Tony 2014 – Unveiling Winning Secrets

Over the past year, they have bridged over our reservations, hedged into our hearts and guided us to the sun. We’ve seen them emerge from the shadows, and go all the way. And all we will say, is that they are all beautiful.

Alright, alright. Enough with the melodramatic opening there, but you guessed it right. Last year, Broadway was a blast. And while the season ended with a bang, the Tony fever gripped us and we couldn’t get enough of the predictions. Now, everything is done and dusted. And all that’s left is to revel in the glory of the winners.

This time around at Tony 2014, the winners were as surprising, as they were assured. We all saw some of the wins from afar. However, while one predicted win was a sure shot for some, there were many productions that flaunted more than one award. What’s the secret? Here goes.

Twelfth Night – Winner takes double or nothing

With two of Shakespeare’s most famous brother-sister duo, a disguise to hide the best of us, and a story that has entertained for ages, Twelfth Night is done justice by Director, Tim Carroll. This year, Viola, Sebastian and company came back to the stage. And not only did they steal our hearts, they bagged seven nominations. In the end, the play won the Big T for “Best Costume” and “Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Play,” and all for good merit. Let’s face it; the show was a winner to begin with. There’s not a lot that can go wrong with Shakespeare. Add to that a multi award winning cast that includes BAFTA winner Mark Rylance, and an Olivier Award winning costume designer. And BAM, we’ve got a winner.

The Bridges of Madison County – Bridge two in the pocket

A war story, two star-crossed lovers, the choice between love and family, and every other heart-wrenching theme that you can think of, made up this musical. And while you may think that the show has nothing new to offer, you couldn’t be more wrong. Yes, we had heard the story before. But all the drama was punctuated by music that blew us away. Literally. There’s no wonder then, as to why Jason Robert Brown took home two Tony’s for his work on the music and the lyrics. He’s one of the top guns in the business, and this year, he just proved why he’s ranked among the best.

Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill – Two for Two

Nominated for two, and winner of two; this musical was the ultimate underdog of the season. While everyone was debating over some of the biggest productions around, Lady Day created its niche, and carved out a nice Tony run. Not only did it glorify the already glorious jazz goddess, Billie Holiday, but it also gave Audra McDonald yet another chance to show off her pipes. And it is possibly her talent as an actress that led to the musical winning in both its nominated categories. She embodied Holiday exactly the way Holiday should be. And the audience was more than happy with the fitting homage paid to probably one of the greatest singers of our time.

Beautiful: The Carole King Musical – Natural win for the Natural Woman

Bringing the powerhouse of King to the stage, without seeming too gaudy, is a feat in itself. Add to that an actress who can belt the roof off of our heads, and a repertory of songs that our generation has grown up to; what do you get? You get seven nominations and two wins for “Best Actress” and “Best Sound Design.” There’s no mystery why Beautiful was one of the most loved and most praised musicals of the year. And there’s no mystery behind its wins either. Carole King is one of our most loved sweethearts. And Mueller (the on-stage King) reminded us exactly why we love the original King so much. With a discography that took us back to our prime, and an actress who did justice to our favorite girl, the double win wasn’t a big shocker.

All the Way – All The Way to the Top, i.e.

Now here’s a winner that was truly surprising. All the Way was a political masterpiece that depicted the first, and perhaps the most crucial year of the Lyndon B. Johnson presidency. With Kennedy’s assassination still fresh in everyone’s mind, and civil rights movement at its peak, this play was, as the Chicago Tribune put it, “juicy.” As with all things political, the play was like an open wound waiting for parasites to attack it. Many anticipated different sorts of backlash. However, the play won hearts all over, with a story that put one of America’s most critical years into perspective. The play ended up winning “Best Play” and “Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play.” And part of that win is credited to the television superstar and his acting chops, Bryan Cranston. Guess blue-meth isn’t the only thing he can cook up.

A Raisin in the Sun – And three Tonys to take, please

Winner of “Best Direction,” “Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play” and “Best Revival of a Play,” A Raisin in the Sun was a pure treat to watch. A story of struggle, hope, fear and loss, this play was one of the most endearing performances on the stage this year. No wonder then that it got five nominations, and won three. And while one main component of the play may have been ignored by the Tonys, it was the only thing that we could keep our eyes on. Denzel-two time Academy Award winning-Washington. He brought the play together, and as the key ingredient, he delivered. The play in itself is extremely solid. And Washington handles it with perfection.

Hedwig and the Angry Inch – And a Wicked Little win of four

He won our hearts as the misogynistic playboy on How I Met Your Mother. And this year, he proved that there ain’t no mountain high enough for him to climb. Taking on the role of a transgender Hedwig, jilted lover who sings in a rock band; Neil Patrick Harris sets across the country on a rock tour to follow the superstar who stole his songs. All of that on a stage, in a limited amount of time, seems no problem for him as he sweeps the audience in his masterstroke Hedwig and the Angry Inch. Harris has time and again proven that he is one of the most talented and versatile actors in the business today. And it is perhaps on his shoulders that this musical bagged eight nominations, out of which, it won four. “Best Revival,” “Best Actor” and “Best Actress.” This is one win that should not be forgotten.

A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder – And a four Tony win out of Ten Nominations

Tying with Hedwig for first place of the most number of Tonys won this season; this musical is perhaps the biggest winner of the lot. It came out as a highly anticipated show, with rumors that one actor was going to die eight different deaths. Many called the casting of one actor for eight characters too ambitious. Many disregarded the play as an experiment that would fail. But, as is the case with Gentlemen, the show surprised everyone. It became one of the most loved shows around, and critics could not help but rave about their experience. “Best Musical,” “Best Book,” “Best Direction;” this production gave every other contender a run for its money. And we couldn’t be happier for the star studded cast and crew.