Discover how “Maybe Happy Ending” captivated audiences and dominated the 2025 Tony Awards, showcasing Broadway’s brightest talent and unforgettable performances.
New York, NY – June 8, 2025 – Broadway’s biggest night, the 78th Annual Tony Awards, unfolded at Radio City Music Hall, celebrating a remarkably diverse and vibrant 2024-2025 season. Hosted by the dazzling Cynthia Erivo, the evening saw a wide distribution of accolades, though one musical ultimately emerged as the night’s big winner: “Maybe Happy Ending,” taking home six coveted Tonys, including Best Musical.
Unlike years where a single show might sweep the board, this season’s rich tapestry of productions led to a highly competitive and often surprising awards ceremony. From poignant original stories to electrifying revivals and fantastical adaptations, Broadway truly offered something for every theatre-goer.
“Maybe Happy Ending” Finds Its Happily Ever After
The heartwarming original musical “Maybe Happy Ending,” about two lonely robots navigating love and obsolescence, proved to be the darling of the night. Its six wins underscored its critical acclaim and popular appeal, cementing its place as a new Broadway favorite.
Key Wins for “Maybe Happy Ending”:
- Best Musical: The night’s ultimate prize, a testament to its innovative storytelling and compelling score.
- Best Book of a Musical: Awarded to Will Aronson and Hue Park, recognizing the intricate and moving narrative.
- Best Original Score (Music and Lyrics) Written for the Theatre: Also for Will Aronson and Hue Park, highlighting the captivating musical landscape of the show.
- Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical: Darren Criss, for his poignant portrayal of Oliver, one of the leading robots.
- Best Direction of a Musical: Michael Arden, for his visionary and sensitive helming of the production.
- Best Scenic Design of a Musical: Dane Laffrey and George Reeve, for creating the visually stunning world of the robots.
The success of “Maybe Happy Ending” is a strong indicator of Broadway’s continued embrace of fresh, imaginative narratives that resonate deeply with audiences.
“Purpose” Named Best Play in a Fierce Race
In the highly anticipated category of Best Play, Branden Jacobs-Jenkins’ thought-provoking “Purpose” emerged victorious. This win was a notable moment, especially given the strong competition, which included other Pulitzer Prize-winning works. “Purpose” also secured a win for Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play for Kara Young, whose performance captivated critics and audiences alike.
The play’s nuanced exploration of complex themes clearly resonated with the Tony voters, signifying a season where challenging and insightful theatrical works were highly valued.
Revivals Shine: “Sunset Blvd.” and “Eureka Day” Honored
This season also celebrated the enduring power of classic works and contemporary hits alike, with two standout revivals receiving top honors.
“Sunset Blvd.” Triumphs as Best Musical Revival: Andrew Lloyd Webber’s iconic “Sunset Blvd.” staged a triumphant return to Broadway, earning the award for Best Revival of a Musical. Nicole Scherzinger’s electrifying performance as Norma Desmond was a particular highlight, earning her the award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical. The production’s masterful direction by Jamie Lloyd also contributed significantly to its success.
“Eureka Day” Takes Best Play Revival: Jonathan Spector’s incisive and often hilarious “Eureka Day” was recognized as Best Revival of a Play. Its timely and relevant themes, coupled with a stellar ensemble cast, made it a critical and popular success.
Standout Performances Across the Board
Beyond the major production categories, the Tony Awards celebrated individual brilliance in acting and technical design.
Leading Actors and Actresses:
- Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play: Cole Escola for their unforgettable performance in “Oh, Mary!”
- Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play: Sarah Snook, making a remarkable Broadway debut in “The Picture of Dorian Gray.”
Featured Roles:
- Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Play: Francis Jue for his compelling work in “Yellow Face.”
- Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical: Jak Malone for his scene-stealing turn in “Operation Mincemeat: A New Musical.”
- Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical: Natalie Venetia Belcon for her vibrant performance in “Buena Vista Social Club.”
Technical and Creative Achievements Celebrated
The artistry behind the scenes was also given its due recognition.
- Best Direction of a Play: Sam Pinkleton for the innovative staging of “Oh, Mary!”
- Best Choreography: Patricia Delgado and Justin Peck for the vibrant movement in “Buena Vista Social Club.”
- Best Orchestrations: Marco Paguia for the rich musical arrangements of “Buena Vista Social Club.”
- Best Costume Design of a Play: Marg Horwell for the exquisite designs in “The Picture of Dorian Gray.”
- Best Costume Design of a Musical: Paul Tazewell for his stunning work on “Death Becomes Her.”
- Best Lighting Design of a Play: Jon Clark for the atmospheric lighting in “Stranger Things: The First Shadow.”
- Best Lighting Design of a Musical: Jack Knowles for the striking illumination of “Sunset Blvd.”
- Best Sound Design of a Play: Paul Arditti for the immersive soundscape of “Stranger Things: The First Shadow.”
- Best Sound Design of a Musical: Jonathan Deans for the impactful sound design of “Buena Vista Social Club.”
- Best Scenic Design of a Play: Miriam Buether and 59 for the imaginative sets of “Stranger Things: The First Shadow.”
Special Honors and a Season to Remember
The ceremony also paid tribute to Broadway legends and institutions with special awards. Harvey Fierstein received the Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre, recognizing his immeasurable contributions to the stage. Other special honors went to The Muny (Regional Theatre Tony Award), Celia Keenan-Bolger (Isabelle Stevenson Tony Award), and several organizations for Excellence in the Theatre, including Great Performances and The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts.
The 2025 Tony Awards concluded a remarkable Broadway season, showcasing the industry’s resilience, creativity, and unwavering commitment to delivering compelling stories and unforgettable performances. The full list of winners paints a picture of a diverse and dynamic theatrical landscape, promising an exciting future for the Great White Way.