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| Bette Midler has been crowned Leading Actress in a Musical at the 71st Tony Awards |
The 71-year-old actress was honoured with the prestigious gong for portraying the lead role as Dolly Gallagher in the Broadway show at the star-studded bash, which took place at Radio City Music Hall in New York City on Sunday (11.06.17).
And the star was โso gratefulโ to receive the accolade, and she has hailed the moment as โone of the greatest professional experiencesโ of her โentire lifeโ.
Speaking during her acceptance speech, the โHocus Pocusโ star said: โI hope I donโt cry.
โThis has been one of the greatest professional experiences of my entire life โฆ Iโm so grateful for the outpouring of love, it has been absolutely extraordinary. That said, I canโt remember the last time I had more smoke blown up my ass, but thereโs no more room. This is the cherry on the cake โฆ This has given me the ride of my life.โ
However, this is not the first time the singer-songwriter has bagged a Tony award, as in 1974 she picked up a Special Tony Award for her contribution to the production โClams on the Half Shelfโ revue.
โHello Dollyโ was also recognised with the Musical Revival and the Best Costume Design in a Musical award, whilst Gavin Creel โ who portrays Cornelius Hackl in the romantic comedy โ received the Best Featured Actor in a Musical for his appearance in the show.
Meanwhile, the musical by Steven Levenson titled โDear Evan Hansenโ bagged six gongs at the annual ceremony, including Best Musical, Original Score and Orchestrations.
Whilst James earl Jones picked up the Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in the theatre during last nightโs bash.
Here is the full list of winners from this yearโs Tony Awards;
Musical: โDear Evan Hansenโ
Play: โOsloโ
Musical revival: โHello, Dolly!โ
Play revival: โJitneyโ
Leading actor, play: Kevin Kline, โPresent Laughterโโ
Leading actress, play: Laurie Metcalf, โA Dollโs House, Part 2โ
Leading actor, musical: Ben Platt, โDear Evan Hansenโ
Leading actress, musical: Bette Midler, โHello, Dolly!โ
Featured actor, play: Michael Aronov, โOsloโ
Featured actress, play: Cynthia Nixon, โThe Little Foxesโ
Featured actor, musical: Gavin Creel, โHello, Dolly!โ
Featured actress, musical: Rachel Bay Jones, โDear Evan Hansenโ
Book, musical: โDear Evan Hansen,โ Steven Levenson
Original score: โDear Evan Hansen,โ music and lyrics, Benj Pasek and Justin Paul
Scenic design, play: Nigel Hook, โThe Play That Goes Wrongโ
Scenic design, musical: Mimi Lien, โNatasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812โ
Costume design, play: Jane Greenwood, โThe Little Foxesโ
Costume design, musical: Santo Loquasto, โHello, Dolly!โ
Lighting design, play: Christopher Akerlind, โIndecentโ
Lighting design, musical: Bradley King, โNatasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812โ
Direction, play: Rebecca Taichman, โIndecentโ
Direction, musical: Christopher Ashley, โCome From Awayโ
Choreography: Andy Blankenbuehler, โBandstandโ
Orchestrations: Alex Lacamoire, โDear Evan Hansenโ
Special Tony Award for lifetime achievement in the theater: James Earl Jones
Special Tony Award: Gareth Fry and Pete Malkin, sound designers for โThe Encounterโ
Regional Theater Tony Award: Dallas Theater Center, Dallas
Isabelle Stevenson Tony Award: Baayork Lee
Tony Honors for excellence in the theater: Nina Lannan, Alan Wasser
