12:00 AM Editor Josh Ferri and photographer Jenny Anderson (who most recently shot our Broadway Showstopper Series) arrive at 48 Lounge where the companies of the Tony Award-winning Oklahoma! revival and the Best Play nominee What the Constitution Means to Me party side by side at one big bash. The place is packed and the room is buzzing with excitement. The vibe is like an upscale cocktail party, Broadway style.
“It’s been a 12-year slow burn for me, from college production all the way to Broadway, and to have it end this way—with this burst of flames at the end of the Tony Awards—is completely exciting and beyond anything the imagination could provide. It’s such a thrill!”
Oklahoma!’s Jud Fry, Patrick Vaill
“It’s incredible to perform such an iconic role, and I just want to inspire people. I want to evoke something in the audience member, emotionally and spiritually. It’s very important right now, especially in today’s society.”
Gabrielle Hamilton on her incredible dance sequence as Dream Laurey in Oklahoma!
“James Corden and his amazing hosting was my favorite part! And I loved the Oklahoma performance!"
What the Constitution Means to Me co-star Rosdely Ciprian on her favorite parts of the Tony telecast
“It was wild to perform tonight. We always knew we were a part of something super special that was going to find wings. The fact that it actually happened is beyond my comprehension!”
Oklahoma!’s Will Parker, James Davis
“It’s a shock. I did not expect this to be a Broadway show. I didn’t expect a show about the Constitution with no star to be a success on Broadway, so it’s quite moving. I am so grateful audiences are coming out for it.”
What the Constitution Means to Me playwright and star Heidi Schreck
12:45 AM Needing a big hit of Zazz, we make our way over Haswell Green’s for The Prom’s after-party. As we walk in, the Gloria Estefan music is blasting and the stars of the show are all huddled around the booths laughing, dancing, and taking photos. A big rainbow flag hangs alongside the dance floor, where the young ensemble breaks it down when “Love Shack” is played. As one might expect, it is a lovefest between a clearly tight-knit company.
“It’s been an incredible honor and I mean that in every sense of the word. The fact that I get to represent a community that has felt unrepresented for so long is mind-blowing. I feel embraced by the community, and I am so glad I get to play this character with honesty, truth, and passion.”
Tony nominee Caitlin Kinnunen on playing Emma in The Prom
“We just felt like we wanted to show the joy and the love and what our show is all about.”
The Prom star Angie Schworer on their Tony performance
“Tonight was magical. I know how special our show is. All I’ve ever wanted is to be a part of the Broadway community, and now that I am, I will never forget that feeling. For the rest of my life, I’ll never forget it. It was everything.”
The Prom star Isabelle McCalla on performing at the Tony Awards for the first time
1:15 AM We arrive at the Edition Hotel in Times Square to toast this year’s Best Musical winner, Hadestown, and the sprawling party is lit. The gorgeous venue is perfect to host the big crowd gathered to celebrate. There are beautiful terraces where you could run into a Fate or Hades himself. Tony winner Anaïs Mitchell (who created the book and score) is tucked in a corner with her new trophy. And over on the dance floor, Eva Noblezada and the ladies scream along and dance with abandon to “Lady Marmalade” from Moulin Rouge.
“It was epic! I have no words. I couldn’t have dreamed this. The fact that “Wait for Me” was chosen to represent us at the Tonys, I’ll never forget that moment. I thank Rachel Chavkin for making that decision.”
Jewelle Blackman on performing at the Tony Awards for the first time
“There is not a more present actor in the world than Eva Noblezada. She is always existing there for you as your fellow comrade in arms. Every moment is always new and always fresh.”
“Every month brings new surprises with Mr. Carney. Reeve will never know how talented he is, and it’s one of his loveliest traits as a human. He’s also one of the most authentic humans, which means he’s one of the most authentic actors I’ve ever worked with.”
Reeve Carney and Eva Noblezada on working together in Hadestown
“It’s overwhelming and totally unexpected! I’m thrilled about the positive response and the attention it brings to the show and the entire company. It’s been really exciting to see people respond to the performance I’m giving. I’ve been sent a lot of things that would lead me to a thirst-trap rabbit hole but I try to avoid it. It’s not the healthiest thing, and I want to be seen for my abilities and my talent.” Hadestown standout Timothy Hughes on the attention he’s received from fans of the show
2:00 AM Time to head over to the Carlyle Hotel, the home of Rick Miramontez's exclusive and iconic O&M bash, co-hosted this year by the John Gore Organization. As always, it is the place Broadway goes to party on Tony night. At every turn you see Tony winners and Tony nominees. At the bar are Broadway luminaries vying for attention from the bartender. In one room, a disco rages on; in another, Jim Caruso entertains guests by the piano before Darren Criss and Ariana DeBose take over the keys for an impromptu performance of “A Whole New World”. Everyone is downstairs on the main floor, mixing, mingling, and looping around from room to room as new guests arrive.
“When people say it’s out of body, it is out of body. To have Audra up there like a goddess all in white, to be standing up there center stage at Radio City, and to know the people I loved were literally there in row D. The one thing that breaks my heart is that somewhere along the way I forgot to mention Micaela Diamond and Teal Wicks, my Cher sisters. I love them so deeply, and I keep saying, ‘we are one!’ So, I hope they know they were with me the entire night.”
The Cher Show star Stephanie J. Block on her first Tony Award win
“It was a f#cking dream come true! It was unbelievable. I love her. She was so amazing and so kind. She told me I was better than her and I told her she is out of her mind.”
Beetlejuice star Leslie Kritzer on meeting Catherine O’Hara, who played her role in the film
“I’ve been dreaming of this moment my entire life. I’ve sort of denied it for most of my life, but I can’t deny that it felt so incredible and so incredibly fulfilling. It was out of body. I hold this award and they [the five actors playing The Temptations] have a big part in it. They represent me up on that stage and they captivate the audiences.”
Ain’t Too Proud choreography Sergio Trujillo on his first Tony Award win
“That Prom performance was ever-y-thing to me! I was living. I tapped into their energy. There were so many people making their Broadway debut and the subject matter, you could just feel it. It was beautiful. They literally danced ‘love is love is love is love’ and I am here for it.”
Tony nominee Ariana DeBose on her favorite moment from the Tony Awards telecast
“I am loving being back in the city and back in this community, and tonight was a solidifying reminder about what a gift this is. I’ve been gone for so long, and I’m so grateful. You’re lucky if you get to be on Broadway once, so to come back is just beautiful. Jenna is a greater gift than I could have ever imagined. She showed me myself; she’s scared me; she’s challenged me; she’s softened my edges; and she’s given me the gift of this beautiful Waitress family.
Waitress star Shoshana Bean on returning to Broadway after 12 years.
“It felt like I was on cloud nine. My 12-year-old dream that I’ve always wanted came true tonight.”
Jawan M. Jackson on performing Ain’t Too Proud on the Tony telecast
4:00 AM Lights go up and the crowd is ushered out onto the street. Another Tony Awards in the books.
