BUZZ BEAT MEDIA

This year’s Tony Awards was a night of breakthrough performances, bold storytelling, and surprising wins, with Broadway paying tribute to originality and fresh creative voices. The biggest applause of the night went to Maybe Happy Ending, which took home six awards, including the coveted Best Musical honor.

This unconventional and heartwarming production centers on two outdated helper robots, portrayed by Darren Criss and Helen J Shen, who embark on a road trip and ultimately discover the beauty of connection in a world that’s forgotten them.

Set in a futuristic Seoul, Maybe Happy Ending defied expectations with its emotionally rich narrative and minimalist cast of just four actors. Its elegant blend of mid-century pop and jazz sounds, combined with a sophisticated high-tech set design, created a theatrical experience that was both intimate and grand.

Directed by Michael Arden, who also won for Best Direction, the show stood out not through star power or brand recognition, but through heartfelt storytelling and inventive production.

Another standout of the evening was Purpose, which claimed the Tony for Best Play. Written by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, the family drama continues his winning streak following last year’s success with Appropriate. Having also won a Pulitzer Prize earlier this year, Purpose proved that thoughtful, character-driven writing can hold its own on Broadway’s biggest stage.

Nicole Scherzinger delivered one of the night’s most talked-about performances and earned her first Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical. Her powerful portrayal of Norma Desmond in Sunset Boulevard, a striking revival of the Andrew Lloyd Webber classic, was a revelation. Stripped of elaborate sets and focused heavily on Scherzinger’s vocal and emotional strength, Jamie Lloyd’s direction modernized the production and secured the Tony for Best Revival of a Musical.

In another memorable win, Cole Escola triumphed with Oh, Mary!, a quirky, imaginative play that reimagined historical figures in offbeat scenarios. Sarah Snook, celebrated for her role in Succession, stunned audiences with her masterful solo performance in The Picture of Dorian Gray, playing 26 roles in a high-tech production that earned her a Best Actress in a Play win.

The ceremony also featured a heartfelt reunion of the original Hamilton cast, who performed a special medley to commemorate the show’s 10th anniversary. It was a highlight that reminded audiences of the impact Broadway can have over time.

Buena Vista Social Club, a vibrant musical inspired by the famed Cuban musicians, also enjoyed a strong night with four Tony wins, including Best Featured Actress in a Musical for Natalie Venetia Belcon.

As the curtain closed on the 2025 Tony Awards, it was clear that Broadway audiences and voters alike are embracing risk-taking and meaningful storytelling. While blockbuster names drew attention, it was the sincerity and creativity of shows like Maybe Happy Ending and Purpose that truly captured the spotlight and defined this year’s celebration.

*Cover Photo/Thumbnail Photo from Getty Images