The season’s (and the decade’s) best musical was passed over for the big awards. But the few it won were not negligible: for its terrific scenic design, for Dennis Kelly’s beautifully crafted book, and, most satisfyingly, to Gabriel Ebert as Best Featured Actor, for his hilarious cockney turn as Matilda’s boorish Dad. A fine, unheralded off-Broadway actor (4000 Miles), Ebert had the good fortune to be in a category with no sentimental favorite or competitor from Kinky Boots, and he actually got recognized for quality work.
Best and Worst Moments of the 2013 Tony Awards
A critic's pick of the highlights and lowlights from Sunday night's star-studded celebration of theater
Sweetest Consolation Prizes: Matilda’s Four Tonys
Full List
The Highs and Lows
- Most Surprising Upset: Tom Hanks Gets Passed Over
- Most Predictable Upset: Kinky Boots Kicks Ass
- Sweetest Consolation Prizes: Matilda’s Four Tonys
- Best Acceptance Speech: Cicely Tyson’s Moving Monologue
- Most Excessive Display of Love: Pippin‘s Plethora of Trophies
- Best Repeat Performance: Host Neil Patrick Harris
- Most Superfluous Co-Hosts: Every Broadway Musical Teaser