Curtain up: Ariana DeBose, channelling Tina Turner in coruscating vintage Bob Mackie, holds up a newspaper reading “SHE’S BACK” in big, bold letters before kicking off the 77th Annual Tony Awards. This year’s Tonys took place at Lincoln Center’s David H. Koch Theater, the longtime home of the New York City Ballet—but on Sunday night, pointe shoes and tutus were replaced by scantily clad Cabaret dancers, pinball wizards, a buff gaggle of greasers, and a logo-clad Alicia Keys (plus: Jay-Z!).
After The Outsiders accepted the final award of the night, for best new musical, the ceremony came to an end—and the rush of after-parties began. Experts at quick changes, many of the night’s performers and attendees slipped into outfits more suitable for dancing; after all, if there is one night of the week when Broadway stars know how to let loose, it’s on a Sunday.
Ahead of the fête-chase, a crowd flowed out of the Koch Theater and across Lincoln Center Plaza to David Geffen Hall for food, bubbles, and portable chargers. When Appropriate star Sarah Paulson was asked for her ticket to enter, a friend cried, “It’s a Tony!” holding up Paulson’s new statuette. Security let her in.
Below, more highlights from Broadway’s biggest—and longest—night.
Kelli O’Hara and Arian Moayed Hosted the Party at the Pebble Bar
A 132-year-old institution, the Pebble Bar is known for its annual Tonys fête, and this year Kelli O’Hara and Arian Moayed stepped up as co-hosts. As guests poured in, their Tonys Playbills tucked under sleeves and jutting out of clutches, the bar quickly opened its third and fourth floors to accommodate all the revelry, supplying fresh slices from Fini Pizza (topped with Petrossian Caviar) to the hungry crowd. O’Hara, a 2015 Tony winner for her leading role in The King and I, donned a pink peplum gown and emerald earrings, while Moayed, a two-time Tony nominee himself (though he is perhaps better known these days as Stewy from Succession), opted for a taupe pinstripe suit. Sarah Paulson was the comedic tonic of the night, laughing over a silly photo op with friends and sharing a giggle with her former Appropriate co-star Elle Fanning as they noshed on pizza. Billy Porter and his sister, Mary Martha Ford, made it a family affair, getting cozy on the couch as if in their own home. (Indeed, one can rather easily imagine Porter lounging in a diamond-encrusted cape in his downtime.)
Old Friends” and New Celebrate Merrily We Roll Along at Ascent Lounge
Fresh off his win for best performance by an actor in a leading role in a musical, Jonathan Groff held court on the corner of Broadway and West 60th Street. The first-time Tony winner was barely able to enter his own party without being stopped by a barrage of well-wishers, many of whom he graciously offered a photo op (and the chance to hold his Tony). Upstairs, the creative team indulged in a bountiful charcuterie board and some serious dancing (“Gasolina” was a crowd-pleaser at this party), while a photo booth mimicking the show’s promotional imagery had guests merrily lined up for their turn.
Rick Miramontez and John Gore Kept the Night Alive With Their Party at the Carlyle
The Carlyle after-party is one of the more exclusive events of the night. While award winners glided right past the velvet rope and into the hotel’s gleaming lobby, party-hoppers had no hope but to try their luck at the “Who do you know here?” game. Upstairs, where the space was scented with freshly seasoned fries and pulsed with the sounds of ABBA, Billy Porter (and his sparkly cape) ordered a glass of champagne, toasting the night with a flute in one hand and a Tony in the other; Sarah Paulson could also be found posing for pictures with friends (and her own new Tony).
