Broadway smiles on a tale of problems in Oklahoma
Broadway smiles on a tale of problems in Oklahoma
Comments 
10
By The Associated Press
Published: June 16, 2008
NEW YORK — "August: Osage County,” Oklahoma native Tracy Letts' scabrous tale of a dysfunctional Oklahoma family, was named best play Sunday at the 2008 Tony Awards ceremony, picking up two acting prizes as well as an award for direction.
Advertisement
‘South Pacific' wins five prizes
The lavish revival of "South Pacific,” which features Edmond native Kelli O'Hara, picked up five prizes, including director of a musical. "Boeing-Boeing,” a 1960s sex farce filled with slamming doors and eager stewardesses, was named best-revival play. It also won the top acting prize for its star, Mark Rylance.
"South Pacific” received awards for sets, costumes, lighting and sound of a musical.
The design prizes for play were divided — two went to "The 39 Steps” for sound and lighting, while "August: Osage County” took set design and "Les Liaisons Dangereuses” costumes.
"Gypsy,” the main competition for "South Pacific,” celebrated with two featured performer awards. Boyd Gaines won his fourth Tony, and Laura Benanti also was victorious.
Lin-Manuel Miranda, who wrote the music and lyrics for "In the Heights,” rapped his way through his acceptance speech for best score. And "In the Heights” managed two other musical prizes — for the choreography of Andy Blankenbuehler and for orchestrations.
But Stew, the star and co-creator of "Passing Strange” took the prize for best book of a musical.
"Yeah, yeah. Um. Yeah,” said the almost speechless performer, who did not expect awards to be given out so early. "I thought this going to happen like an hour from now. I was looking for some M&Ms in my pocket.”
Jim Norton, who played a cantankerous blind Irishman in "The Seafarer,” took the featured actor-play prize and told the audience: "This has to be one of the happiest days of my life. I can't believe it.”
Prev
Something to say about this topic? Submit a Letter to the Editor online
Thank you for joining our conversations on newsok. We encourage your discussions but ask that you stay within the bounds of our terms and conditions. Please help us by reporting comments that violate these guidelines. To review our rules of engagement, go to Commenting and posting policy.
Log in below or sign up (it's free).