Memphis takes top gong at 64th Tonys

The rock ‘n’ roll musical Memphs took out the coveted Best Musical gong at the Tony Awards on Monday morning (Australian time).

Set in the turbulent south in the 1950s, Memphis is the story of Huey Calhoun, a white radio DJ whose love of good music transcends race lines and airwaves. It takes audiences back to a definitive time in American music and culture.

Memphis also took out the award for Best Book of a Musical (Joe DiPietro) and in total took out four Tony Awards.

The biggest winner of the night was the play Red.

Notes for Red read: “Master American expressionist Mark Rothko (Alfred Molina) has just landed the biggest commission in the history of modern art. But when his young assistant (Eddie Redmayne) gains the confidence to challenge him, Rothko faces the agonizing possibility that his crowning achievement could also become his undoing. John Logan’s play is a searing portrait of an artist’s ambition and vulnerability as he tries to create a definitive work for an extraordinary setting.”

Red won six awards, including Best Play. The respected actor Denzel Washington won his first Tony, taking home Best Male Actor for his work the piece.

The past Broadway season was littered with film and television stars, providing a star-studded Tony ceremony.

Tabloid newspapers and websites are talking about the passionate kiss shared on stage by host Sean Hayes and former Wicked star Kristin Chenoweth.

Amongst the many performances was an appearance by Glee stars Matthew Morrison and Lea Michele.

Two endearing classics took out the revival awards – Fences for straight theatre and the inspiring La Cage aux Folles for musicals.

Whilst there was some highlights of the past Broadway season, the Tony Awards showed the impact of the Global Financial Crisis on the theatre world. It was a generally less risky year, with no standout blockbuster.

For more on the Tony Awards, visit www.tonyawards.com