Norbert Leo Butz for Catch Me If You Can I saw him in the show the night before the Tonys, and I was so thrilled that he won.
Cynthia Erivo for The Color Purple Anyone who got to experience that performance in person knew it was well-deserved.
Jane Greenwood for The Little Foxes Having been in the audience at Radio City Music Hall for this year's ceremony, it was so incredible to witness this veteran costume designer finally receive a competitive Tony on her 21st nomination.
James Monroe Iglehart for Aladdin Ever since I first heard audio clips of him from the Seattle tryout, I knew he'd have a great shot at that Tony.
Audra McDonald for Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill Just watching her make history twice with one win was so incredible to behold.
Alan Menken for Newsies It was great to see this veteran composer of all mediums finally have a Tony Award on his mantle, especially given that theatre is where he began.
Jessie Mueller for Beautiful Not only was she so phenomenal as Carole King, but her journey to this star-making performance also made it so well-deserved in my opinion.
Kelli O'Hara for The King & I In what was the last close race for Lead Actress in a Musical (to date), I was thrilled that she finally won after 5 losses.
Ben Platt for Dear Evan Hansen Not only was the award well-deserved based on the strength of his performance, but he also gave such a heartfelt speech.
So happy for all the wins for Sweeney Todd. That show completely blew me away. Michael Jeter /his performance and his acceptance speech are unforgettable. I still remember the camera planning to Tommy tune & his reaction.
This year I was very pleased with all of the Dear Evan Hansen and Hello, Dollys! wins. I loved both shows. Most excited for Rachel Bay Jones for her win. She debuted on Bwy in 1989. I adored The fresh take on the role of Catherine in Pippin. Her performance as Heide Hansen was so riveting.
Jeffrey Karasarides said: "SkidRowUrchins said: "Fun Home, Kelli O'Hara, Gavin Creel, In the Heights for Score and Musical, Megan Hilty, and Cynthia Erivo."
Megan Hilty hasn't won a Tony...yet.
"
Lol whoops... My brain must have just mixed up her fictional Tony win on Smash with real life. That being said, Ivy's win for Bombshell did make me pretty happy.
Gavin Creel winning for Hello, Dolly! would've probably gotten me on its own, but the fact that Sutton gave it to him? Destroyed me. The man is so clearly doing what he is meant to, with such amazing amounts of heart, drive and humbleness. Beyond disappointed in people being so nasty to him, saying he robbed Mike/Andrew/Brandon of their Tony's. Gavin is so deserving.
polkadotmissile said: "Beyond disappointed in people being so nasty to him, saying he robbed Mike/Andrew/Brandon of their Tony's. Gavin is so deserving. "
I think pretty much everyone in the Featured Actor category this year was deserving, so I was gonna be happy no matter who won (though personally I was rooting for Lucas or Brandon). Sutton giving it to him was perfect, though.
My faves, recently, were probably Bradley King, Jane Greenwood, and Alex Sharp.
Definitely Gavin Creel. He is such a kind and giving person, and he has been waiting 15 (!) years for his Tony! Honestly it's about time. It genuinely gets me mad whenever any one of those hardcore Falsettos/Andrew Rannells fans says he didn't deserve it, like they were downright nasty just the other day when they edited Andrew's Wikipedia page. Let the man live please, he is just as hardworking as any of the other actors.
IN THE HEIGHTS (Score and Musical), it was brilliant and needed it so badly.
CHRISTIAN BORLE (Something Rotten), gave one of the most hilarious performances I've ever seen.
LESLIE ODOM JR (Hamilton), all the awards I was thrilled about, but this one was up in the air, and he deserved it for a largely understated performance.
BEN PLATT (Dear Evan Hansen), literally don't think I've ever seen a better performance.
THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG (Set), because even though the award doesn't matter much, 1) its still a Tony and 2) I've never seen a better set.