‘Hamilton’ Takes Home 11 Tony Awards: ‘We Live Through Times When Hate and Fear Seem Stronger’
The hit hip-hop musical Hamilton has capped a stellar season with a big night at the 2016 Tony Awards. The musical, created by star Lin-Manuel Miranda, tells the story of founding father Alexander Hamilton but marries it to hip-hop, and the production took home a whopping 11 trophies at last night's awards show, including one for best musical.
Miranda's hit play also took home best book of a musical and best original score, and stars Leslie Odom, Jr. beat Miranda for best leading actor and Renee Elise Goldsberry and Daveed Diggs also nabbed acting honors. Hamilton was nominated for 16 awards in total, a record for the Tonys.
Hamilton also wound up winning best direction of a musical (Thomas Kail), best choreography (Andy Blankenbuehler), best orchestrations (Alex Lacamoire), best costume design (Paul Tazewell), and best lighting design (Howell Binkley).
The record for the most wins in one night is held by The Producers, which won 12 Tonys in 2001.
When giving his acceptance speech for Best Original Score, Miranda addressed the tragic Orlando nightclub shooting that claimed 50 peoples' lives early Sunday (June 12) morning.
“We chase the melodies that seem to find us until they’re finished songs and start to play. When senseless acts of tragedy remind us that nothing here is promised. Not one day,” Miranda said. “This show is proof that history remembers. We live through times when hate and fear seem stronger, we rise and fall and light from dying embers, remembrances that hope and love last longer.
“Love is love is love is love is love is love is love,” Miranda added. “Cannot be killed or swept aside.”