Brava! There's no business like show business, especially for seasoned stage actresses this year. The 70th annual Tony Awards claimed a diverse cast of winners, contrary to the Oscars. The Great White Way was a rainbow beacon of color on Broadway's biggest night. The American Theatre Wing Tony Awards are named for Antoinette Perry. She was an actress, director, producer and leader of the ATW.
Jessica Lange, 67, won Best Leading Actress in a play, "Long Day's Journey Into Night." This was her first Tony. Now she is a Grammy win away from achieving the esteemed EGOT honors pinnacle (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar Tony). She played the same role 16 years ago in London.
Cynthia Erivo, 29, was awarded Best Leading Actress in a musical in "The Color Purple." She is the second actress in twenty years to win the Tony for playing Ceilie, in best revival of a musical.
Jayne Houdyshell, 62, won Featured Actress in a play, in "The Humans." It was her first Tony and third nomination. "Well I've never been one to rush into things. The fact that at the age of 62, 42 years into a career, this should come my way, all that means is the depth of my gratitude is really, really, really profound!"
Rene Elise Goldsberry, 45, won Best Featured Actress, in a musical, playing the sister-in-law in "Hamilton."
Barbra Steisand, 74, introduced the Best New Musical Award, making her first appearance on the Tony stage since 1970, when she won a special Tony as Performer of the Decade. The world's best-selling female artist will release her Encore duets album on August 26, fittingly Women's Equality Day, following her nine-city North American concert tour.
Bebe Neuwirth, 57, performed with the cast of "Chicago," the longest-running musical of all time, with 20 years on Broadway.
Gloria Estafan, 58, led the cast of "On Your Feet," which is based n the life of Estefan and her husband.
Judi Dench, 82, made history at this year's Oliviers, the British equivalent to the Tonys. Dench won her eighth award, the most of any performer.
Congratulations to all the winners! Celebrate women at all ages -- and all stages!
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