Chicago's theater community has long had a sterling reputation worldwide—and that reputation acquired even more of a shine this past Sunday.
August: Osage County—currently playing on Broadway following its premiere and sold-out run at Chicago's Steppenwolf Theatre Company—won five awards at the 62nd Annual Tony Awards held in New York's Radio City Music Hall. Among the honors won were Best Play ( for ensemble member Tracy Letts ) , Best Direction ( Anna D. Shapiro ) , Best Leading Actress ( Deanna Dunagan ) , Best Featured Actress ( Rondi Reed ) and Best Scenic Design ( Todd Rosenthal ) . The production had a total of seven nominations.
In addition, Chicago Shakespeare Theater ( CST ) received the 2008 Regional Theatre Award at the show. Tony Award-winning actor and CST veteran Michael Cerveris presented the award to CST Artistic Director Barbara Gaines and Executive Director Criss Henderson.
Other productions that did well included Gypsy ( Patti LuPone—Best Leading Actress in a Musical; Boyd Gaines—Best Featured Actor in a Musical; and Laura Benanti—Best Featured Actress in a Musical ) and South Pacific ( Best Revival of a Musical; and Bartlett Sher—Best Direction of a Musical; Best Lighting Design of a Musical; and Best Sound Design of a Musical ) .
Highlights during the show, hosted by Tony winner Whoopi Goldberg, included the original cast of Rent coming together to sing 'Seasons of Love.' Stephen Sondheim received a special Tony for lifetime achievement, but he was not able to attend the ceremonies. Mandy Patinkin, who starred in Sondheim's Sunday in the Park with George in the '80s, accepted on his behalf.