NYT's Top Musical: Celebrating the Best Tony Award-Winning Show of 2013

The 2013 Tony Awards recognized the best of Broadway, and the coveted award for Best Musical was given to Kinky Boots. This musical extravaganza took the theater world by storm, with its catchy music and uplifting message. The New York Times (NYT) hailed it as a feel-good show with a heart as big as a Cadillac. From the opening number to the final curtain call, Kinky Boots delivers a memorable experience that is sure to leave audiences smiling. In this article, we will take a closer look at why Kinky Boots won the Tony Award for Best Musical in 2013.

First and foremost, the music in Kinky Boots is simply fantastic. Written by pop icon Cyndi Lauper, the songs are infectious and memorable. The opening number Price and Son Theme/ The Most Beautiful Thing in the World sets the tone for the rest of the show with its upbeat tempo and catchy lyrics. Throughout the musical, there are several standout numbers including Sex Is in the Heel, Not My Father's Son, and Everybody Say Yeah! Each song is expertly crafted to move the story forward while also showcasing the incredible talent of the cast.

Another reason why Kinky Boots was such a success is its message of acceptance and understanding. The story follows Charlie Price, who inherits his father's struggling shoe factory and must find a way to save it from bankruptcy. He teams up with drag queen Lola to create a line of high-heeled boots for men, which becomes a sensation. The musical celebrates diversity and encourages viewers to embrace their true selves. As the NYT notes, The show is about being who you are, and not being ashamed of it.

Kinky Boots also boasts a talented cast, including Tony Award winner Billy Porter in the role of Lola. Porter brings a commanding presence to the stage, with his powerhouse vocals and dynamic stage presence. Stark Sands, who plays Charlie Price, is equally impressive in his portrayal of a man struggling to find his place in the world. The chemistry between Porter and Sands is electric, and their duets are some of the most memorable moments of the show.

The set design and costumes in Kinky Boots are also worth mentioning. The shoe factory is brought to life with intricate details and clever use of props, while the costumes for Lola and the other drag queens are nothing short of stunning. The glitz and glamour of the costumes add an extra layer of excitement to each musical number.

One of the most emotional moments of Kinky Boots comes towards the end of the show, when the characters sing Raise You Up/Just Be. The song is a powerful ode to self-acceptance and encourages viewers to embrace their individuality. As the cast sings, Just be who you wanna be, never let them tell you who you oughta be, it's hard not to feel inspired.

In conclusion, Kinky Boots was a well-deserving winner of the 2013 Tony Award for Best Musical. With its infectious music, uplifting message, talented cast, and stunning visuals, it's no wonder that it became a Broadway sensation. As the NYT put it, Kinky Boots is a musical that knows what it is and does it very, very well. If you haven't had a chance to see this musical masterpiece, do yourself a favor and book your tickets now.

Introduction

The Tony Awards are one of the most prestigious awards in the field of theater. Every year, the Tony Awards recognize outstanding achievements in Broadway productions. The 2013 Tony Awards had some of the most exceptional performances and plays. In this article, we will take a closer look at the winner of the Best Musical award, which was announced by the New York Times.

Background

The 2013 Tony Awards were held on June 9, 2013, at Radio City Music Hall in New York City. Neil Patrick Harris hosted the ceremony, which lasted for three hours. The nominees for the Best Musical award were Bring It On: The Musical, A Christmas Story: The Musical, Kinky Boots, and Matilda: The Musical.

Kinky Boots – The Winner

Kinky Boots won the award for the Best Musical in 2013. The musical was based on a true story and was inspired by a documentary about a shoe factory in Northamptonshire, England, that was struggling to survive. The factory started producing high-heeled boots for men, which became popular among drag queens. The musical was written by Harvey Fierstein, with music and lyrics by Cyndi Lauper.

The Plot

The plot of Kinky Boots revolves around Charlie Price, who inherits his father's shoe factory after his sudden death. Charlie faces the challenge of keeping the factory open, as it is on the verge of bankruptcy. He meets Lola, a drag queen, who needs shoes that can withstand the weight of a man. Charlie and Lola team up to design a line of high-heeled boots for men. The musical follows their journey as they face challenges and overcome them.

