Entertainment
Honoring Unsung Heroes of the Theatre: 2025 Tony Honors Announced
2025-04-28

The prestigious world of theatre is set to celebrate its behind-the-scenes trailblazers with the announcement of the 2025 Tony Honors for Excellence in the Theatre. Esteemed entities such as Great Performances, Michael Price, New 42, and the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts will receive recognition through noncompetitive accolades. Established in 1990, these honors aim to applaud individuals, organizations, and institutions that have left an indelible mark on the theatrical landscape but do not fit within the confines of traditional Tony Award categories.

Great Performances, a PBS series, has been instrumental in bringing live performances of theater, dance, and music to audiences worldwide. Over five decades, it has captured numerous Broadway productions, offering viewers an intimate glimpse into the magic of the stage. This series has played a pivotal role in preserving and showcasing some of the most celebrated works in theater history.

Michael Price's dedication to the arts spans several decades. From 1968 to 2014, he led Goodspeed Musicals as its executive director. His tenure was marked by the nurturing of countless musicals that eventually found their way to Broadway stages. Notably, the original production of "Annie" emerged under his guidance, earning him and Goodspeed a Special Tony in 1980 and a Regional Theatre Tony Award in 1995.

New 42 has revitalized seven historic theaters along Manhattan's West 42nd Street since its establishment in 1990. Under the leadership of Russell Granet and Fiona Howe Rudin, this nonprofit organization continues to champion lifelong engagement with the arts. Its facilities, including New 42 Studios, have served as crucial rehearsal spaces for many Broadway shows over the past quarter-century, while the New Victory Theater focuses on engaging younger audiences with its programming.

The New York Public Library's Performing Arts division at Lincoln Center serves as a treasure trove of information for all facets of performing arts. With a collection of approximately eight million items, it encompasses divisions dedicated to theater, dance, music, and recorded sound. This invaluable resource supports researchers and enthusiasts alike, ensuring the preservation and accessibility of performing arts history.

As the curtain rises on the 2025 Tony Awards ceremony scheduled for June 8 at Radio City Music Hall, hosted by Cynthia Erivo, these honorees will be celebrated alongside other distinguished talents. The nominations, to be announced by Sarah Paulson and Wendell Pierce on May 1, promise to highlight both emerging and established figures in the theatre community. Through this celebration, the Broadway League and American Theatre Wing reaffirm their commitment to recognizing excellence across all sectors of the performing arts.

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