The Tony Awards Were an Incredible Night for Women on Broadway
"Fun Home," the night's big winner, is the first Broadway musical with a lesbian main character. Ever.
![Head, Denim, Brown hair, Sweater, Bangs, Child model,](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/kZvaV257d2gPrskcWNWhEQ-415-80.jpg)
The Tonys are always a fun time, but this year's awards were extra special thanks (in addition to Alan Cumming and Kristin Chenoweth's hosting prowess) to the female-dominated list of winners. Last night's victors proved this was definitely the year of women on Broadway. Finally!
The big winner of the night was Fun Home, which took home the prize for Best Musical. The show is based on the graphic memoir by Alison Bechdel (of the Bechdel Test fame); the book tells her story of growing up with a closeted gay father, who commits suicide shortly after Bechdel comes out herself. The Hollywood Reporter notes that it's the first Broadway musical (ever!) with a lesbian main character. The musical also hit a feminist milestone, since Lisa Kron and Jeanine Tesori were the first ever all-female writing team to win Best Original Score. "If we can be the image for young girls to say, 'What did they win for? Who is that?' like I did, that will start it," Kron told press backstage after their big win.
And it wasn't just musicals that had a female-dominated winners' list. Marianne Elliott took home Best Direction of a Play for The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, and agreed that visibility for people like her will help younger girls. "When I was growing up, I didn't know any female directors, I assumed you had to be a man," she said backstage.
One power woman in particular is even closer to a rare honor: the EGOT. Yes, the eternally fabulous Helen Mirren nabbed her first Tony for playing Queen Elizabeth in The Audience. All she needs now is the "G." "I really want a Grammy!" she joked after her win. "It's terrible, isn't it? I have to do an audio book of some sort!" So. Much. Yes.
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
Megan Friedman is the former managing editor of the Newsroom at Hearst. She's worked at NBC and Time, and is a graduate of Northwestern's Medill School of Journalism.
-
Jennifer Lopez's Bike Ride Outfits Keep Rolling On
This time, she's in an off-the-shoulder set and fisherman sandals.
By Halie LeSavage Published
-
'Love Island USA' Stars Nicole Jacky and Kendall Washington Already Have Big Plans for Life Outside of the Villa
The season 6 finalists are looking past the finale and toward a future together.
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
Jennifer Lopez Replaces Her Gym Birkin With a Gym Blanket
Technically, it's a sweater.
By Kelsey Stiegman Published
-
The Best Bollywood Movies of 2023 (So Far)
Including one that just might fill the Riverdale-shaped hole in your heart.
By Andrea Park Published
-
‘Bachelor in Paradise’ 2023: Everything We Know
Cue up Mike Reno and Ann Wilson’s “Almost Paradise."
By Andrea Park Last updated
-
Who Is Gerry Turner, the ‘Golden Bachelor’?
The Indiana native is the first senior citizen to join Bachelor Nation.
By Andrea Park Last updated
-
‘Virgin River’ Season 6: Everything We Know
Here's everything we know on the upcoming episodes.
By Andrea Park Last updated
-
The 65 Best Musical Movies of All Time
All the dance numbers! All the show tunes!
By Amanda Mitchell Last updated
-
'Ginny & Georgia' Season 2: Everything We Know
Netflix owes us answers after that ending.
By Zoe Guy Last updated
-
35 Tasteful Nude Movies That Feel Like Art
Steamy and sensual, but in an elevated way.
By Kayleigh Roberts Last updated
-
The Cast of 'The Crown' Season 5: Your Guide
The Mountbatten-Windsors have been recast—again.
By Andrea Park Published