The Cast

The cast of Kinky Boots was exceptional. Billy Porter played the role of Lola, and Stark Sands played the role of Charlie. The chemistry between the two actors was fantastic, and their performances were outstanding. The supporting cast also did an excellent job in bringing the story to life.

The Music

The music of Kinky Boots was composed by Cyndi Lauper. The music was catchy and had a unique sound. The songs were perfectly placed in the musical and added depth to the characters and the story.

The Choreography

The choreography of Kinky Boots was done by Jerry Mitchell. The dances were energetic and lively, and they complemented the music perfectly. The choreography was one of the highlights of the musical and added to the overall experience.

The Message

Kinky Boots had a powerful message about acceptance and tolerance. The musical showcased the struggles that people face when they do not fit into society's norms. The message of the musical was inspiring and left a lasting impression on the audience.

The Reception

Kinky Boots received critical acclaim and was well-received by audiences. The musical won six Tony Awards, including the Best Musical, Best Original Score, and Best Choreography. The musical also received numerous other awards and nominations.

Conclusion

Kinky Boots was one of the best musicals of 2013 and deserved every award it won. The musical had a compelling story, outstanding performances, catchy music, and energetic choreography. The message of the musical was inspiring and left a lasting impression on the audience. Kinky Boots will always be remembered as one of the most exceptional musicals in the history of Broadway.

An Overview of the 2013 Tony Awards

The Tony Awards, also known as the Antoinette Perry Awards for Excellence in Broadway Theatre, is an annual awards ceremony that recognizes outstanding achievements in live Broadway theatre. The 67th annual Tony Awards were held on June 9, 2013, at Radio City Music Hall in New York City.The night was filled with excitement and anticipation as Broadway's biggest stars gathered to celebrate the best performances of the year. The show was hosted by Neil Patrick Harris, who had previously won a Tony Award for his role in “Assassins.” The ceremony featured performances from many of the nominated shows and was broadcast live on CBS.

The Highly Anticipated Best Musical Category

One of the most highly anticipated categories of the evening was the Best Musical award. This category recognizes the best original musical production that opened on Broadway during the previous season. The nominees for this award are chosen by a panel of over 50 theatre professionals, including producers, directors, choreographers, and critics.The Best Musical award is one of the most prestigious awards in the theatre industry, and winning it can have a huge impact on the success of a show. A Tony Award can increase ticket sales and attract new audiences, which can lead to longer runs and more profits.

A Look at the Nominees for Best Musical

The nominees for the 2013 Best Musical award were “Bring It On: The Musical,” “A Christmas Story: The Musical,” “Kinky Boots,” and “Matilda the Musical.”“Bring It On: The Musical” was a high-energy production based on the popular movie of the same name. The show featured cheerleading routines and catchy pop songs, but ultimately failed to connect with audiences and closed after only three months on Broadway.“A Christmas Story: The Musical” was a nostalgic holiday production based on the classic film. The show received mixed reviews from critics but had a strong fan base and ran for two months on Broadway.“Kinky Boots” was a hit musical that told the story of Charlie, a struggling shoemaker who partners with a drag queen named Lola to save his business. The show featured catchy songs by pop icon Cyndi Lauper and was praised for its message of acceptance and inclusivity.“Matilda the Musical” was an adaptation of the beloved children's book by Roald Dahl. The show featured a talented cast of child actors and a score by Tim Minchin. It was praised for its imaginative staging and empowering message about the power of education.

The Winner of Best Musical: An Analysis

The winner of the 2013 Best Musical award was “Kinky Boots.” The show took home six Tony Awards that night, including Best Musical, Best Original Score, and Best Choreography.“Kinky Boots” was a deserving winner of the Best Musical award. The show had a powerful message about acceptance and overcoming adversity, which resonated with audiences. It also had a strong creative team and a talented cast that brought the story to life.The show's success can also be attributed to its marketing and publicity efforts. “Kinky Boots” had a strong social media presence and engaged with fans through contests and promotions. The show also had a successful national tour, which helped to increase its visibility and attract new audiences.

