Ep 1. The 44th Annual Tony Awards
- June 3, 1990
The 44th Annual Tony Awards season in 1990 marked the prestigious event's celebration of the very best of Broadway's plays and musicals from the previous year. Hosted by Angela Lansbury, the star-studded show was held at the legendary Majestic Theatre, where some of theater's most illustrious productions have graced the stage.
The show opened with an electrifying musical number featuring the top nominees of the season. The audience was treated to an exceptional performance from the cast of "City of Angels," which led the field with 12 nominations. The show's opening number set the tone for the rest of the evening, which was filled with unforgettable performances, touching speeches, and plenty of surprises.
The award for Best Play went to "The Grapes of Wrath," based on John Steinbeck's classic novel of the same name. The heart-wrenching story of a family struggling to survive during the Great Depression moved audiences and critics alike. The play's cast accepted the award, and director Frank Galati gave an emotional speech about the importance of the story's message in today's world.
For Best Musical, the hit production "City of Angels" took home the prize. Its originality, humor, and outstanding cast had garnered rave reviews and captured the hearts of audiences everywhere. The show's creator, Larry Gelbart, expressed his gratitude to the cast, crew, and producers, saying that his goal was to create something that would entertain and challenge people, and he was thrilled by the response it had received.
The award for Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Play was presented to Robert Morse for his role in "Tru," a one-man show about Truman Capote. Morse's electrifying performance brought the famous writer to life and left audiences mesmerized and in awe. Accepting his award, Morse paid tribute to Capote's wit and brilliance and thanked the show's director, co-stars, and crew for their support.
For Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Play, Maggie Smith won for her role in "Lettice and Lovage." The quirky and charming play, written by Peter Shaffer, delighted audiences with its wit and humor. Smith's performance as the eccentric Lettice was nothing short of remarkable, and her heartfelt speech was one of the highlights of the evening.
In the category of Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical, Robert Goulet won for his role in "The Phantom of the Opera." Goulet's powerful and mesmerizing voice was the perfect match for the role of the Phantom, and audiences were thrilled by his performance. Accepting his award, Goulet thanked the show's creators, producers, and cast, saying that this was the greatest moment of his career.
The award for Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical went to Tyne Daly for her role in "Gypsy." Daly's portrayal of the infamous stage mother, Rose, was a tour de force of acting and singing. She accepted her award with grace and humor, thanking her co-stars, crew, and family for their unwavering support.
The show also featured performances from top Broadway productions, including "Les Miserables," "Meet Me in St. Louis," and "Grand Hotel." The audience was treated to an extraordinary medley of songs from "The Sound of Music," performed by the show's original cast, including Julie Andrews.
The 44th Annual Tony Awards was a celebration of the magic and wonder of Broadway, and it showcased the very best of theater's performances, sets, and sounds. The show demonstrated how extraordinary productions could transport audiences to faraway places and times and helped to cement the legacy of Broadway as a place of endless possibilities and wonder.
