomorrow" from "Annie." The song's composer, Charles Strouse, died last month. Some acceptance speeches made oblique references to ongoing political turmoil across the United States, as President Donald Trump's immigration raids trigger protests. But Trump was not explicitly mentioned.--AFP
Yahoo
18 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Cole Escola makes Tony Awards history as first nonbinary best leading actor in a play
Cole Escola made history at the 2025 Tony Awards on Sunday night. Escola, the deranged genius behind "Oh, Mary!", won best leading actor in a play for their inspired turn as first lady Mary Todd Lincoln. They're now the first nonbinary performer to win in that Tony category. Channeling Bernadette Peters in an off-the-shoulder Wiederhoeft gown, Escola feverishly sprinted to the stage and thanked fellow best actor nominees including George Clooney and Daniel Dae Kim during the show Sunday, June 8. "It's an honor to be in your company," Escola said. "It's been a sincere pleasure spending time with you over these warm salads at all these (Tony) luncheons." They continued to thank their mom and their "whole gang" of friends: "Oh, and Tebow from Grindr and Amy Sedaris, who always reminds me how important she is to me. And she is." Tony Awards biggest moments: Cynthia Erivo holds space, Nicole Scherzinger wins big Written by Escola, "Oh, Mary!" imagines Lincoln as an alcoholic wannabe cabaret star and her husband, Abraham (Conrad Ricamora), as a closeted, temperamental commander-in-chief. Asked by reporters whether they would consider an Eleanor Roosevelt comedy next, Escola joked that she is "played out. It would have to be something original, not another historical figure." Review: Believe the hype about Broadway's gloriously irreverent 'Oh, Mary!' The singular playwright had some choice four-letter words for people who refuse to take chances on queer art; later, they sardonically compared the best actress showdown to a presidential election. ("Four more years!" they deadpanned when Scherzinger won.) But Escola had earnest moments, too, as they looked back at the unlikely phenomenon around "Oh, Mary!" "Trust that voice that says, 'I think I'm right actually,'" Escola said. "It might take 12 years to put the pen to paper, but that voice is right." In 2023, "Shucked" scene-stealer Alex Newell and "Some Like It Hot" breakout J. Harrison Ghee had history-making wins as the first nonbinary stars to take home awards during the biggest night in Broadway. Newell took home best featured actor in a musical and Ghee earned best actor in a musical. Watch a star-studded 'Hamilton' performance at the 2025 Tony Awards One musical had a standout night at the Tonys, which celebrated the biggest in Broadway and featured hosting from Cynthia Erivo and a star-studded "Hamilton" reunion. "Maybe Happy Ending," Will Aronson and Hue Park's musical on two "helperbots" and their journey of friendship, love and adventure, swept the awards with six wins, which included prizes for best musical, best original score, best book of a musical and best scenic design of a musical. See the full list of winners here. Tony Awards winners 2025: 'Maybe Happy Ending,' Cole Escola, Darren Criss, more wins Contributing: Anika Reed, Anna Kaufman This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Cole Escola Tony speech: Best lead actor makes nonbinary history
USA Today
19 hours ago
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Cole Escola makes Tony Awards history as first nonbinary best leading actor in a play
Cole Escola makes Tony Awards history as first nonbinary best leading actor in a play Show Caption Hide Caption First-Time Tony nominee Cole Escola proclaims love for Broadway First-time Tony nominee Cole Escola "loves broadway and doesn't care who knows it!" on the red carpet at 2025 Tonys. Cole Escola made history at the 2025 Tony Awards on Sunday night. Escola, the deranged genius behind "Oh, Mary!", won best leading actor in a play for their inspired turn as first lady Mary Todd Lincoln. They're now the first nonbinary performer to win in that Tony category. Channeling Bernadette Peters in an off-the-shoulder Wiederhoeft gown, Escola feverishly sprinted to the stage and thanked fellow best actor nominees including George Clooney and Daniel Dae Kim during the show Sunday, June 8. "It's an honor to be in your company," Escola said. "It's been a sincere pleasure spending time with you over these warm salads at all these (Tony) luncheons." They continued to thank their mom and their "whole gang" of friends: "Oh, and Tebow from Grindr and Amy Sedaris, who always reminds me how important she is to me. And she is." Tony Awards biggest moments: Cynthia Erivo holds space, Nicole Scherzinger wins big Written by Escola, "Oh, Mary!" imagines Lincoln as an alcoholic wannabe cabaret star and her husband, Abraham (Conrad Ricamora), as a closeted, temperamental commander-in-chief. Asked by reporters whether they would consider an Eleanor Roosevelt comedy next, Escola joked that she is "played out. It would have to be something original, not another historical figure." Review: Believe the hype about Broadway's gloriously irreverent 'Oh, Mary!' The singular playwright had some choice four-letter words for people who refuse to take chances on queer art; later, they sardonically compared the best actress showdown to a presidential election. ("Four more years!" they deadpanned when Scherzinger won.) But Escola had earnest moments, too, as they looked back at the unlikely phenomenon around "Oh, Mary!" "Trust that voice that says, 'I think I'm right actually,'" Escola said. "It might take 12 years to put the pen to paper, but that voice is right." In 2023, "Shucked" scene-stealer Alex Newell and "Some Like It Hot" breakout J. Harrison Ghee had history-making wins as the first nonbinary stars to take home awards during the biggest night in Broadway. Newell took home best featured actor in a musical and Ghee earned best actor in a musical. Watch a star-studded 'Hamilton' performance at the 2025 Tony Awards 2025 Tony Awards winners One musical had a standout night at the Tonys, which celebrated the biggest in Broadway and featured hosting from Cynthia Erivo and a star-studded "Hamilton" reunion. "Maybe Happy Ending," Will Aronson and Hue Park's musical on two "helperbots" and their journey of friendship, love and adventure, swept the awards with six wins, which included prizes for best musical, best original score, best book of a musical and best scenic design of a musical. See the full list of winners here. Tony Awards winners 2025: 'Maybe Happy Ending,' Cole Escola, Darren Criss, more wins Contributing: Anika Reed, Anna Kaufman
Yahoo
20 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Cole Escola References Nicole Scherzinger's Trump-Coded Hat Drama After Big Tonys Win
Cole Escola hasn't forgotten about Nicole Scherzinger's eyebrow-raising interest in a hat featuring a variation on President Donald Trump's 'Make America Great Again' slogan, even if much of the Broadway community appears to have moved past it. Shortly after their Tony Award win for 'Oh, Mary!' on Sunday, Escola offered a pointed reminder of the controversy that ensued when Scherzinger inquired about Russell Brand's MAGA-inspired 'Make Jesus First Again' hat on Instagram last fall. 'The speculating is over,' Escola quipped to reporters in the Tonys press room upon receiving word that Scherzinger had won Best Actress in a Musical for her career-redefining 'Sunset Boulevard' performance. They went on to note: 'Four years. Four more years!' After winning Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play, Cole Escola was speaking to the press when Nicole Scherzinger won Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical, and they had a hilarious reaction: "four more years." — Newsweek (@Newsweek) June 9, 2025 Scherzinger was hit with backlash from fans in early November, not long after 'Sunset Boulevard' opened to critical acclaim on Broadway. Just days after Trump was reelected, she posted a supportive comment on an image of Brand ― who backed Trump in the 2024 election ― in his 'Make Jesus First Again' hat. 'Where do I get this hat?' Scherzinger wrote in the now-deleted comment, alongside both praying hands and red heart emojis. Days later, she responded to the criticism with a lengthy apology on her Instagram Stories, stating she'd 'made the mistake of not realizing that [her comment] could be easily interpreted as being politically related.' 'Many presumptions are being drawn, which do not reflect who I am, what I stand for, or who I voted for,' she continued, according to Entertainment Weekly. 'Many of the marginalized communities feeling hurt and concerned by the results of the presidential election are people I care about most. I stand with them, as I always have, throughout my life and career. If you know me, you know that.' Scherzinger, a devout Catholic, did not specify which candidate she'd voted for in her statement. At the time, many suggested her lack of clarity regarding her views might hurt her chances at Sunday's Tony Awards ― which clearly wasn't the case when she secured her win over the category's other presumed frontrunner, 'Gypsy' star Audra McDonald. Escola became the first openly nonbinary winner in the Best Actor in a Play category for their performance as first lady Mary Todd Lincoln in 'Oh, Mary!' The dark comedy, which Escola wrote, also nabbed the award for Best Direction of a Play for Sam Pinkleton. Nicole Scherzinger Triumphs In Most Scrutinized Tony Category Of The Night Here's The Complete List Of 2025 Tony Awards Winners Oprah Appears To Diss Absent Broadway Legend At The Tony Awards
Winnipeg Free Press
21 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Winnipeg Free Press
Tony Awards highlights: Radio City becomes the room where it happens for a ‘Hamilton' reunion
NEW YORK (AP) — Even the ushers at Radio City Music Hall seemed thrilled to be in the room where it happened. A few of them could be seen grooving, like everyone else at Sunday's Tony Awards, to the 'Hamilton' reunion performance — a medley of some of that blockbuster musical's biggest songs, performed by the original cast. The occasion was the 10th Broadway anniversary of Lin-Manuel Miranda's juggernaut that spawned multiple touring companies, a West End production and a live-capture film — and is still going strong. But while the theater was buzzing to songs like 'My Shot,' 'The Schuyler Sisters,' 'History Has Its Eyes on You' and 'The Room Where It Happens,' some people were unfortunately NOT in the room where, er, it was happening. They were the ones who'd taken a trip to the bar or a stroll around the lobby, and were then held from entering until the next commercial break — missing perhaps the night's most anticipated highlight. They also missed the entire audience singing along with Jonathan Groff, aka King George, 'Da-da-da, dat-da, dat, da-da-da, da-ya-da, Da-da, dat, dat, da-ya-da.' Note for next year: Exit at your own peril! Some other notable moments from Tony night: Cole Escola