The Impact of the Best Musical Winner on Broadway

Winning the Best Musical award can have a huge impact on the success of a show. “Kinky Boots” saw a significant increase in ticket sales following its win, and the show continued to run on Broadway for over four years, closing in April 2019 after more than 2,500 performances.The success of “Kinky Boots” also had a ripple effect on the theatre industry as a whole. The show's message of acceptance and inclusivity resonated with audiences and helped to promote diversity on Broadway. It also paved the way for other successful shows with similar themes, such as “Dear Evan Hansen” and “The Prom.”

The Creative Team Behind the Best Musical

The creative team behind “Kinky Boots” was made up of some of the most talented individuals in the theatre industry. The show was directed and choreographed by Jerry Mitchell, who had previously won a Tony Award for his work on “La Cage aux Folles.”The show's book was written by Harvey Fierstein, a renowned playwright and actor who had previously won four Tony Awards. The score was composed by Cyndi Lauper, who had won multiple Grammy Awards for her pop music career.

The Cast and Performances of the Best Musical

The cast of “Kinky Boots” was led by Billy Porter, who played Lola, the drag queen who helps Charlie save his business. Porter's performance was praised for its energy and charisma, and he went on to win the Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical.The rest of the cast was also incredibly talented, including Stark Sands as Charlie, Annaleigh Ashford as Lauren, and Daniel Stewart Sherman as Don. The show featured impressive choreography and high-energy musical numbers that kept audiences engaged from start to finish.

The Music and Lyrics of the Best Musical

The music and lyrics of “Kinky Boots” were composed by Cyndi Lauper, who brought her signature pop sound to Broadway. The show's catchy songs, such as “Just Be,” “Everybody Say Yeah,” and “Raise You Up / Just Be,” became fan favorites and helped to propel the show's success.Lauper's lyrics also had a powerful message about acceptance and inclusivity. The song “Not My Father's Son” was particularly poignant, as it dealt with issues of identity and self-acceptance.

Themes and Messages Explored in the Best Musical

“Kinky Boots” explored themes of acceptance, inclusivity, and overcoming adversity. The show's message was clear: that it's important to be true to yourself, no matter what others may think.The show also dealt with issues of gender and sexuality, as Lola's character challenged traditional gender norms and stereotypes. The show's message of acceptance and inclusivity resonated with audiences and helped to promote diversity on Broadway.

Reception and Reviews of the Best Musical

“Kinky Boots” received overwhelmingly positive reviews from critics and audiences alike. The show was praised for its catchy music, high-energy performances, and powerful message of acceptance.The New York Times called the show “a big-hearted musical with a message that makes you want to dance.” The Wall Street Journal praised the show's “irresistible score and spectacular cast.”Overall, “Kinky Boots” was a deserving winner of the 2013 Best Musical award. The show's powerful message of acceptance and inclusion, combined with its impressive creative team and talented cast, made it a standout production of the Broadway season.

My Point of View on 2013 Best Musical Tony Winner NYT

Overview of the 2013 Best Musical Tony Winner NYT

The 2013 Best Musical Tony Winner NYT was Kinky Boots. The musical, with music and lyrics by Cyndi Lauper and a book by Harvey Fierstein, is based on the 2005 British film of the same name. It tells the story of Charlie Price, who inherits his father's failing shoe factory and teams up with a drag queen named Lola to create a line of high-heeled boots for men.

Pros of Kinky Boots

The music and lyrics by Cyndi Lauper are catchy and memorable.
The performances, particularly by Billy Porter as Lola, are outstanding.
The show has a positive message of acceptance and self-expression.
The choreography and set design are visually stunning.

Cons of Kinky Boots

Some critics have argued that the plot is predictable and formulaic.
The character development could be stronger, particularly for the supporting characters.
The show may not appeal to all audiences due to its focus on drag culture and LGBTQ themes.

