Hey Broadway fans! This Thursday marks the release of the Tony Awards nominations, and the competition is intensifying. As a theater critic and Tony voter with over 15 years in the industry, I have witnessed the significant impact these nominations can have on a show’s destiny.
The 78th Annual Tony Awards are set to take place on Sunday, June 8, 2025, at Radio City Music Hall in New York City. The event will be hosted by Cynthia Erivo, a Tony Award winner herself, and will be broadcast live on CBS and streamed on Paramount+
Let’s explore box office hits and hidden gems that merit attention this year.
Best Musical: A Battle of Buzz vs. Longevity
The Best Musical Tony is often considered the key to ticket sales, but it’s not always the case. Last year, The Outsiders rode its win to success, while The Great Gatsby (snubbed with just one nomination) is now outselling Best Musical winner Hell’s Kitchen. Meanwhile, Suffs and Water for Elephants closed quickly despite receiving nominations.
This year, I’m rooting for an all-American lineup:
- Buena Vista Social Club (vibrant Cuban rhythms)
- Dead Outlaw (a gritty, true-crime stunner)
- Death Becomes Her (campy, dark fun)
- Maybe Happy Ending (a tender sci-fi romance)
- Real Women Have Curves (empowering and heartfelt)
Wildcard: Swept Away was harrowing but closed too soon. Boop! The Musical needs a nod to survive its box office slump—but will voters care? Watch out for the British import Operation Mincemeat to crash the party.
Best Play: Sharp Writing Meets Timely Themes
The Best Play category is filled with formidable contenders:
- English by Sanaz Toossi (language and identity)
- The Hills of California by Jez Butterworth (family secrets)
- Oh, Mary! by Cole Escola (absurdist comedy gold)
- Purpose by Branden Jacob-Jenkins (race and legacy)
Snub Alert: Good Night, and Good Luck (Clooney/Heslov’s stage adaptation) might get sidelined as “too old,” while John Proctor Is the Villain could sneak in.
Acting Categories: Star Power vs. Subtlety
Best Actor in a Play
- Cole Escola (Oh, Mary!) – A scene-stealing tour de force.
- Daniel Dae Kim (Yellow Face) – Nuanced and magnetic.
- Denzel Washington (Othello) – Deserves a nod but might be overlooked.
- Jake Gyllenhaal (Othello) – Brooding and intense.
Dark Horse: George Clooney (Good Night, and Good Luck) could surprise.
Best Actress in a Play
It seems the Tony committee may have made an oversight here. Standouts like Jessica Hecht (Eureka Day) and Mare Winningham (Cult of Love) were shoved into Featured Actress, which leaves.
- Laura Donnelly (The Hills of California)
- LaTanya Richardson Jackson (Purpose)
- Sarah Snook (The Picture of Dorian Gray)
Will Mia Farrow (Roommates) or Sadie Sink (John Proctor) fill the gaps?
Musical Performances: Belters vs. Storytellers
Best Actor in a Musical
- Darren Criss (Maybe Happy Ending) – Charming and heartfelt.
- Andrew Durand (Dead Outlaw) – Raw, electric energy.
- Jeremy Jordan (Floyd Collins) – Vocals that’ll wreck you.
Snub: John Gallagher Jr. (Swept Away) – His show closed too soon.
Best Actress in a Musical
- Nicole Scherzinger (Sunset Blvd.) – Over-the-top? Yes. Unforgettable? Also yes.
- Audra McDonald (Gypsy) – Because it’s Audra.
- Adrienne Warren (The Last Five Years) – A powerhouse comeback.
Wildcard: Sutton Foster (Once Upon a Mattress) – Can she snag a seventh nod?
Directors: Visionaries Clash
Best Director of a Play
- Sam Mendes (The Hills of California)
- Phylicia Rashad (Purpose) – Yes, that Phylicia Rashad.
- David Cromer (Good Night, and Good Luck)
Best Director of a Musical
- Saheem Ali (Buena Vista Social Club)
- Michael Arden (Maybe Happy Ending)
- Jamie Lloyd (Sunset Blvd.) – His minimalist style divides crowds.
Featured Performers: The Unsung Heroes
Don’t forget:
- Jessica Hecht (Eureka Day) – Hilarious and heartbreaking.
- Michael McKean (Glengarry Glen Ross) – A masterclass in wit.
- Christopher Sieber (Death Becomes Her) – Perfect comedic timing.
Why This Matters
The Tonys aren’t just trophies—they’re lifelines for shows and artists. My years covering Broadway (and even producing off-Broadway) taught me that bold choices and authenticity win hearts. But hey, sometimes voters just love a loud belt and shiny costumes!
Your Turn!
Who’s on your 2025 wishlist? Did I miss a star? Let’s debate in the comments!
