On June 8, 2025, the 78th Annual Tony Awards took center stage at New York's iconic Radio City Music Hall, spotlighting a remarkable blend of Broadway history and fresh talent. Among the highlights was a stirring performance from the cast of Floyd Collins, a musical making its long-awaited Broadway debut after 30 years since its original off-Broadway premiere. The show, rooted in a century-old true story from Kentucky, captivated audiences and critics alike, earning six Tony nominations including Best Revival of a Musical.
Floyd Collins traces the gripping tale of William Floyd Collins, a Kentucky cave explorer born in 1887, who became trapped in a narrow passage of Sand Cave during the 1920s. This harrowing event sparked a nationwide media frenzy and rescue mission, amplified by the era’s burgeoning broadcast radio technology. The musical’s narrative, originally conceived by Yale students Adam Guettel and Tina Landau, delves into the human drama and community spirit surrounding the incident, bringing to life a slice of American history seldom seen on the Broadway stage.
The Tony Awards performance featured Jeremy Jordan in the titular role, joined by Taylor Trensch, Cole Vaughan, Jason Gotay, Lizzy McAlpine, and other members of the ensemble. Their rendition of “The Ballad of Floyd Collins” and “The Call” was met with enthusiastic applause, showcasing the production’s rich musicality and emotional depth. Despite multiple nominations—including Best Actor for Jordan and Best Featured Actor for Trensch—the musical did not secure any wins. Nevertheless, it remains a critical darling and continues to run on Broadway through June 22, 2025.
The production boasts a talented creative team, with sets designed by dots, costumes by Anita Yavich, lighting by Scott Zielinski, sound by Dan Moses Schreier, and projections by Ray Sun. Dance sequences choreographed by Jon Rua add dynamic movement to the storytelling, while music direction by Ted Sperling ensures the score resonates powerfully. Lincoln Center Theater, in association with Creative Partners Productions and producers Mark Cortale and Charles D. Urstadt, backs the revival, underscoring its artistic significance.
Adding to the evening’s excitement were two Kentucky natives making their first appearances as Tony nominees: George Clooney and Nicole Scherzinger. Clooney, a 1979 graduate of Independent High School in Augusta, Kentucky, earned a nomination for Best Lead Actor in a Play for his Broadway debut in Good Night, and Good Luck. The play, adapted from Clooney’s 2005 film, has become the highest-grossing play in Broadway history and made history itself by becoming the first play to surpass $4 million in ticket sales in a single week as of May 4, 2025.
Nicole Scherzinger, an alumna of duPont Manual's Youth Performing Arts School in Louisville, Kentucky, was nominated for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical for her portrayal of Norma Desmond in the revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber's Sunset Blvd. The former Pussycat Dolls lead singer and “Dancing with the Stars” winner brought a powerful presence to the stage, further elevating the evening’s star power.
Both Sunset Blvd. and Floyd Collins competed for Best Revival of a Musical, highlighting the diversity of Broadway’s offerings—from classic glamour to rugged Americana. The category also included Gypsy and Pirates! The Penzance Musical, reflecting a rich tapestry of theatrical styles and stories.
Beyond the headline nominees, the Tony Awards celebrated a wide array of talent. Megan Hilty took home the award for Best Actress in a Musical for Death Becomes Her, while Darren Criss was among the contenders for Best Leading Actor in a Musical. Technical categories also recognized the artistry behind the scenes: Scott Zielinski and Ruey Horng Sun were nominated for Best Lighting Design of a Musical for their work on Floyd Collins, and Dan Moses Schreier received a nod for Best Sound Design. The orchestration team, including Bruce Coughlin for Floyd Collins, also earned praise.
The ceremony was hosted by Cynthia Erivo, star of the hit musical Wicked, who brought energy and grace to the evening. The event underscored Broadway’s enduring vibrancy and its ability to honor both legends and newcomers alike.
While Floyd Collins did not take home any trophies this year, its Broadway arrival is a milestone in theatrical history. The musical’s journey from a 1996 off-Broadway production to a major revival three decades later is a testament to the timelessness of its story and the dedication of its creative team. The show’s exploration of human resilience, community, and the mysteries of the natural world continues to resonate with audiences.
As the curtain falls on the 78th Tony Awards, the spotlight remains bright on Kentucky’s contributions to the arts—from the heartfelt performances of Jeremy Jordan and Taylor Trensch to the celebrated achievements of George Clooney and Nicole Scherzinger. Their successes reflect a broader narrative of talent nurtured in the Bluegrass State making waves on the grandest stages.
With Floyd Collins running through June 22, theatergoers have a limited window to experience this evocative revival firsthand. Whether drawn by its haunting score, compelling story, or the powerhouse performances, audiences are invited to witness a piece of American history brought vividly to life.
