Oliviers Reward “Kinky,” “Gypsy”
The 40th anniversary Olivier Awards, presented last night at the Royal Opera House, were led by wins for the Broadway musicals “Kinky Boots” and “In the Heights,” taking three wins each. Another classic Broadway musical, “Gypsy” — led by its Olivier-winning star, Imelda Staunton (pictured) — won four awards, the most of any single production. “Kinky Boots” was anointed Best New Musical, as well as seeing its star Matt Henry (as Lola) named Best Actor in a Musical and Gregg Barnes also winning for Best Costume Design. As for that “Gypsy” production, many connoisseurs say Staunton is the best Mama Rose ever (yes, even including Ethel Merman) but I can’t see it transferring to Broadway: Staunton isn’t a box-office name in New York. [photo: Johan Persson]
