Ahead of the 74th Annual Tony Awards telecast on Sept. 26, special awards have been awarded to the Broadway Advocacy Coalition, David Byrne’s American Utopia and Freestyle Love Supreme. Special Tony Awards are presented to outstanding productions, artists and organizations who do not fall into any of the competitive categories.
The organization and two productions helped change the face of the theater industry before the shutdown in April 2020.
“In what has been such an unusual year in theatre, we are thrilled to be presenting these Special Tony Awards to three such deserving recipients,” said Heather Hitchens, CEO and President of the American Theatre Wing and Charlotte St. Martin, President of The Broadway League. “The Broadway Advocacy Coalition has provided an unparalleled platform for marginalized members of our theatre community and tools to help us all do better as we strive for equity. The two productions we are honoring, David Byrne’s American Utopia and Freestyle Love Supreme take theatre to the next level, delivering outside-of-the-box presentations that have gone beyond the stage and brought theatre into the homes of millions of people around the world.”
Founded in 2016, the Broadway Advocacy Coalition is dedicated to dismantling the systems that perpetuate racism in the theater industry. Boasting a strong board of directors, including Tony-nominated actress Adrienne Warren, the organization has grown into working on issues with criminal justice reform to education equity to immigration.
Talking Heads lead singer David Byrne developed his 2018 album into a theatrical event with 11 diverse musicians from across the globe. After taking it on tour for over 150 dates in 27 countries, it opened on Broadway on Oct. 20 and ran for over 100 performances before closing in February 2019. It will reopen on Broadway on Sept. 17. HBO Max users can stream the show filmed live onstage by Spike Lee now on the app.
Before Hamilton and In the Heights, Lin-Manuel Miranda created Freestyle Love Supreme alongside Thomas Kail and Anthony Veneziale in 2004. With a different premise every night, the show utilizes improvisational comedy and music with its rotating cast making up the show as they go along. It made its way to Broadway in October 2019 and has featured cast members like Miranda, Utkarsh Ambudkar, Wayne Brady, Daveed Diggs and Christopher Jackson. The show will return to NYC on Oct. 7.
The Tony Awards are sure to be a huge night for theater when they finally return on Sept. 26. The awards will be presented exclusively on Paramount+ at 7 p.m. ET followed by the Broadway’s Back! Special right after on Paramount+, CBS and the CBS app.
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