‘Phantom’ Dominates Tony Honours List (Press, 8 June 1988)
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Summary: ‘Phantom’ Dominates Tony Honours List (Press, 8 June 1988)
"The Phantom of the Opera," composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber, was the standout at the 42nd Tony Awards held in 1988, securing a total of seven awards including the prestigious best musical. In contrast, the best play award went to David Henry Hwang’s "M. Butterfly," which centers around a French Foreign Service officer's two-decade-long affair with a Peking opera diva, later revealed to be a man. The play also triumphed by winning awards for best director of a play and a featured actor performance. The Tony Awards, renowned as Broadway's equivalent to the Oscars, saw Stephen Sondheim's "Into the Woods," garner three Tonys. Joanna Gleason won best actress for her portrayal of the baker's wife, while Sondheim secured accolades for best book and best original score, notably edging out Lloyd Webber’s "Phantom" in the latter category. Michael Crawford, who plays the titular phantom, was honoured with the best actor in a musical award for his performance in the show. "The Phantom of the Opera" also won in several other categories including best director of a musical, scenic design, lighting, costumes, and featured actress for Judy Kaye. The best actor in a play award was claimed by Ron Silver for his role in David Mamet’s satirical piece, "Speed-the-Plough." Joan Allen received the best actress in a play award for her performance in "Burn This," which had become the longest-running Broadway play of the season. Additional acting awards for featured performances went to Bill McCutcheon in the revival of Cole Porter’s musical "Anything Goes," B.D. Wong for his role as the transvestite diva in "M. Butterfly," and L. Scott Caldwell for her performance in August Wilson’s "Joe Turner’s Come and Gone." The revival of "Anything Goes" also enjoyed success by winning three Tonys, including best revival and best choreography. The accolades received by "The Phantom of the Opera" were largely anticipated, affirming its status as a monumental piece in contemporary musical theatre.
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