The 1986 Tony Awards: A Night To Remember

A brief history of the Tony Awards Page Six from pagesix.com

The 1986 Tony Awards was a historic evening in the world of Broadway. Held on June 1, 1986, at the Mark Hellinger Theatre in New York City, the ceremony celebrated the best of Broadway from the previous season. It was a night that saw some of the biggest names in theater take home top honors, and it was a night that cemented the legacy of some of the most iconic productions in Broadway history.

The Nominees and Winners

The 1986 Tony Awards featured a wide range of nominees, including some of the most beloved productions of the time. The nominees for Best Musical included "Big River," "Me and My Girl," "The Mystery of Edwin Drood," and "Song and Dance." In the end, it was "The Mystery of Edwin Drood" that took home the top prize. Other notable winners from the evening included "A Chorus Line" for Best Revival, "I'm Not Rappaport" for Best Play, and "Sweet Charity" for Best Actress in a Musical, which went to Debbie Allen.

The Reaction to the Winners

The reaction to the winners of the 1986 Tony Awards was largely positive, with many in the theater community applauding the recognition of some of the most iconic productions of the time. "The Mystery of Edwin Drood" was praised for its innovative structure and approach to storytelling, while "A Chorus Line" was celebrated for its groundbreaking choreography and exploration of the lives of Broadway performers.

Performances and Presenters

In addition to the awards themselves, the 1986 Tony Awards featured a number of memorable performances and presenters. One of the most notable performances of the night came from the cast of "Big River," who performed the show-stopping number "Muddy Water" to thunderous applause. Other performances included a medley from "Me and My Girl" featuring Robert Lindsay and Emma Thompson, as well as a number from "Song and Dance" featuring Bernadette Peters. The presenters for the evening included a who's who of Broadway legends, including Angela Lansbury, Carol Channing, and Chita Rivera.

The Host

The host of the 1986 Tony Awards was none other than Angela Lansbury, who brought her trademark wit and charm to the proceedings. Lansbury, who had won a Tony Award for her performance in "Sweeney Todd" in 1979, was a beloved figure in the theater community, and her presence on stage was a highlight of the evening.

Legacy and Impact

The 1986 Tony Awards had a lasting impact on the world of Broadway, cementing the legacy of some of the most iconic productions and performers of the time. "The Mystery of Edwin Drood" went on to become a beloved classic, while "A Chorus Line" remained a cultural touchstone for years to come. The ceremony also helped to elevate the status of the Tony Awards themselves, raising their profile and solidifying their place as one of the most prestigious awards in the world of entertainment.

Question and Answer

Q: Who won Best Musical at the 1986 Tony Awards? A: "The Mystery of Edwin Drood" took home the top prize for Best Musical at the 1986 Tony Awards.

Summary Table

Category	Nominees	Winner
Best Musical	"Big River," "Me and My Girl," "The Mystery of Edwin Drood," "Song and Dance"	"The Mystery of Edwin Drood"
Best Revival	"The King and I," "A Chorus Line," "The Threepenny Opera"	"A Chorus Line"
Best Play	"I'm Not Rappaport," "The House of Blue Leaves," "A Day in the Death of Joe Egg," "The Normal Heart"	"I'm Not Rappaport"
Best Actress in a Musical	Chita Rivera, Bernadette Peters, Patti LuPone, Debbie Allen	Debbie Allen ("Sweet Charity")

Conclusion

The 1986 Tony Awards was a night to remember, a celebration of the best of Broadway from the previous season. It was a night that saw some of the most iconic productions and performers of the time take home top honors, and it was a night that helped to cement the legacy of the Tony Awards themselves. Decades later, the 1986 Tony Awards remain a beloved cultural touchstone, a reminder of the power and magic of Broadway.