The 74th Tony Awards: Broadway’s Big Return

By Fiona Byers, 2022

Published 9/27/21

The Tony Awards made their return last night to honor the 2019-2020 nominees. With the audience wearing masks and Broadway barely reopened, it’s obvious the theater industry is navigating unprecedented times, but this didn’t stop the ceremony from being held.

The shows with the most nominees were “Jagged Little Pill,” which features songs by Alanis Morisette, and “Moulin Rouge! The Musical” just behind. Both were nominated for the highest award of Best Musical, but in the end “Moulin Rouge! The Musical” won. In addition to Best Musical, they were also honored with Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical, where “Moulin Rouge!” was unopposed, Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Musical, Best Direction of a Musical, Best Choreography, and more.

Best Play was won by “The Inheritance,” and additionally the play also won Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Play and Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Play. “A Christmas Carol” beat out “The Inheritance” in Best Costume Design of a Play and Best Scenic Design of a Play.

The 74th Tony Awards were a statement of resilience from the Broadway community, celebrating the last season and looking forward to the future. The show was even followed by a concert event titled “The Tony Awards Present: Broadway’s Back!” hosted by Leslie Odom Jr, where the most prestigious awards were announced.