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2025 Tony Awards Preview: Leading Contenders and Tight Races to Watch

With strong showings from the musicals “Maybe Happy Ending” and “Sunset Boulevard,” the 2025 Tony Awards present competitive categories, especially for best play and leading actress in a musical.

Leo Maxwell
Published • 3 MIN READ
2025 Tony Awards Preview: Leading Contenders and Tight Races to Watch
From left, Darren Criss and Helen J Shen in “Maybe Happy Ending,” nominated for best new musical with 10 nods, and Nicole Scherzinger in “Sunset Boulevard,” up for best musical revival.

The recently concluded Broadway season marked the most vibrant period since the pandemic, boasting record-breaking box office returns, numerous profitable productions, and an array of celebrated stars.

Despite ongoing challenges—such as the scarcity of financially successful new musicals—the season showcased a rich variety of themes and styles. Industry insiders now face difficult decisions as they prepare to honor the standout shows and performers at Sunday night’s Tony Awards, airing at 8 p.m. Eastern on CBS.

After consulting with over a quarter of the 840 Tony voters in recent days, these are the leading predictions for which productions and leading performers are favored to win.

The storyline of “Maybe Happy Ending” might initially seem unappealing—centered on two lonely robots in Seoul who embark on a road trip and discover each other—but over the past seven months, the musical has steadily gained acclaim through strong reviews and positive word-of-mouth. It has clearly captured the attention of Tony voters as well.

“Maybe Happy Ending” holds a significant edge over its nearest competitors, “Buena Vista Social Club” and “Death Becomes Her,” both adaptations of existing works. One key factor in the musical’s favor is voters’ appreciation for its originality in story and score, standing out amid a Broadway landscape often dominated by adaptations of films, books, or popular music catalogs.

While some critics find the four-person cast’s approach somewhat quaint, many supporters praise how all elements of Michael Arden’s production—acting, direction, narrative, and the elaborate set featuring cutting-edge automation—work harmoniously. As one voter noted, “It’s delicate, intimate, and captivating, with scenic design that perfectly supports the storytelling.”

Leo Maxwell
Leo Maxwell

Leo provides commentary on the arts and cultural scene, alongside analysis of key political elections and campaigns.

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