Tony Recap

The most glamorous night on Broadway, The Tony Awards®, was hosted by Neil Patrick Harris Sunday, June 7 on CBS. Sir Elton John opened the show in grand fashion, accompanied by cast members from each of the nominated shows.

BILLY ELLIOT led the pack with nine Tony wins including Best Musical, Best Performance by a Featured Actor, Best Direction, Best Choreography and in a Tony first, a Best Lead Actor award was shared by the show's three young stars, David Alvarez, Trent Kowalik and Kiril Kulish. HAIR received the award for Best Revival, Best Theatrical Event went to Liza Minnelli for LIZA’S AT THE PALACE and Best Lead Actress went to Alice Ripley for NEXT TO NORMAL. WEST SIDE STORY received one Tony win with the award for Best Featured Actress presented to Karen Olivo.

At the end of the evening the winners, of the 52nd presentation of the Tonys, took their places alongside the very best of Broadway. The list of individual acting nominees read like a “who’s who” of American film and theater with the likes of Jane Fonda, Jeff Daniels, Raul Esparza, Stockard Channing, Allison Janney, Angela Lansbury, Marc Kudisch, James Gandolfini and Geoffrey Rush. A past American Idol finalist even made the grade with Constantine Maroulis’ nomination in the Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical category.

For more information, a complete list of winners and video from Sunday night’s telecast, visit www.tonyawards.