Broadway defies odds in downturn
The lead producers of this year's Tony-nominated musicals claim they were always upbeat about Broadway despite the economy. But for every one of them, there had to be another vet producer who, last fall, gave out a sigh of relief when he or she told Variety, either publicly or privately, "Thank God, I don't have a show coming to Broadway this season!"

• Artists bring hyper-reality to the stage
• Revivals, originals crowd Broadway
• Tony Awards to honor Jerry Herman


Tonys sing the praises of 'Billy'
How’s this for stiff competition? Elton John vs. Dolly Parton; Liza Minnelli going mano a mano with Will Ferrell; peacenik hippies facing off with warring gang members; and a preteen ballet dancer in the ring with a bipolar mom off her meds.

• Click here for the full list of nominees
• Gallery: Top contenders
• Read the reviews of this year's contenders
• All Tony Award news

HIGHLIGHTS IN REARVIEW MIRROR:

The current Broadway season isn't just about who might win on June 7, but how everybody played the legit game.

Sutton Foster in 'Shrek'
Most Employed
Sutton Foster
Arthur Laurents
Best Nonagenarian
Arthur Laurents
Yasmina Reza, Phyllida Lloyd, Kristin Hangii, Diane Paulus, Jeanine Tesori, Dolly Parton
Winningest Women
Yasmina Reza, Phyllida Lloyd, Kristin Hangii, Diane Paulus, Jeanine Tesori, Dolly Parton
'Next to Normal'
Quickest Turnaround
'Next to Normal'
Will Ferrell
Headiest Box Office
'You're Welcome America: A Final Night With George W. Bush'
Jack Black as Jesus Christ
Best Ineligible Tuner
'Prop 8: The Musical'
Jeremy Piven
Sharpest Zinger
Jeremy Piven's exit from'Speed-the-Plow'
Chris D'Airenzo
Most Amazed Crix
Chris D'Airenzo's 'Rock of Ages'
'Billy Elliot'
Finest Finale
'Billy Elliot'

 Print Variety
Bookmark
Get Variety:
Variety Mobile Variety Digital Variety Home Delivery
Newsletter Signup:

Featured Jobs

Variety Real Estate