Awards shows are utter catnip for entertainment enthusiasts around the world not only because they are a celebration of the best of the breed in whatever medium or genre the presentation recognizes but also because a live telecast with so many stars and so many categories allows for ample room for entertainment - and retrospective error. In TONY AWARDS history, there have been a few unmistakably unmissable moments that live on thanks to the magic of Youtube for a variety of reasons - thrilling battles to the finish in tight categories, chilling reactions from non-winners when the top prize is announced, and, of course, some very unusual albeit unforgettable ties and inconsistent category tweaks. Nevertheless, the TONY AWARDS is always the biggest night of the year for Broadway babies and this year should prove to be no exception with the hot competition and spectacular stars scheduled to appear on June 7 at Radio City Music Hall and presented to the world, once again, via CBS at 8 PM. But, before then, let's consider some wholly unique categories and unfathomable feats achieved in the years leading up until now.
1. 1960 - THE SOUND OF MUSIC and FIORELLO! tie for Best Musical. Picaresque family favorite THE SOUND OF MUSIC by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein tied with Jerry Bock and Sheldon Harnick's musical paean to one of New York City's most famous mayors, FIORELLO!, at the 1960 ceremony in the only Best Musical tie to date. To further add to the historical intrigue, FIORELLO! went on to win the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, as well. And, nearly impossible to believe now given its elevated status, but astute aficionados will also note that GYPSY premiered the same season as these two shows but did not qualify for the win - even in a tie. 2. 1995 - SUNSET BOULEVARD wins Best Score and Best Book. As if presenting the TONY AWARDS telecast on the actual set of SUNSET BOULEVARD was not enough promotion for the lavish sold-out spectacle, the musical was awarded Best Book and Best Score Of A Musical although there was no competition nominated in either category. Given that SMOKEY JOE'S CAFÉ featured pre-existing songs and that was the only other new musical nominated for Best Musical, perhaps it makes sense given the circumstances, but it remains a bit of a head-scratcher. After all, how can there be a best if there is no worst - or even another competitor?!
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