Tony Awards Celebrate Groundbreaking Android Rom-Com ‘Maybe Happy Ending’ and Trailblazing ‘Purpose’

Broadway’s Tony Awards showcased a mix of innovative plays and musicals, with notable wins that reflect the evolving landscape of live theater.

NEW YORK — This year’s ceremony honored “Maybe Happy Ending,” a romantic comedy about androids exploring human emotions. It secured the best new musical award, among a total of six Tonys. Remarkably, Kara Young made history by winning her second consecutive Tony for her work in “Purpose,” recognized as the best new play.

“Maybe Happy Ending,” featuring stars Darren Criss and Helen J. Shen, uses its narrative to comment on the human experience and the passage of time.

Branden Jacobs-Jenkins’ “Purpose” dives into themes of family and societal hypocrisy during a snowed-in gathering. His acclaim continues to grow, having won the Pulitzer Prize for this work while also making history as the first Black playwright to earn consecutive Tonys in his category since August Wilson.

Young emphasized the importance of theater as a unifying space during her acceptance speech, urging support for regional productions that cultivate emerging talent.

Other notable moments included “Sunset Blvd.,” which won best musical revival. Nicole Scherzinger’s stellar performance marked Andrew Lloyd Webber’s first competitive Tony win since 1995. Scherzinger also claimed the best lead actress award, reflecting her impressive career transformation from pop star to Broadway leading lady.

Sarah Snook garnered the leading actress award in a play for her remarkable ability to embody all 26 characters in “The Picture of Dorian Gray.” She attributed her success to the collaborative spirit of her cast.

In an unexpected twist, cabaret performer Cole Escola was honored as best actor in a play for their unique portrayal of Mary Todd Lincoln in “Oh Mary!” Sam Pinkleton, the director, acknowledged Escuela’s influence in his acceptance speech, urging artistic authenticity.

Introduced by first-time host Cynthia Erivo, the evening began with an emphasis on diversity and resilience. Erivo’s heartfelt performance and opening remarks signaled Broadway’s recovery post-pandemic, proudly declaring that the 2024-2025 season reached a record-breaking $1.9 billion in ticket sales.

Throughout the event, touching tributes were paid to industry legends during the in memoriam segment, with Erivo and Sara Bareilles performing a duet that honored icons of stage and screen.

As the night unfolded, awards for best book and best score went to “Maybe Happy Ending,” celebrating its engaging lyrics and composition. The awards promoted appreciation for diversity and creativity within a revitalized Broadway.

Overall, the 2025 Tony Awards embodied the spirit of progress, creativity, and homage to the rich tapestry of theater, ending on an optimistic note for the future of the performing arts.