We dropped by the Beacon Theatre last night for the Tony Awards–at which Once and Clybourne Park were named best musical and play of the season, respectively. The red carpet was a busy, crowded affair, and the after-parties followed suit, with stars elbow-to-elbow in sweltering June heat. Here are a few of our favorite stars from last night and what they had to say about the evening.
The evening's host delighted the crowd with his traditional end-of-show musical recap.
Ms. Nixon, a nominee for Best Actress in a Play, held court on the red carpet for half an hour, standing with her new wife and greeting guests as though she were the host.
The Best Director winner and his newswoman wife also took their time on the carpet, engaging with Cynthia Nixon for a power summit as other stars walked around them.
Mr. Jackman told the Observer: "It's the greatest show--Broadway's greatest hits in one night! Awards shows are often big on awards and light on show. These are heavy on show and light on awards. That's how it should be. And I've been away for four months, so I'm catching up tonight."
The "Who's the Boss" favorite won Best Featured Actress in a Play for her role in "Other Desert Cities."
The star of musical favorite "Once" told us her favorite Broadway show was the dark drama "August: Osage County." She was looking for a Best Actor in a Play nominee James Earl Jones: "He's Darth Vader! He's Mufasa! More Mufasa," belying her youth.
The Oscar-nominated actress--a presenter tonight--told The Observer her dream musical role was Adelaide in "Guys and Dolls." "Right? Can't you see a little of Celia Foote in that?," she asked us, referring to her feisty role in "The Help." She also loves the female lead in "Carousel," humming a few bars to us to bring the name to mind.
Ms. Peters strolled down the carpet with two helpers fixing her train all along the way.
Ms. Channing, asked about a favorite Tony memory, recalled Bret Michaels suffering a concussion onstage during the 2009 Tonys. "I was singing in front of him and the audience was gaping--I didn't realize what had happened until I got offstage. My advice to him: Go to rehearsal!"
The Best Featured Actress in a Musical winner brought the house to tears with a tribute to her late father, a huge fan of the Gershwin music Ms. Kaye performs in "Nice Work If You Can Get It."
The young star got her first Tony for her lead role in the play "Venus in Fur," a role that ends after this week. "It's a journey of three years ending," she said, "and I want to take every performance in fully."
Mr. Roth, who arrived at the "Clybourne Park" after-party clutching his Best Play Tony, came into the production process late after Scott Rudin dropped out. "There were unique challenges--there were also unique benefits! With not a lot of time, you can go with your gut. Everyone comes together and rallies." On the Tonys' competitive nature, Mr. Roth said: "There is absolutely a competitive element to it--it's an awards show. We're celebrating the whole season that is Broadway! And everyone comes together."
Ms. Parks, whose update of "Porgy and Bess" won Best Revival of a Musical, couldn't think of anyone she'd like to meet--"I've met a lot of people! But I'd like to say hi to James Earl Jones again. I love him! I said hi to Sheryl Crow already. That's kinda great!" She declined to pick a favorite show this season. "It's all good. Sometimes you need fun, woo-hoo! kind of theater. And sometimes you need a show that tugs at your heartstrings and balls." Showing us her Gaultier dress she owned, and "Oprah earrings," the Pulitzer-winner explained: "She gave them to me. But she's Oprah! Not a friend!"
The "End of the Rainbow" star, with whom we chatted with after the show at the after-after party in the Carlyle Hotel, was sanguine about losing to Nina Arianda for Best Actress in a Musical. "Look at where we are! And I got to perform on stage tonight! I'm a chorus girl--I never expected any of this." She gestured out the window, south towards Times Square. "And look at this view! I'm very happy tonight."
