NEW YORK (AP) — “The Outsiders,” a gritty adaptation of the classic young adult novel, was honored at the Tony Awards for best new musical. The musical, based on S.E. Hinton’s beloved book, explores rival gangs in 1960s Oklahoma. Producer Angelina Jolie also won her first Tony for her involvement in the production.
Accepting the award, producer Matthew Rego thanked Hinton for her timeless message of love and family in the story. “Stereophonic,” a play about a band recording an album over a transformative year, won best new play and received five awards. Playwright David Adjmi and Arcade Fire member Will Butler were recognized for their work on the production.
Special guests Jay-Z and Hillary Rodham Clinton made appearances, with Clinton presenting an award for a musical about suffragettes. Alicia Keys performed a medley of songs from her musical “Hell’s Kitchen” and dedicated her win to her parents.
Other winners included Maleah Joi Moon, Danya Taymor, Shaina Taub, Jeremy Strong, Kara Young, Daniel Radcliffe, Jonathan Groff, and Kecia Lewis. Branden Jacobs-Jenkins’ “Appropriate” was named best play revival and Sarah Paulson won best leading actress in a play.
A special tribute was given to Chita Rivera, and the performances featured Eddie Redmayne, Pete Townshend, and the cast of “The Outsiders.” The telecast included teasers for upcoming shows and featured performances by Nicole Scherzinger, Nick Jonas, and Adrienne Warren.
Mark Kennedy is at http://twitter.com/KennedyTwits
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