Broadway's biggest night dazzled yet again with the 2025 Tony Awards showcasing the best in theatre — from emotional first-time wins to boundary-pushing performances. For Australian audiences with a growing love for international theatre and homegrown talent making it big overseas, this year’s Tonys offered plenty to celebrate and discuss.
Maybe Happy Ending Steals the Spotlight
The surprise triumph of the night was the romantic robot musical Maybe Happy Ending, which walked away with a stunning six Tony Awards, including Best Musical. A futuristic yet heartfelt story about two robots falling in love, the production resonated with audiences and critics alike.
Star of the show, Darren Criss, took home the Tony for Best Leading Actor in a Musical. Criss, known to Aussies from his Glee days, delivered an emotional acceptance speech celebrating the “notably diverse and exquisite” Broadway season. Michael Arden, who won Best Direction of a Musical, emphasised empathy and inclusivity, closing his speech with a heartwarming “Happy Pride Month”.
Nicole Scherzinger Shocks with Big Win for Sunset Boulevard
Former Pussycat Dolls lead singer Nicole Scherzinger was another unexpected standout of the night. Her powerful performance in the Andrew Lloyd Webber classic Sunset Boulevard earned her the Tony for Best Leading Actress in a Musical — a huge feat considering she bested six-time winner and Broadway icon Audra McDonald.
“I can’t believe it, Andrew!” Scherzinger said tearfully to Webber during her speech. This win adds to her recent Olivier Award for the same role, signalling her seamless transition from pop star to stage powerhouse.
Sunset Boulevard also earned awards for Best Revival of a Musical and Best Lighting Design, proving that reimagining classics still resonates strongly in the modern Broadway landscape.
Cole Escola and Oh, Mary! Break New Ground
One of the boldest productions of the season, Oh, Mary! — a darkly comedic play featuring a surreal take on Mary Todd Lincoln — scored multiple wins. Cole Escola, who not only starred in the title role but also wrote the play, made history as the first non-binary actor to win Best Leading Actor in a Play.
Escola’s performance as a boozy, off-kilter Mary Todd Lincoln beat out heavyweights, including Hollywood star George Clooney, whose Broadway debut in Good Night, and Good Luck earned multiple nominations but no wins. The play’s director, Sam Pinkleton, also claimed Best Direction of a Play, besting legends like Sam Mendes.
Australia’s Own Sarah Snook Shines
Australia was proudly represented by Sarah Snook, who won Best Leading Actress in a Play for her transformative solo performance in The Picture of Dorian Gray. The Succession star followed up her Olivier win with a Tony triumph, marking her Broadway debut with a bang.
The Australian production, a daring one-woman adaptation, also took home the award for Best Costume Design. For fans Down Under, it was a moment of immense pride seeing an Adelaide-born talent command a New York stage with such grace and intensity.
Purpose Named Best Play; Kara Young Makes History
Branden Jacobs-Jenkins’ Pulitzer Prize-winning family drama Purpose took out the award for Best Play. Its success was bolstered by Kara Young’s win for Best Featured Actress in a Play — making her the first Black actor to win in the same category two years running.
In her stirring speech, Young described theatre as “a sacred space that we have to honour and treasure,” reminding everyone of the power of live performance in today’s turbulent world.
Buena Vista Social Club and Eureka Day Impress
The musical Buena Vista Social Club, inspired by the legendary 1997 album and documentary, picked up four Tony Awards, cementing its place as one of the year’s most evocative and rhythm-filled productions.
Satirical comedy Eureka Day, set in a progressive American school amid a health crisis, won Best Revival of a Play. Its timely themes resonated with post-pandemic audiences and drew parallels to current educational and societal debates globally — including those in Australia.
Stranger Things and Hamilton Stir Nostalgia and Spectacle
While Stranger Things: The First Shadow, a prequel stage adaptation, didn’t win top awards, it still snagged three Tonys in technical categories for its groundbreaking effects and staging. It proved that the sci-fi juggernaut could translate into theatre without losing its eerie, thrilling charm.
Meanwhile, the original cast of Hamilton reunited for a special “mixtape” performance celebrating the 10th anniversary of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s mega-hit musical. The crowd went wild, and the nostalgia reached across the Pacific to fans in Australia, where Hamilton also enjoyed a successful tour.
Jak Malone and Francis Jue Deliver Powerful Messages
Jak Malone, who plays a woman in the musical Operation Mincemeat, followed up his Olivier win with a Tony for Best Featured Actor in a Musical. His acceptance speech focused on trans rights and visibility, urging audiences to embrace diversity.
Francis Jue, meanwhile, became just the second Asian-American winner in his category for his role in Yellow Face. His moving speech highlighted the importance of representation during “authoritarian times” and resonated with global audiences fighting for equality and inclusion.
Cynthia Erivo Hosts a Glamorous Night
Tony winner Cynthia Erivo hosted the night with elegance and soul. Opening with a dynamic performance supported by the Broadway Inspirational Voices, she reminded everyone that “Broadway is officially back.” With box office earnings hitting US$1.89 billion this season, it’s safe to say she’s right.
One of the night’s most touching moments came during the in memoriam segment, as Erivo and Sara Bareilles performed “Tomorrow” from Annie in tribute to late stage legends like Maggie Smith, James Earl Jones, and Quincy Jones.
Big Names, Big Misses
Despite strong buzz, some high-profile productions left empty-handed. George Clooney’s Good Night, and Good Luck, which broke box office records, failed to convert any of its five nominations into wins. Other snubbed shows included Gypsy, English, Dead Outlaw, and The Hills of California.
A Season That Redefined Broadway
The 2025 Tony Awards marked a turning point for Broadway, with major wins for underrepresented groups, innovative storytelling, and fresh reinterpretations of classics. It was a celebration of voices long overdue for recognition, and proof that theatre continues to evolve in dynamic and inclusive directions.
For Australian theatre lovers, whether you're attending local productions or following international stars like Sarah Snook and Hugh Jackman, this year’s Tonys offered a glimpse into a vibrant, changing world of live performance.
As Cynthia Erivo said to close the night, “Theatre is for everyone.” And 2025 proved just that.
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Mitchell
Mitchell is a seasoned Ph.D. scholar with extensive expertise gained through years of rigorous research, publication, and teaching experience. He brings a wealth of knowledge and analytical skills to tackle complex academic challenges. His work is dedicated to delivering innovative solutions, advancing knowledge, and promoting academic excellence. Proficient in research methodology, data analysis, and scholarly writing, Mitchell has contributed to peer-reviewed journals and mentored students to achieve academic success.
