Hamilton-native Caissie Levy, a prominent figure in Broadway, clinched a Tony Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role in a musical for her remarkable portrayal of Mother in the revival of “Ragtime.” During her acceptance speech at Radio City Music Hall, Levy expressed gratitude to her Canadian roots and her parents. She credited her upbringing in Canada, where she watched the Tonys and aspired to a Broadway career. Levy emphasized the importance of teamwork and acknowledged her parents, Mark and Lisa Levy, for instilling in her the values of kindness and collaboration.
The 79th annual Tonys celebrated several Canadians’ victories. Joshua Henry, originally from Winnipeg, secured his first Tony as Best Leading Actor in a musical for his role as Coalhouse Walker Jr. in “Ragtime.” Lorne Michaels, the creator of “Saturday Night Live,” won his inaugural Tony as a producer for “Schmigadoon!” – an adaptation of the Apple TV series that snagged the Best New Musical award.
The Best New Play title went to Bess Wohl’s “Liberation,” shedding light on a women’s group in 1970s Ohio fighting against sexism, racism, and gender stereotypes. Wohl, only the fourth woman to win a Best Play Tony, dedicated her win to courageous women using their voices. The Best Play Revival accolade was bestowed upon Arthur Miller’s “Death of a Salesman,” exploring the disintegration of the American Dream.
John Lithgow made history by clinching his third Tony as Best Lead Actor in a play for his portrayal of Roald Dahl in “Giant,” becoming the oldest man to win a competitive acting Tony at 80 years old. Shoshana Bean, awarded for Best Featured Actress in a musical for her role in “The Lost Boys,” paid tribute to single mothers and the empowering women in her life.
Furthermore, “Cats: The Jellicle Ball” won the Best Direction of a Musical award for its reimagination as a tribute to queer ballroom culture. Lesley Manville marked her Broadway debut by winning Best Lead Actress in a play for her performance in a modern adaptation of Sophocles’ “Oedipus.”
Pink, the host of the gala, delivered an energetic performance, opening the show with flair and captivating the audience with vibrant musical numbers throughout the event. The star-studded night included memorable performances and reunions, culminating in a celebration of Broadway’s rich history and talent.