The 63rd Annual Tony Awardshosted by Neil Patrick Harris were held Sunday night at Radio City Music Hall, New York City with
Billy Elliotsnatching 10 Awards and making Tony history, according to
Advocate.
Broadway took "let's put on a show" to a whole new level opening the award show with a smashing musical number starring Dolly Parton, Elton John, Liza Minnelli, metal band Poison and the casts of
West Side Story, Guys and Dolls, Pal Joey, Shrek, 9 to 5: The Musical, Next to Normal, Rock of Ages and
Billy Elliot. Although Poison lead singer Bret Michaels hit his head at the end of his band's performance in the opening number, he reportedly suffered no major injuries.
The 2008-2009 theater season was marked with an amazing 45 shows opening on Broadway -- the highest number of productions in 25 years.
British musical
Billy Elliot, led the show winning an impressive total of 10 Tonys, including Best Musical, Best Director and Leading Actor in a Musical -- an award bestowed upon the teenage trio - David Alvarez, 15, Trent Kowalik, 14 and Kiril Kulish, 15. However, its composer, Elton John, did not win in his category.
The threesome each received Best Performance by a Lead Actor in a Musical for their shared role setting a milestone in the history of the Tonys as the first time three actors were nominated for one role.
They also set another record as the youngest winners of a lead acting honor at the Tony Awards.
"And we want to say to all the kids out there who might want to dance, never give up," said Kulish during their acceptance speech.
Meanwhile Angela Lansbury received her 5th Tony for
Blithe Spirit and Liza Minnelli won for
Liza's at The Palace. Marcia Gay Harden took Best Actress honors for
God of Carnage and Geoffrey Rush took Best Actor honors in
Exit the King. The show, which recognizes excellence in theater, aired Sunday night on
CBS.
