2009 Tony Awards

On Sunday June 7, 2009 Radio City Music Hall held many of Broadway’s finest actors, dancers, singers, producers, directors, choreographers and musicians for the annual Tony Award presentation. To have all of these fabulous people in one place is a tribute in itself to the stage. This prestigious award recognizes achievement in live American Theater and is presented by the American Theatre Wing and The Broadway League. Actor Neil Patrick Harris not only did the honor of hosting but also sang a recap of the show during the finale.

Some of the featured musical numbers included scenes from Billy Elliot, Guys and Dolls, Next to Normal, Hair, West Side Story and Shrek.

The big winner of the evening was the hit production Billy Elliot which won for Best Musical. The show took home ten Tony Awards in all including one for Best Actor which in an unprecedented move went to all three actors who play the title role. And the Tony goes to…

Best Musical Billy Elliot

Best Revival of a Musical - Hair

Best Actor in a Musical - David Alvarez, Kiril Kulish and Trent Kowalik, Billy Elliot

Best Actress in a Musical -Alice Ripley, Next to Normal

Best Play - God of Carnage

Best Revival of a Play - The Norman Conquests 

Best Actress in a Play - Marcia Gay Harden, God of Carnage

Best Actor in a Play - Geoffrey Rush, Exit the King

Best Featured Actress in a Musical - Karen Olivo, West Side Story

Best Featured Actor in a Musical - Gregory Jbara, Billy Elliot

Best Direction of a Musical - Stephen Daldry, Billy Elliot

Best Direction of a Play - Matthew Warchus, God of Carnage

Best Original Score - Tom Kitt (music) and Brian Yorkey (lyrics), Next to Normal

Best Featured Actress in a Play -Angela Lansbury, Blithe Spirit

Best Featured Actor in a Play - Roger Robinson, Joe Turner's Come and Gone

Best Book of a Musical - Lee Hall, Billy Elliot

Best Choreography - Peter Darling, Billy Elliot

Best Costume Design of a Musical - Tim Hatley, Shrek The Musical

Best Costume Design of a Play - Anthony Ward, Mary Stuart

While all of the nominated actors and shows were worthy there can only be one winner for each category (except in the case of the acting category for Billy Elliot). Hopefully this list can help you when determining which production you would like to see, especially if you can only choose one this season. Whatever you decide the most important thing is to have a fun and enjoyable time at the theater! All the productions that were nominated this year are totally worth the price of admission.