The Best Tonys Performance of Each Year (2000-2022)
2000: Medley “The Wild Party”
The millennium started with a bang, inviting audiences to join the wildest party in town. The star-studded cast featuring Eartha Kitt, Mandy Patinkin, and Toni Collette transported audiences back to the roaring ‘20s with this epic showcase. Their Tony performance teased audiences with a sultry opening before raising the bar with a show-stopping party. Also, can someone explain to us how Kitt didn’t win a Tony for this role? She’s outstanding and then some! It was also a strong year for revivals. Glenn Carter gave us chills with his rendition of “Gethsemane” from “Jesus Christ Superstar.” And that transition into the title number? We’ll never get over it.
2001: “Along Came Bialy” / “We Can Do It” “The Producers”
2001 was a great year if you like your musicals on the more risqué side. Mel Brooks’s satire might have been too edgy for some, but there’s a reason it set a record for most Tony wins! “Along Came Bialy” might not be the show’s best-known number, but we can see why they chose to showcase it. Those elderly women sure are agile! The number highlights the immensely talented cast, from its principals’ striking vocals to the ensemble's acrobatic and energetic dance talents. It’s the perfect number to inspire the audience at Radio City Music Hall to spring to their feet.
2002: “Forget About the Boy” / “Thoroughly Modern Millie” “Thoroughly Modern Millie”
When this musical first opened on Broadway, audiences and critics alike discovered how thoroughly talented its leading lady is. Indeed, Sutton Foster leads the ensemble in this magnetic number, complete with a tap-dance break that still lives rent-free in our heads. With her mind-blowing vocals and scene-stealing moves, you can definitely see a future Broadway icon in the making. Meanwhile, the ensemble goes just as hard, bringing unique and intricate nuances to Dick Scanlan's lyrics and Rob Ashford’s award-winning choreography. Is it any wonder “Thoroughly Modern Millie” won the most Tonys that night, including Best Musical? They might want to “Forget About the Boy,” but we’ll never forget about this performance.
2003: “You Can’t Stop the Beat” “Hairspray”
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Bernadette Peters singing “Rose’s Turn” was a strong contender for this year, as was “The Impossible Dream” from “Man of La Mancha.” But you know what they say: “You Can’t Stop the Beat.” The cast of “Hairspray” welcomed us to the ‘60s with a song of hope, tolerance, acceptance, and self-love, and we’ve been shimmying and shaking ever since. It’s big, bold, and beautiful with infectious vibes and one of the brightest and most animated dance sequences we’ve seen at the Tonys. All these years later, it still makes us want to jump up and join in. This cast goes harder than Tracy’s hair after she’s used a whole can of hairspray.
2004: “Defying Gravity” “Wicked”
Hugh Jackman and company took us on a trip Down Under with a lively number from “The Boy from Oz.” But when “Wicked” flew onto Broadway in 2003, it defied all our expectations. Indeed, both Idinia Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth received Tony nominations for their respective roles, and you only need to watch this performance to see why. “Defying Gravity” is a stirring song any day of the week. But between the genuine bond shared by the leading ladies, and the passionate, emotional performance that pours out of Menzel, there’s nothing that soars like this pivotal scene. As OG cast members, they set the bar exceptionally high. But they might’ve been singing a different refrain after losing the Best Musical award to some hilariously irreverent puppets.
2005: “Find Your Grail” “Spamalot”
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If you like musical comedies, 2005 was your year! The cast of “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels” told us what they’d do if they could afford “Great Big Stuff.” Meanwhile, “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” enlisted the help of activist Al Sharpton. But how do you compete with “Monty Python?” Tim Curry and Sara Ramirez lead the star-studded cast on their epic mission to find the Holy Grail. It’s a strong ensemble, but we have to spotlight Ramirez’s ability to give a comedic performance without compromising their impressive vocal range. Plus, the choreography throughout makes us grin from ear to ear. We rewatch this number anytime we need help finding the“Bright Side of Life.”
2006: Medley “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street”
Sutton Foster, Bob Martin, and the company of “The Drowsy Chaperone” didn’t want to “Show Off,” but we’re glad they did. Meanwhile, Felicia P. Fields and La Chanze led the “The Color Purple” ensemble in a powerful and rousing rendition of “Hell No!” and the title song’s reprise. But while they might be serving up “The Worst Pies in London,” the cast of “Sweeney Todd” killed with a medley of iconic tracks from their show. Michael Cerveris makes an eerily hypnotic Sweeney, while Patti LuPone brings demonic humor to Mrs. Lovett. With all that and epic orchestration, audiences are immersed in the sinister story. After watching that performance, we’d find it hard to stay clear of our friends on Fleet Street.
