Broadway’s Biggest Night: Buena Vista Social Club, English, and Audra McDonald Shine at 2025 Tony Awards
Tony Awards 2025 delivers a bold night of wins, emotional speeches, and standout revivals—from Jonathan Groff’s breakthrough to Stranger Things’ stage magic.
New York, June 9: It wasn’t just another night on Broadway. The 78th Tony Awards, held Sunday at Radio City Music Hall, turned into a roaring celebration of live theatre’s comeback spirit—with big wins, loud ovations, and a few unexpected turns. Actor-singer Cynthia Erivo helmed the night, blending warmth with star power, as the community gathered to honour a season packed with risks, revivals, and remarkable new work.
‘Buena Vista Social Club’ Dances to the Top
It was the rhythm, maybe. Or maybe the way it made people feel. Whatever it was, “Buena Vista Social Club” took home Best Musical, one of four awards it won that evening. It wasn’t just another jukebox show—it had weight, culture, and a live band that carried the story on their backs. And they were recognized for it.
Marco Paguia, the show’s music director, along with fellow musicians like David Oquendo and Román Diaz, were honoured with a Special Tony Award for their live performance work. A rare move, but few disagreed. The show also picked up wins for Choreography, Orchestrations, and Sound Design, locking in its place as the standout musical of the year.
Best Play Goes to ‘English’—A Story That Quietly Hit Home
It didn’t arrive with fanfare. But “English”, a play that explores identity, migration, and language in an Iranian classroom, walked away with the prize for Best Play. Its impact was slow-burning—quiet but undeniable.
Tala Ashe, one of the production’s leads, also earned recognition with a Tony win in a featured acting role. Her performance had depth, restraint. It’s the kind of work that can easily be overlooked in flashier seasons. Not this time.
Groff, Snook, and McDonald Lead the Acting Wins
Jonathan Groff has had close calls before. But this was his night. His role in “Just in Time” finally earned him a Tony for Best Actor in a Musical. It was an emotional moment. Not just for him, but for fans who’ve followed his journey from “Spring Awakening” to screen roles and back again.
Sarah Snook, best known to many for her TV work, pulled off one of the most difficult feats onstage this year. In “The Picture of Dorian Gray”, she played every role—more than two dozen—on her own. The payoff? A well-deserved Tony for Best Actress in a Play.
And then there was Audra McDonald. With her win for “Gypsy”, she now holds a staggering seven Tony Awards. Her portrayal of Mama Rose was, by many accounts, one of her fiercest performances to date. Critics called it raw, nuanced, and commanding. The audience didn’t argue.
Revival Categories Reward Bold Choices
“Floyd Collins”, not a typical box-office magnet, took home Best Revival of a Musical. It’s a deeply American story—part tragedy, part ballad—with a score unlike anything else on Broadway right now. Its success proved that risk-taking, even in revival slots, still matters.
Over in the play category, “Eureka Day” got the nod for Best Revival of a Play. A smart, sharp piece about public health and parental politics, the play found new relevance in a post-COVID world. Funny in parts, uncomfortably real in others—it struck the right balance.
Technical Awards Dominate for ‘Stranger Things: The First Shadow’
One of the biggest winners in design and technical categories? Not a musical, but a prequel. “Stranger Things: The First Shadow” brought cinematic ambition to the stage. It won for Scenic Design, Lighting, and Sound Design of a Play.
A Special Tony Award also went to the illusion and effects team, including Jamie Harrison and Chris Fisher, for their behind-the-scenes wizardry. They didn’t just build a show. They built a world.
‘Maybe Happy Ending’ Stands Out in Score and Book
Though it didn’t land the top musical prize, “Maybe Happy Ending” was far from overlooked. Its creators, Will Aronson and Hue Park, were honoured for both Best Original Score and Best Book of a Musical.
The show tells the story of robots left behind by humanity—and somehow, it hits an emotional note that feels all too human. Small show. Big heart. And a growing cult following that could carry it well beyond this season.
Celebrating Lifelong Impact and Community Support
This year’s Lifetime Achievement award went to none other than Harvey Fierstein, the voice, pen, and presence behind decades of landmark theatre. His influence? Almost too vast to summarise.
The Isabelle Stevenson Award was given to Celia Keenan-Bolger, honouring her continued advocacy for theatre education and access.
And institutions that often work behind the scenes—like New 42, Great Performances, and the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts—were honoured for their steady contributions to the ecosystem that keeps Broadway running.
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Sneha Kashyap is a Reporting Fellow at Hindustan Herald, specializing in the vibrant world of entertainment and contemporary lifestyle trends. A student at GGSIPU, Delhi, Sneha brings a fresh perspective and a keen eye for cultural narratives to her daily reporting. She is dedicated to exploring the latest in film, music, fashion, and social phenomena, offering readers insightful and engaging content.
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