Miranda spoke with ET on the red carpet before the ceremony, where he spoke about the tragedy, and explained that the horrific events made this year’s Tony Awards “more important than ever”. The Broadway show earned a record 16 nominations prior to Sunday night and by 9 p.m. had already own five.
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Mr. Odom led a parade of people with CMU ties on Tony night, including fellow victor and “Hamilton” co-star Renee Elise Goldsberry, who won for best featured actress in a musical. The current record holder is held by “The Producers”, which won 12 in 2001. “Hate will never win”.
Lin-Manuel Miranda, the star and creator of “Hamilton”, said the shooting was “heavy in my heart and heavy in my mind. Tonight’s show stands as a symbol and a celebration of that principle”, he said.
It is widely expected to win the coveted best musical title, as well as best musical actor for Leslie Odom Jr.
There will also be performances from nine nominated musicals, including Fiddler on the Roof, The Color Purple, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s School of Rock – shortlisted in four categories – and Hamilton.
The longtime film star Jessica Lange won the Tony for best actress in a play for her work in the revival of “Long Day’s Journey Into Night”.
Thomas Kail, nominated for best directing for “Hamilton”, said he’s noticed a shift away from traditional Broadway fare and an embrace of unconventional tales.
The show’s success has played a big part in a record-breaking Broadway season, including attendance of 13.3 million and $US1.37 billion in sales. “Thank God I picked the right outfit”, she said, motioning to her ruffled white shirt, clearly an homage to the show’s eighteenth century setting.
Stephen Karam, author of ‘The Humans, ‘ accepts the best play award.
The family drama “The Humans” was named best play and also won for set design and featured actor and actress, Reed Birney and Jayne Houdyshell. 2 p.m. Sunday evening’s Tony Awards have been dedicated to those affected by the Orlando nightclub shooting that killed at least 50 people.
Corden joked the Tonys were “like the Oscars – but with diversity”. The show used American Sign Language, attracting new theater-goers.
Frank Langella won his fourth Tony for playing a man who has begun his slide into dementia in “The Father”.
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If you don’t believe us, Oprah Winfrey gave the performance two thumbs up while sitting in the audience, so you know it had to be excellent.
