Bess Wohl’s play Liberation, a portrait of second-wave feminism, and the musical Schmigadoon! were among the top winners at the 79th Tony Awards, the highest honours in American theatre, held Sunday at Radio City Music Hall in New York.
The ceremony reflected the broader political and cultural climate in the United States under President Donald Trump, with host Pink voicing support for marginalised groups in America.
Liberation, which examines identity and the role of women in 1970s society, was named Best Play after previously winning a Pulitzer Prize in May. Its writer, Bess Wohl, became only the fourth woman to receive the honour, marking a significant milestone in the category.
The award for Best Musical went to Schmigadoon!, a satirical homage to classic Broadway productions and an adaptation of the television series of the same name. The show was praised for its playful reinterpretation of musical theatre conventions.
In the acting categories, John Lithgow won Best Actor for his portrayal of author Roald Dahl in Giant. Lithgow described the production as “extraordinarily important right now,” noting its engagement with difficult themes. The play by British writer Mark Rosenblatt explores a controversial period in Dahl’s life.
Several other productions also received major recognition. Ragtime, which depicts social and economic tensions affecting non-white communities in early 20th-century America, received four awards, including Best Revival of a Musical.
Cats: The Jellicle Ball, a reimagining of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical set within New York’s ballroom culture, won three awards. Among the winners was costume designer Qween Jean.
Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman revival was the most awarded production of the night, winning six prizes including Best Revival of a Play and Best Supporting Actress for Laurie Metcalf.
The Broadway League reported continued strong industry performance, with 14.6 million tickets sold during the 2025–2026 season and $1.9 billion in gross revenue, underscoring theatre’s ongoing popularity with New York audiences.
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