Hamilton-born Broadway sensation Caissie Levy clinched a Tony Award on Sunday as she triumphed in the best actress category for her remarkable portrayal of Mother in the revival of “Ragtime.” During her acceptance speech at Radio City Music Hall, Levy expressed gratitude to her Canadian roots and her parents.
“I grew up in Canada, watching the Tonys and dreaming of a life on Broadway,” she shared. “I’m 20 years into this journey, and the most crucial lesson I’ve learned is that no one succeeds alone. My parents, Mark and Lisa Levy, who are present here tonight, I adore you deeply. Thank you for teaching me, through your actions, how to be a good individual and a team player.”
In addition to Levy’s win, several other Canadians emerged victorious at the 79th annual Tonys. Joshua Henry, hailing from Winnipeg and a four-time nominee, secured his inaugural Tony award for best leading actor in a musical for his role as Coalhouse Walker Jr. in the same production of “Ragtime.” Lorne Michaels, the mastermind behind “Saturday Night Live,” clinched his first Tony as a producer for “Schmigadoon!” — an adaptation of the popular Apple TV series that was crowned the best new musical.
The best new play accolade was bestowed upon Bess Wohl’s “Liberation,” a narrative centering on a women’s empowerment group in 1970s Ohio. This play, which recently received the Pulitzer Prize for drama, showcases the struggles faced by second-wave feminists as they combat misogyny, racism, and traditional gender norms. Wohl became only the fourth woman to ever win a Tony for best play, joining the ranks of Wendy Wasserstein, Yasmina Reza, and Frances Goodrich.
“Schmigadoon!” creator Cinco Paul also secured Tonys for the musical’s score and book. The award for the best play revival was claimed by Arthur Miller’s timeless classic “Death of a Salesman,” which examines the disintegration of the American Dream. This production amassed six Tonys, with Laurie Metcalf earning her third Tony for her portrayal of Linda Loman and Joe Mantello securing the best director accolade.
John Lithgow, starring in “Giant” as children’s writer Roald Dahl, made history by becoming the oldest man to ever win a competitive acting Tony at 80 years old. Shoshana Bean, recognized for her role in “The Lost Boys,” echoed themes of empowerment in her acceptance speech. “Cats: The Jellicle Ball” won for best direction of a musical, with a nod to the pioneers of queer ballroom culture.
Lesley Manville made her Broadway debut by winning the best lead actress in a play award for her performance in a contemporary interpretation of Sophocles’ classic tragedy, “Oedipus.”
The evening’s host, Pink, showcased her versatility and charm throughout the event, engaging in various performances and paying tribute to Broadway legends during the “In Memoriam” segment. The night was filled with memorable moments, including reunions of original cast members, showcasing the enduring impact of Broadway productions over the years.