2007: Medley “Spring Awakening”
At the 2007 Tonys, Raúl Esparza shattered our hearts with a stirring and heartfelt rendition of “Being Alive” from “Company.” But on the rockier side, the original cast of “Spring Awakening,” which includes the likes of Lea Michele, Jonathan Groff, and Skylar Astin, stole the show that night. This coming-of-age story, set at the end of the 19th century, is filled with songs about angst, rebellion, self-exploration, and other emotions that speak straight to our teenage souls. Indeed, they presented songs with totally different vibes, but all perfectly encompassing the frustration and confusion of adolescence. We also couldn’t talk about “Spring Awakening” without mentioning the Deaf West Theatre company’s outstanding showcase in 2016.
2008: "In the Heights"/"96,000" “In the Heights”
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We just need to take a moment to celebrate Patti LuPone & co.’s rendition of “Everything’s Coming Up Roses” from “Gypsy.” However, this was also the year a young man called Lin-Manuel Miranda made a major splash with “In the Heights.” The musical offers a snapshot of life in Washington Heights, and honors the neighborhood in gorgeous fashion. This performance expertly weaves together different musical styles, with each star on that stage giving it their all, making the music shine and encompassing the show’s diverse spirit. “In the Heights” scored 13 nominations, winning four awards, including Best Musical. And we were left wondering how many times we could see the show if we won $96,000.
2009: "You Don't Know"/ "I Am The One" “Next to Normal”
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In 2009, we rocked out with “Rock of Ages,” visited Duloc and Lord Farquaad, and watched a fiery “Dance at the Gym.”The “Jersey Boys” from around North America also came together, while the cast of “Hair” conveyed their message of light and love to the audience. Plus, Alice Ripley, J. Robert Spencer, and Aaron Tveit had us gripped with intense and heart-wrenching renditions of two numbers from “Next to Normal.” The musical explores mental illness and grief in a powerful and affecting way, demonstrated superbly in this memorable performance. They really give their all and more, effectively relaying the complexities of the family’s turmoil. The musical certainly deserved each of its 11 nominations and three overall wins.
2010: “American Idiot” “American Idiot”
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If you needed proof that a concept album by punk rock group Green Day would make a great musical, this is it. The title number relays the frustrations of young people living in Jingletown, USA at the start of the millennium. This performance perfectly captures the intersection where musical theater meets punk rock, proving this is a show for everyone. There’s a lot to take in and barely a moment to catch your breath, but we couldn’t take our eyes off the stage for a moment. Who knew that an explosion of angst could look and sound so good? The 2010 Tony Awards also took us on an unforgettable trip to “Memphis,” so it was a fun time all around.
2011: “Anything Goes” “Anything Goes”
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Daniel Radcliffe, John Larroquette , and the company of “How to Succeed in Business” taught us about the “Brotherhood of Man.” And “[We] Believe” that Andrew Rannells’ could’ve scored a Tony for his performance that night too. But we were blown away by the cast of “Anything Goes” helmed by Sutton Foster. Watching them masterfully execute the title number, we were reminded why we never tire of this show or its fantastic soundtrack. Additionally, we were treated to one of the most dynamic tap dance breaks ever! It’s so energetic that we’ll never understand how the cast can do all that and still have enough breath to finish the song. Needless to say, our minds are blown.
2012: “Gold” “Once”
The “Newsies” danced, high-kicked, and backflipped straight into our hearts. In fact, long before the final note, we’d already decided to “Seize the Day” and look up the next available tickets. But as much as we love a flashy show-stopper, sometimes it’s the more understated numbers that make the greatest impact. This was certainly the case for “Once.” This performance started out as just one man and his guitar, and yet he couldn’t have an easier time captivating audiences. Soon enough, he’s joined by the rest of the all-singing, all-dancing, and all-instrument-playing ensemble. To call that impressive would be an understatement. Contrary to the show’s title, this isn’t a performance you can only watch “Once.”
2013: “Everybody Say Yeah” “Kinky Boots”
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We almost went with the medley “Matilda the Musical” treated us to in 2013. However, the cast of “Kinky Boots” just managed to strut ahead. Now, we love a new pair of boots as much as the next person, but this celebration takes things to the next level in the best way. The song itself is jubilant and so catchy, plus we love watching the Angels do their thing. And what they accomplished with the conveyor belts made our jaws drop. The way they expertly maneuvered the moving set pieces without missing a beat was phenomenal. It was just the definition of fun, and never fails to raise us up. Everything about this was “irresssssssitable,” and we’ll always “Say Yeah” to revisiting it.
2014: "Sugar Daddy" “Hedwig & The Angry Inch”
In 2014, we laughed out loud with the cast of “A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder.” We also learned that we ain’t never had a Disney Broadway musical quite like “Aladdin.” And after a stirring performance of “One Day More,” we were ready to raise the barricades with the cast of “Les Mis.” But Neil Patrick Harris’ Hedwig stole the show. According to the actor, channeling the character’s feminine energy was one of his greatest challenges. Yet he makes it look effortless, rocking those heels. Harris took the ceremony by storm, making himself very comfortable among the A-list audience and saving some extra sugar for his partner, David Burtka. Of course, Lena Hall was fabulous throughout as well.
