The Tony Awards guide

All of Broadway has its eyes on the Tony Awards nominees, wondering which musicals, plays and revivals will win

By Adam Feldman and David Cote Posted: Tuesday May 2 2017

Last year’s Tony Awards were dominated by Hamilton, but the race to be crowned the best Broadway musical is already looking much tighter. And that’s just one of the prizes up for grabs at the Tony Awards, where Broadway shows are recognized for outstanding acting, brilliant writing, visionary direction and everything else that makes the Great White Way so great. A number of strong contenders have opened this season, continuing what may be a new Golden Age on Broadway. With our guide to Tony Awards, you can revisit every stellar moment from the Broadway season, and get prepped to watch the awards broadcast on June 11.

What are the Tony Awards?

The Tony Awards, a.k.a. the Antoinette Perry Awards for Excellence in Theatre, recognize achievement in Broadway theater. Only plays and musicals produced in one of the 41 officially recognized Broadway venues are eligible for Tony Awards. The awards are co-presented by the American Theatre Wing and the Broadway League in New York City. The Tony Award season runs from approximately early May to late April.

When are the Tony Awards?

The 71th Annual Tony Awards are on Sunday, June 11, 2017.

Where are the Tony Awards?

The Tony Awards will be held at Radio City Music Hall (1260 Sixth Ave at 50th St) and televised live on CBS at 8pm EST.

What categories are in the Tony Awards?

Tony Awards go to winners in 24 categories: Best Play, Best Musical, Best Revival of a Play, Best Revival of a Musical, Best Book of a Musical, Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre, Best Director of a Play, Best Director of a Musical, Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Play, Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Play, Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Play, Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Play, Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical, Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical, Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Musical, Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Musical, Best Choreography, Best Orchestrations, Best Scenic Design of a Play, Best Scenic Design of a Musical, Best Costume Design of a Play, Best Costume Design of a Musical, Best Lighting Design of a Play and Best Lighting Design of a Musical. A number of Special Tony Awards may also be awarded each year.