Which female Broadway vet deserves the next Lifetime Achievement Tony Award? [POLL]

Jeffrey Kare
·4 min read

This year’s Tonys will be held on June 16, so the American Theatre Wing will likely be announcing its lifetime achievement award recipient in the near future. Who do you think should take home this prestigious trophy? It has gone to veteran stage performers, directors, choreographers, playwrights, songwriters, producers and designers. In some years we get multiple recipients.

Last year these honors went to legendary actor Joel Grey and composer John Kander. The following living female Broadway vets have also received this award in the past and thus won’t be chosen again: Jane Greenwood, Rosemary Harris and Graciela Daniele. Here are 10 possible women the Tonys could award, all veterans over the age of 65. Vote to let us know who you’d like to see honored.

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DEBBIE ALLEN
Two-time Tony nominated actress for her performances in revivals of “West Side Story” (1980) and “Sweet Charity” (1986). She also choreographed “Carrie” (1988) and directed a revival of “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” (2008).

PATRICIA BIRCH
Five-time Tony nominated choreographer for “Grease” (1972), “Over Here!” (1974), “Pacific Overtures” (1976), “Music Is” (1977) and “Parade” (1999). She also choreographed the original main stem productions of “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” and “A Little Night Music.”

STOCKARD CHANNING
Tony-winning actress for “A Day in the Death of Joe Egg” (1985). Additional nominations for “The House of Blue Leaves” (1986), “Six Degrees of Separation” (1991), “Four Baboons Adoring the Sun” (1992), “The Lion in Winter” (1999), “Pal Joey” (2009) and “Other Desert Cities” (2012).

GLENN CLOSE
Three-time Tony-winning actress for “The Real Thing” (1984), “Death and the Maiden” (1992) and “Sunset Boulevard” (1995). Additional nomination for “Barnum” (1980). Two-time ceremony host in 1992 and 1995.

ADRIENNE KENNEDY
African-American playwright who won an Obie Award for “Funnyhouse of a Negro” (1964) in addition to receiving the Obies’ lifetime achievement award in 2008. 2018 Theater Hall of Fame inductee. Finally made her Broadway debut last season with a Tony-nominated production of “Ohio State Murders.”

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CAROL LAWRENCE
Tony-nominated actress for originating the role of Maria in “West Side Story” (1958). Thirteen additional main stem credits to her name. One-time ceremony co-host in 1975.

DONNA McKECHNIE
Tony-winning actress for originating the role of Cassie in “A Chorus Line” (1975). Also appeared in the original casts of “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying,” “Promises, Promises” and “Company.” Recently returned to the main stem as Madame Morrible in “Wicked.”

LIZA MINNELLI
Two-time Tony-winning actress for “Flora, the Red Menace” (1965) and “The Act” (1978). Additional nomination for “The Rink” (1984). Received a special Tony in 1974. Her solo concert “Liza’s at the Palace…” won the final Tony for Best Special Theatrical Event in 2009. One-time ceremony host in 1993.

VANESSA REDGRAVE
Tony-winning actress for her portrayal of Mary Tyrone in the 2003 revival of “Long Day’s Journey Into Night.” Additional nominations for “Not About Nightingales” (1999), “The Year of Magical Thinking” (2007) and “Driving Miss Daisy” (2011).

LILLIAS WHITE
Tony winner for “The Life” (1997). Additional nomination for “Fela!” (2010). Recently wrapped up her run as Hermes in the main stem production of “Hadestown.”

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