Table Comparison of Key Musical Elements in Kinky Boots

Element	Description	Strengths	Weaknesses
Music and Lyrics	Cyndi Lauper's pop-infused score and heartfelt lyrics	Catchy and memorable songs that drive the plot forward	Some critics may find the music too mainstream or commercial
Book	Harvey Fierstein's adaptation of the film's screenplay	Humorous and heartwarming storyline with a positive message	Some critics argue that the plot is predictable and formulaic
Performances	Billy Porter's Tony-winning turn as Lola and Stark Sands as Charlie Price	Outstanding performances that bring depth and nuance to the characters	Supporting characters could be further developed
Choreography	Jerry Mitchell's high-energy dance numbers	Visually stunning and captivating sequences that enhance the story	Some critics may find the choreography too flashy or distracting
Set Design	David Rockwell's industrial-themed sets and costumes	Creative and immersive designs that transport the audience to the world of the story	Some may find the sets and costumes too busy or overwhelming

In conclusion, Kinky Boots was a deserving winner of the 2013 Best Musical Tony Award. While it may not be perfect, its catchy music, heartfelt message, and outstanding performances make it a crowd-pleaser that is sure to leave audiences feeling uplifted and entertained.

2013 Best Musical Tony Winner: A Look Back at the New York Times Review

As we come to the end of another year, it's important to reflect on some of the highlights that made 2013 an exceptional year in theater. One such highlight was the 2013 Best Musical Tony winner, which was praised for its innovative storytelling, stunning choreography, and powerful performances. In this blog post, we take a closer look at the New York Times review of this groundbreaking musical and explore why it was such a critical and commercial success.

The New York Times review of the 2013 Best Musical Tony winner was written by Ben Brantley, who is widely considered one of the most influential theater critics of our time. His review was published on April 25, 2013, the day after the show officially opened on Broadway. Brantley's review was overwhelmingly positive, calling the production exhilarating and dazzling and praising its seamless fusion of song, movement, and story.

One of the standout features of the 2013 Best Musical Tony winner was its choreography, which Brantley described as thrillingly inventive. The show incorporated a wide range of dance styles, from contemporary to jazz to hip-hop, and the performers executed the choreography with precision and grace. Brantley singled out one particular number, which he called a tour de force of athleticism and theatricality, as an example of the show's exceptional choreography.

In addition to its impressive choreography, the 2013 Best Musical Tony winner was noted for its innovative storytelling. The show used a non-linear narrative structure, jumping back and forth in time to explore the lives of its central characters. Brantley praised the show's complex and layered approach to storytelling, noting that it demands close attention and rewards it with moments of startling emotional clarity.

Another key element of the 2013 Best Musical Tony winner was its music and lyrics, which were written by a team of accomplished composers and lyricists. Brantley called the show's score thrillingly eclectic, noting that it incorporated a wide range of musical genres and styles. He also praised the lyrics, which he described as poetic and often piercingly insightful.

Of course, no production can succeed without a talented cast of performers, and the 2013 Best Musical Tony winner was no exception. Brantley singled out several members of the cast for their exceptional performances, including the lead actors who portrayed the show's central characters. He also noted the strong ensemble work, calling the cast a finely tuned machine.

One of the most striking aspects of the 2013 Best Musical Tony winner was its visual design, which was both stunning and innovative. The show incorporated a variety of multimedia elements, including projections, lighting effects, and intricate set pieces. Brantley praised the show's mesmerizing visuals, noting that they add depth and resonance to the already rich storytelling.

In his review, Brantley also commented on the show's thematic content, noting that it tackled a variety of complex and timely issues. He praised the show's treatment of these issues, noting that it never feels preachy or didactic and that it allows the audience to draw their own conclusions. He also noted the show's strong emotional impact, calling it a deeply moving theatrical experience.

Overall, the 2013 Best Musical Tony winner was a groundbreaking and unforgettable production that earned widespread critical acclaim and commercial success. Its innovative storytelling, stunning choreography, powerful performances, and stunning visual design all contributed to its success, making it one of the most memorable shows in recent Broadway history. As we look back on 2013, we can't help but feel grateful for this exceptional piece of theater and the impact it had on audiences and critics alike.

Thank you for taking the time to read this blog post about the 2013 Best Musical Tony winner and the New York Times review that praised it. We hope that this retrospective has given you a greater appreciation for this groundbreaking production and its many achievements. As we move forward into a new year, we look forward to seeing what other exciting and innovative productions will be coming to Broadway.