Ep 1. The 42nd Annual Tony Awards
- June 5, 1988
The 42nd Annual Tony Awards show, which aired in 1988, is an event that celebrates the best of the Broadway season. The opening number is a tribute to the great American composer Irving Berlin, featuring performances by many of the night's nominees. The hosts of the show, Angela Lansbury and Jerry Orbach, introduce each segment and provide commentary throughout the program.
The first award of the night goes to Caro Jones for Best Costume Design in a Play for "M. Butterfly". Her acceptance speech is touching, as she recognizes the importance of the message behind the play and the effort put into bringing it to life on stage.
The show continues with performances from nominated musicals, including "Into the Woods," "A Chorus Line," and "Anything Goes." The performances are high-energy and full of excitement, showcasing the best of the Broadway season.
The award for Best Featured Actor in a Play goes to B. D. Wong for his role in "M. Butterfly." Wong is emotional as he accepts the award, thanking his family and the creators of the show.
The Tony Award for Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical goes to Michael Crawford for his role in "The Phantom of the Opera." Crawford's performance is widely regarded as one of the greatest in Broadway history, and his win is met with thunderous applause from the audience.
The award for Best Direction of a Play goes to John Dexter for "M. Butterfly." He is gracious in his acceptance speech, acknowledging the hard work of everyone involved in bringing the show to life.
The performances continue with "Chess," "Anything Goes," and "Cabaret." The musical numbers are filled with vibrant costumes and elaborate dance routines, showcasing the incredible talent of the nominated performers.
The award for Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Play goes to Ron Silver for "Speed-the-Plow." Silver is overjoyed as he takes the stage to accept the award, thanking the production team and his fellow actors for their support.
The final award of the night, Best Musical, is presented to "The Phantom of the Opera." The show's creators take the stage to accept the award, thanking their cast and crew for their hard work and dedication.
Overall, the 42nd Annual Tony Awards show is a celebration of the best of Broadway. The performances are breathtaking, the speeches are heartfelt, and the awards are well-deserved. It is a night to remember for everyone involved in the Broadway community.
