By Avery Hoggans Petzold

On June 10th, 2018, at 8pm PDT, the 72nd annual Tony Awards took place. The Tonys are the iconic televised award show that honors the stars of the stage, held at Radio City Music Hall. Throughout the decades, there have been many iconic performances and many legends have been honored for their passion and hard work.

This season on Broadway, there were many standout shows and performances worthy of nominations. Some of the performers nominated were Katrina Lenk, Hailey Kilgore, and Taylor Louderman, all for best lead actress in a musical. Other notable nominees were Andrew Garfield and Tony Shalhoub. Lenk took home the trophy for best actress in a musical for her outstanding performance in The Band’s Visit. Garfield snagged the trophy for best lead actor in a play, in Angels In America, and Shalhoub took home a trophy for best lead actor in a musical, with a standout performance in The Band’s Visit.

Although many shows were nominated, one show took home most of the trophies: The Band’s Visit. The show was a smash hit and loved by many, was nominated for eleven different categories. In the end, it took home ten trophies. These included best musical, best book of a musical, best original score, and seven others.

The hosts, Sara Bareilles and Josh Groban made the audience shake with laughter during their Broadway-themed rendition of Sia’s “Chandelier.” Another wonderful thing that happened was the recognition of broadway’s ensemble members. Many Broadway ensembles are often overlooked, but they are a crucial part of every show. The Tonys made sure that was known, but inviting an ensemble member from every nominated show on stage for recognition for their hard work. It was an amazing way to end the show.

The Tony awards have had an amazing impact on people for decades. They have brought people together, and have built a community. Every year the Tonys get better, and the world is so excited to see what next years show has to offer.