plans a call to Mom, thanks a Grindr date Most award winners thank Mom, their agents, their co-stars and their spouses. Cole Escola, one of the major stars of this Tony night, promised Mom a call, but also decided to thank 'Teebo from Grindr' — the dating app — when accepting the award for lead actor in a play. Escola is star and writer of the riotous 'Oh, Mary!' — a reimagining of the life of Mary Todd Lincoln (and her beleaguered husband, Abe) that addresses the question: What if the Lincoln assassination wasn't such a bad thing for Mary? (Mary wants to be a cabaret star, you see.) The show is seeing audiences collapse in laughter for 80 minutes every night on Broadway. Escola, a downtown cabaret star, beat out high-wattage competitors like George Clooney and Daniel Dae Kim for the acting award. They mentioned their co-nominees in their speech, saying they had enjoyed sharing 'warm salads' at pre-awards lunches. Escola is the first nonbinary actor to win a Tony in the category. And this guy's still single When 'Maybe Happy Ending' writers Hue Park and Will Aronson accepted the award for best book of a musical, the first handed out, Park felt it necessary to point out that they weren't an actual couple. 'I am very much single,' he clarified, for anyone wondering. Then later, when the duo won for best score, Park deemed a reminder necessary: 'By the way, I'm still single.' And then at the end of the night, 'Maybe Happy Ending,' the charming and quirky romance between decommissioned robots in a futuristic Korea, won the big prize: best musical. Park did not get the mic. But producer Jeffrey Richards did, and he reminded the crowd: 'Hue is still single.' Broadway as home, sweet home Cynthia Erivo, the 'Wicked' star and powerhouse vocalist hosting the evening, said it first: 'As they apparently say in a very fertile piece of intellectual property,' she said with a wink, 'there's no place like home. And Broadway has always been mine.' It's a familiar theme on Tony night: the theater community as a welcoming haven for those who may feel different or unseen. It was echoed by Harvey Fierstein, winner of a lifetime achievement award, describing how he joined the theater after being welcomed by a company in Brooklyn. And it was expressed very emotionally by Nicole Scherzinger, winning best actress in a musical for 'Sunset Blvd.' 'Growing up, I always felt like I didn't belong,' said Scherzinger, former lead singer of the pop group Pussycat Dolls who plays Norma Desmond in the minimalist version of the Andrew Lloyd Webber show. 'But you all have made me feel like I belong, and I have come home at last.' Those last words echo the lyrics of one of Desmond's big numbers, 'As If We Never Said Goodbye.' 'So if there's anyone out there who feels like they don't belong, or your time hasn't come, don't give up,' Scherzinger continued. 'Just keep on giving and giving because the world needs your love and your light now more than ever.' You really COULD have heard a pin drop There's always lots of chatter going on during an awards show. But the way the crowd quieted down during Audra McDonald's powerful, agonized performance of 'Rose's Turn' from 'Gypsy' was striking. In the song's quiet moments, you heard utter silence in the vast room. McDonald, the Tonys' most awarded actor, is clearly revered by the theater community, who cheered her with standing ovations. But the award she was up for went to Scherzinger. 'Succession,' succeeding again It's been two years since HBO's 'Succession' ended, but its stars keep turning up at awards shows — and often winning. Jeremy Strong won a Tony last year and was nominated for an Oscar this year. Kieran Culkin won an Oscar this year and is appearing on Broadway this season, though he wasn't nominated. And now it was the turn of Sarah Snook — Emmy and Golden Globe winner — to win a Tony. Snook, who played mercurial sibling Shiv Roy in the series, took the Tony for best actress in a play for 'The Picture of Dorian Gray,' in which she plays all 26 roles. Remembering a friend Tony winner and musical theater regular Gavin Creel, who died last year of cancer, was a friend to many in the theater community, and was remembered more than once on Tony evening. During the early pre-show, actor Celia Keenan-Bolger was honored with the Isabelle Stevenson award, for her advocacy work in the arts. She spoke movingly of her deep friendship with Creel and their advocacy work together. Later, singer and actor Sara Bareilles performed a soulful duet of 'Tomorrow' from 'Annie,' harmonizing with Erivo, during the memorial segment. That segment ended with a photo of Creel, also a dear friend to Bareilles, who teared up. Both Bareilles and Keenan-Bolger are involved with the Gavin Creel Fellowship, an initiative that plans to provide $25,000 grants to five emerging theater actors each year. And she is telling you she's not going Every Second Friday The latest on food and drink in Winnipeg and beyond from arts writers Ben Sigurdson and Eva Wasney. The final award had been announced by presenter Miranda — best musical to 'Maybe Happy Ending' — and the audience started to disperse. But Erivo had another idea. Riffing on the concept of leaving, she launched into the famous 'Dreamgirls' ballad 'And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going' — with rewritten lyrics. It was a yet another powerhouse performance from someone who has one of the best voices on the planet. The audience stopped dispersing — and started cheering. ___ For more coverage of the 2025 Tony Awards, visit
