The 2011 Tony Awards
The American Theatre Wing's Tony Awards® got their start in 1947 when the Wing established an awards program to celebrate excellence in the theatre.
Named for Antoinette Perry, an actress, director, producer, and the dynamic wartime leader of the American Theatre Wing who had recently passed away, the Tony Awards made their official debut at a dinner in the Grand Ballroom of the Waldorf Astoria hotel on Easter Sunday, April 6, 1947. Vera Allen, Perry's successor as chairwoman of the Wing, presided over an evening that included dining, dancing, and a program of entertainment. The dress code was black tie optional, and the performers who took to the stage included Mickey Rooney, Herb Shriner, Ethel Waters, and David Wayne. Eleven Tonys were presented in seven categories, and there were eight special awards, including one for Vincent Sardi, proprietor of the eponymous eatery on West 44th Street. Big winners that night included José Ferrer, Arthur Miller, Helen Hayes, Ingrid Bergman, Patricia Neal, Elia Kazan and Agnes de Mille.
This is the utmost of Awards as far as theatre goes. It is an honour for PowerArts to have been invited to the Tony Awards this year, due to our involvement in the currently running Broadway Revival of How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying, which has been nominated for 8 Tonys:
Best Revival of a Musical
Best Direction of a Musical - Rob Ashford
Best Choreography - Rob Ashford
Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical - John Larroquette
Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical - Tammy Blanchard
Best Costume Design of a Musical - Catherine Zuber
Best Lighting Design of a Musical - Howell Binkley
Best Orchestrations - Doug Besterman
We wait with bated breath on the upcoming results, and wish the best to the cast and creatives that have worked so diligently to bring this production to life.