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Tony Losers Triumph: Broadway's Enduring Hits
4 Jun
Summary
- Chicago won zero Tonys 50 years ago but is still running.
- A Chorus Line swept nine Tonys in 1976, beating Chicago.
- Many shows that lost Best Musical found later success.
While the Tony Award for Best Musical is a significant honor, its absence does not preclude a show from achieving lasting success. Many musicals nominated but not awarded this prestigious prize have gone on to become celebrated productions.
An exemplary case is the musical Chicago. Fifty years ago, in 1976, Chicago received multiple Tony nominations but ultimately won none, overshadowed by the critically acclaimed A Chorus Line, which secured nine awards. The original production of Chicago closed relatively quickly, while A Chorus Line enjoyed a long run.
However, Chicago's story did not end there. A revival launched in November 1996 and continues to play, marking its 30th anniversary, which will be honored on the upcoming telecast. This enduring success mirrors other instances where initially overlooked shows found enduring fame, demonstrating that Tony Awards are not the sole measure of a musical's impact.
