2025 Tony Awards: Predictions and Performances at This Year's Ceremony

Preliminary Predictions for the 2025 Tony Awards

The 2025 Tony Awards are set to unveil their winners during a live ceremony at Radio City Music Hall on June 8. As the excitement builds, a panel of critics has made their predictions across key creative categories, including Best Directors for both a Musical and a Play, Best Book of a Musical, Best Original Score, and Best Choreography.

Best Director of a Musical

• Zachary Stewart: Will win: Michael Arden; Should win: David Cromer
• Pete Hempstead: Will win: Michael Arden; Should win: Christopher Gattelli
• David Gordon: Will win: Michael Arden; Should win: Michael Arden

The general consensus among critics leans towards Michael Arden for his innovative direction in *Maybe Happy Ending*, especially for how he blends high-tech elements with a classic narrative. Zachary Stewart emphasizes the striking visual storytelling of Cromer's work in *Dead Outlaw*, noting it as a vital step for productions on tighter budgets.

Best Director of a Play

• Zachary Stewart: Will win: Kip Williams; Should win: Knud Adams
• Pete Hempstead: Will win: Sam Pinkleton; Should win: Kip Williams
• David Gordon: Will win: Sam Pinkleton; Should win: Sam Pinkleton

Pete Hempstead and David Gordon both commend Sam Pinkleton for his lively direction of *Oh, Mary!*, which juxtaposes comedy with nuance. Stewart believes Kip Williams’ innovative adaptations will captivate voting members, potentially earning him a win.

Best Book of a Musical

• Zachary Stewart: Will win: Will Aronson and Hue Park for *Maybe Happy Ending*; Should win: Will Aronson and Hue Park for *Maybe Happy Ending*
• Pete Hempstead: Will win: Itamar Moses for *Dead Outlaw*; Should win: Will Aronson and Hue Park for *Maybe Happy Ending*
• David Gordon: Will win: David Cumming et al. for *Operation Mincemeat*; Should win: Itamar Moses for *Dead Outlaw*

The competition is tight between *Maybe Happy Ending*’s heartfelt narrative and the gripping storyline of *Dead Outlaw*. Critics acknowledge both productions for their unique storytelling qualities, setting the stage for an intriguing showdown.

Best Original Score

• Zachary Stewart: Will win: Will Aronson and Hue Park for *Maybe Happy Ending*; Should win: Will Aronson and Hue Park for *Maybe Happy Ending*
• Pete Hempstead: Will win: Will Aronson and Hue Park for *Maybe Happy Ending*; Should win: Will Aronson and Hue Park for *Maybe Happy Ending*
• David Gordon: Will win: Will Aronson and Hue Park for *Maybe Happy Ending*; Should win: Will Aronson and Hue Park for *Maybe Happy Ending*

With a clear favorite emerging, *Maybe Happy Ending* is praised for its jazzy tunes that resonate well with both audiences and critics alike, while others acknowledge the eclectic mix presented in *Dead Outlaw*.

Best Choreography

• Zachary Stewart: Will win: Patricia Delgado and Justin Peck for *Buena Vista Social Club*; Should win: Joshua Bergasse for *SMASH*
• Pete Hempstead: Will win: Patricia Delgado and Justin Peck for *Buena Vista Social Club*; Should win: Jerry Mitchell for *BOOP! The Musical*
• David Gordon: Will win: Jerry Mitchell for *BOOP! The Musical*; Should win: Camille A. Brown for *Gypsy*

Choreography enthusiasts will find a lot to appreciate this year, particularly with *Buena Vista Social Club* leading the conversation. Critics note that the energetic dance sequences elevate the narrative experience, complimented by critiques of innovative choreography in *Gypsy*.

Performances to Expect at the Ceremony

This year’s Tony Awards ceremony promises an exhilarating entertainment lineup. All five nominees for Best Musical will perform, alongside the nominees for Best Revival of a Musical. Notably, the original cast of *Hamilton* will also reunite for a special performance to honor its tenth anniversary.

Hosting the 78th annual ceremony is the multi-talented Cynthia Erivo, whose elevated presence is expected to enhance the event's celebratory spirit. Additionally, there will be special appearances that indicate a focus on both legacy and new talent within the Broadway community.

Overall, the awards ceremony is shaping up to be a significant event, showcasing creativity and artistic accomplishment in the Broadway theater scene.