2015: “A Musical” “Something Rotten!”
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“Something Rotten!” is a loving send-up of theater, and nothing exemplifies that more than, well, “A Musical.” It’s a unique take on the genre that’s absolutely hilarious and a whole lot of fun. This performance satirizes various tropes and has endless nods to so many of our favorite shows. We challenge you to spot every musical reference, but even the biggest theater nerds might find it hard to catch them all the first time. And what’s a bold, captivating number without a big, impressive kickline? Meanwhile, “An American in Paris” and “Fun Home” both also gave audiences a memorable snapshot of their respective shows during the ceremony.
2016: "History Has Its Eyes on You" / "Yorktown (The World Turned Upside Down)" “Hamilton”
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The 2016 Tonys were something to behold. “The Color Purple” stars left us with chills. Sara Bareilles and Jessie Mueller struck us in the feels with “She Used to Be Mine” from “Waitress.” But history and Tony audiences had their eyes on another show that year. When a performance is introduced by the President and First Lady (and Common), you’re in for something special, and the “Hamilton” gang delivered! They take us to Yorktown in a world turned upside down, and the way the choreography helps narrate the story is unparalleled. The cast paid their respects to the victims of the Orlando nightclub tragedy by forgoing the muskets that typically feature in the number. This made the performance all the more impactful.
2017: "Dust and Ashes" / "The Abduction" “Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812”
If you love musicals as much as we do, you’d probably struggle to pick your favorite from this year too. Do we choose “Dear Evan Hansen” or “Falsettos”? What about “Bandstand”? We couldn’t possibly overlook “Miss Saigon” or “Come from Away” either. But “The Great Comet,” which was based on a segment of “War and Peace,” only won two of its 12 nominations. So we’re going to give it the love it deserves. Audiences were treated to crowd-pleasing performances of “Dust and Ashes” and “The Abduction,” and what performances they were! Who could resist the dulcet tones of Josh Groban as the titular Pierre? We also love how fans were invited to be part of this experience. It was basically as good as it gets!
2018: “One Small Girl” / “Mama Will Provide” “Once on This Island”
If you prefer the ol’ classics, you probably loved this performance of "Blow High, Blow Low" from “Carousel.” However, if your tastes are more modern, “Once on This Island” created quite the storm with their immersive medley. The Caribbean-set story takes us on a roller coaster of emotions. “Mama Will Provide” is an especially exhilarating number, especially with Alex Newell and Hailey Kilgore leading the way. The entire ensemble delivers, but Newell’s all-encompassing talents as the earth goddess Asaka are unmissable. The camera might cut away to Nathan Lane in the audience, but they still hold our attention with their impressive whistle tones.
2019: “Too Darn Hot” “Kiss Me, Kate”
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The 1999 revival of “Kiss Me, Kate” was “Too Darn Hot.” So the 2019 cast really had to bring the heat, and boy, did they! Bringing the classic musical to a modern audience, the cast sizzled throughout this largely ensemble number. We watched Disney Channel, so we knew Corbin Bleu had moves. But this? This was something else! And he’s far from the only cast member who left our jaws hanging. The routine is non-stop and requires insane levels of athleticism. We were just watching, but by the end, we could’ve easily joined them for a rest. “Oklahoma!” “Ain’t Too Proud,” and “Hadestown” also gave performances we’re still not over.
2021: "Lady Marmalade" / "Because We Can" “Moulin Rouge!”
As for many of us, 2020 was a rough time for theater, and seeing Broadway go dark was heartbreaking. So, the following year they had an extra special “Broadway’s Back!” celebration. Many of our old favorites performed, including OG cast members from “Rent” and “Wicked.” We also got performances from “West Side Story,” “Waitress,” “Jagged Little Pill,” and more. But we have to give a special mention to the cast of “Moulin Rouge!,” who painted the stage red. It was sultry, sexy, vibrant, and a whole lot of fun. In other words, precisely what we needed, exactly when we needed it. What better way to say welcome back to Broadway?
2022: "Ex-Wives" / "Six" “Six”
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In 2022, “MJ” gave an arresting performance of “Smooth Criminal.” And the cast of “A Strange Loop” took us through a loop with the somewhat meta numbers “Intermission Song” and “Today.” But “Six”’s reign had us all bowing down to the Queendom. The herstory remix sees the six wives of Henry VIII compete over who had it hardest. This mash-up gives us a taste of the opening and penultimate numbers, performed regally by the cast. Presented as a pop concert, the effortlessly cool actors couldn’t have an easier time pumping the crowd up. It literally feels like a party on stage. The musical won two Tony Awards, and we reveled in their crowning glory.
