Incredibly desirable American Theater Wing Antoinette Perry Award, commonly known as the ‘Tony,’ the medal measuring 3? in diameter and held in its original 8.25″ tall stand, engraved on the reverse: “The League of American Theatres and Producers, Inc., and the American Theatre Wing, Inc., Present the American Theatre Wing’s Tony Award To Barry Brown, Best Musical—Producer, ‘La Cage aux Folles,’ 1983–84.” The front of the medal features the traditional symbolic dramatic masks raised in relief, encircled with the text, “Antoinette Perry Award.” The black base measures 3.75 x 3.75 and bears an affixed plaque engraved, “American Theatre Wing Tony Award.” In fine condition.
The beloved musical, with a book by Harvey Fierstein and lyrics and music by Jerry Herman, follows a gay couple who—with one of them in drag—attempt to appear straight when meeting their son’s fiancee’s ultra-conservative parents. It was a smash hit after premiering on Broadway in August 1983, running for 1,761 performances before closing four years later. The production was nominated for nine Tony Awards and took home six, including the highest prize, Best Musical, as represented here. La Cage aux Folles has since been revived on Broadway twice, each time winning multiple Tonys (including Best Revival of a Musical). As a decidedly rare Tony Award for Best Musical from the original production, this is an ideal example of one of entertainment’s most prestigious awards.
