“Maybe” schmaybe.
Sunday night time was a signed, sealed, delivered blissful ending for “Maybe Happy Ending,” the stratospherically authentic South Korean gem about robots in love starring Darren Criss that deservedly received the Tony Award for Finest Musical.
What a shocking achievement for the little present that nearly didn’t open.
Gleeky Criss additionally earned his first Tony for Finest Actor in a Musical — one of many manufacturing’s six complete.
I do know, I do know — their efficiency on the telecast was meh. Microscopic in that fiftieth Road barn. However go see “Maybe Happy Ending” on the intimate Belasco Theatre. It’s elegant in particular person.
Ditto — however totally different — for “Purpose,” playwright Branden Jacobs-Jenkins’ scintillating drama on the Hayes a couple of bickering black political dynasty that took house Finest Play. Hysterical and harsh, it’s the season’s meaty tomahawk steak.
The Tonys, again house at Radio Metropolis Musical Corridor for the primary time since 2022, lastly felt like they have been again to their previous selves once more. The previous few years have been quiet, dinky, darkish and apologetic.
However final night time was euphoric. And several other productions that carried out got here off fabulously on the published, hosted by “Wicked” star Cynthia Erivo, which is watched by about 3.5 million folks.
That’s barely a drop within the viewership bucket in comparison with the Oscars. The Tremendous Bowl? Fuggedaboutit. However the teeny Tonys exist to promote focused merchandise which can be housed in simply 41 theaters throughout a couple of blocks in Manhattan. That 3.5 million issues.
What received our wallets?
“Death Becomes Her”’s efficiency of “For the Gaze” with Megan Hilty was shimmering and hilarious. It’ll promote tickets. “Buena Vista Social Club” showcased its electrifying Tony-winning dance and transportive Cuban music. The present’s field workplace — or web site, anyway — will get loads of visitors.
The ingenious Tony Award winner for Finest Revival of a Musical “Sunset Boulevard” has solely a month left. Dash, don’t run. And star Nicole Scherzinger, who triumphantly received the Tony for Finest Actress, shattered each window in Midtown along with her wonderful rendition of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “As If We Never Said Goodbye.”
A beaming Lloyd Webber received his first Tony in 30 years.
What won’t transfer a single seat was “Gypsy” star Audra McDonald’s nails-on-a-chalkboard model of “Rose’s Turn.” Terrible.
And the smaller musicals, “Dead Outlaw” and “Operation Mincemeat,” have been slightly bizarre within the TV context. Each are niche-as-it-gets musicals about corpses. Welcome to the Radio Metropolis Music Morgue!
Particularly random was “Real Women Have Curves,” which wasn’t even nominated for Finest Musical. It ought to by no means have been given a slot. It’s gonna flop large time, and you might really feel as a lot by way of the display screen.
Not that “Hamilton” — ever heard of it? — wants the increase, however a reunion medley that includes stars Lin-Manuel Miranda, Leslie Odom Jr. and Phillipa Soo was each energizing and nostalgic.
“This makes me feel old,” a buddy texted. Too proper.
And it was a deeply transferring concept for Sara Bareilles and Erivo to duet on the “Annie” traditional tomorrow by the late composer Charles Strouse, who died this yr, throughout the teary In Memoriam.
My favourite second of any winner’s speech was when Cole Escola, the sensible writer-director of “Oh, Mary!” recalled assembly fellow nominees, together with George Clooney, whereas accepting Finest Actor in a Play.
“It’s been an honor getting to know you over warm salads at all these luncheons,” the at all times humorous Escola quipped. “Oh, Mary!” is one other should see.
Sarah Snook, Shiv from “Succession,” snagged Finest Actress in a Play for her mind-bending portrayal of 26 separate roles in “The Picture of Dorian Gray.” Susceptible to repeating myself, test it out.
Erivo didn’t fairly defy gravity as host. Elphaba stayed respectably on the bottom, performed to her strengths (singing, being British) and fortunately didn’t go overboard with bits.
Ultimately, although, the 2025 Tony Awards did a excellent job of celebrating the perfect work of a veyy artistic Broadway season.
Loads of the winners are nonetheless on. Say it with me: Go see ‘em.
