In a year marked by unexpected twists, Broadway’s Tony Awards reflected a diverse range of choices that mirrored the season’s unpredictability.
“Hell’s Kitchen,” a lively jukebox musical featuring songs by and inspired by Alicia Keys, entered the night with 13 nominations. Although it did not win Best Musical, its star, Maleah Joi Moon, earned her first Tony Award for Best Lead Actress in a Musical.
The Best Musical honor went to “The Outsiders,” a choice that surprised many, while “Stereophonic” won Best Play.
This season saw numerous film and television stars returning to their theatrical roots, earning nominations in the process. Among them were Jessica Lange, Rachel McAdams, Sarah Paulson—who won Best Lead Actress in a Play—and Daniel Radcliffe, who won Best Featured Actor in a Musical for his performance in the revival of Stephen Sondheim’s “Merrily We Roll Along.”
For the third consecutive year, the evening was hosted by Oscar winner Ariana DeBose. Many awards were presented during “The Tony Awards: Act One,” a pre-broadcast segment hosted by Julianne Hough and Utkarsh Ambudkar.
The ceremony featured performances from each Best Musical nominee, including a surprise duet by Alicia Keys and Jay-Z, and a musical number from “Stereophonic.”
When Kara Young was announced as the winner of the 2024 Tony Award for Featured Actress in a Play, the press room erupted in applause and cheers. Young is beloved not just for her portrayal of Lutiebelle Gussie Mae Jenkins in the Broadway revival of Ossie Davis’ “Purlie Victorious: A Non-Confederate Romp Through the Cotton Patch,” but for her spirit and dedication to her craft and community. Her recent win at the 2024 Outer Critics Circle Award for Outstanding Featured Performer in a Broadway Play further solidifies her standing.
“To the great Lutiebelle Gussie Mae Jenkins who said, ‘I’m taking a chance on my life and I’m gonna go—because I have some life left in me,'” Young remarked in her acceptance speech. “She deserved it. And we all do. Thank you. This is to the vibration of the liberation for humanity.”
I want to state this as plainly as possible and have it noted: Kara Young is the next generation of great actresses. She will leave a mark in many history books, not just for her acting, but for her spirit and commitment to honoring those who came before her and raising up those around her. Kara Young is more than a remarkable performer; she is a beacon of hope and inspiration, destined to leave an indelible mark on the world of theater and beyond.
Below is a full list of winners:
Best Musical
“The Outsiders” — Winner
Best Play
“Stereophonic” — Winner
Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical
Maleah Joi Moon, “Hell’s Kitchen” — Winner
Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical
Jonathan Groff, “Merrily We Roll Along” — Winner
Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play
Sarah Paulson, “Appropriate” — Winner
Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play
Jeremy Strong, “An Enemy of the People” — Winner
Michael Stuhlbarg, “Patriots”
Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Play
Will Brill, “Stereophonic” — Winner
Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play
Kara Young, “Purlie Victorious: A Non-Confederate Romp Through the Cotton Patch” — Winner
Best Direction of a Play
Daniel Aukin, “Stereophonic” — Winner
Best Direction of a Musical
Danya Taymor, “The Outsiders” — Winner
Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical
Daniel Radcliffe, “Merrily We Roll Along” — Winner
Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical
Kecia Lewis, “Hell’s Kitchen” — Winner
Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre
“Suffs” — Winner
Best Revival of a Play
“Appropriate” — Winner
Best Revival of a Musical
“Merrily We Roll Along” — Winner
Best Book of a Musical
“Suffs” — Winner
Best Costume Design of a Play
“Jaja’s African Hair Braiding” — Winner
Best Costume Design of a Musical
“The Great Gatsby” — Winner
Best Orchestrations
“Merrily We Roll Along” — Winner
Best Scenic Design of a Musical
“Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club” — Winner
Best Scenic Design of a Play
“Stereophonic” — Winner
Best Choreography
“Illinoise” — Winner
Best Lighting Design of a Musical
“The Outsiders” — Winner
Best Lighting Design of a Play
“Appropriate” — Winner
Best Sound Design of a Play
“Stereophonic” — Winner
Best Sound Design of a Musical
“The Outsiders” — Winner
