Jersey Boys takes top Helpmann gong

Jersey Boys received the best possible publicity push ahead of its Sydney season tonight, winning Best Musical at the 2010 Helpmann Awards.

The hit musical Jersey Boys tonight won the coveted Best Musical gong at the 2010 Helpmann Awards.

It is a great boost for the show ahead of its Sydney season at the Theatre Royal, which officially opens next Friday night.

However, it was not a massive night for the tuner, with just two awards overall, despite gaining a total of 10 nominations.

Avenue Q proved a real winner, taking home five awards – Mitchel Butel (Best Male Actor in a Musical), Michala Banas (Best Female Actor in a Musical), Luke Joslin (Best Male Actor in a Supporting Role in a Musical), Christina O’Neill (Best Female Actor in a Supporting Role in a Musical) and Jonathan Biggins (Best Director of a Musical).

Kelley Abbey won the Choreography award for her work on Fame.

Also taking the night by storm was the Sydney Festival production of Smoke & Mirrors, which won Best New Australian Work, Best Original Score and Best Cabaret Performer for iOTA.

Richard III, produced by the Melbourne Theatre Company, won Best Play.

The Helpmanns were hosted by David Campbell.