Billy Elliot the Musical stole the show at the 2009 Tony Awards on Sunday night, June 9, winning an astonishing 10 prizes.The show scooped the prestigious Best Musical award, and there were statuettes for writer Lee Hall, director Stephen Daldry and its three young stars David Alvarez, Trent Kowalik, and Kiril Kulish.
Elsewhere, acting legend Angela Lansbury made Broadway history by winning her record-equaling fifth Tony.
Lansbury was awarded the Best Featured Actress in a Play prize for her role in Blithe Spirit, bringing her level with five-time Tony winner Julie Harris.
After accepting her award, the 83-year-old star said, "I had no plan to tie Julie Harris' record of five Tony Awards; she is the greatest actress of our time. As for my sixth, don't bet on it — but there are some roles I could still play on Broadway. I would do Off-Broadway, as long as I can keep acting — it's the only thing I know how I do."
There was also an acting award for Marcia Gay Harden for her performance in God of Carnage, which was named Best Play.
Liza Minnelli's production Liza's at The Palace won Best Special Theatrical Event.
Celebrity guests at the bash at Manhattan's Radio City Musical Hall, including Sir Elton John, Jane Fonda and Kevin Spacey, were treated to musical performances of shows currently gracing New York's theater district.
And there were tributes to Broadway stars who have died in the past year, including Paul Newman, Natasha Richardson, Bea Arthur, Eartha Kitt and theater impresario Gerald Schoenfeld.
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