Sarah Snook Wins Best Actress at Tony Awards for The Picture of Dorian Gray
Renowned Australian actress Sarah Snook has taken home the Tony award for Best Actress in a Play for her outstanding performance in the Sydney Theatre Company’s one-woman show, The Picture of Dorian Gray. The Broadway hit, which has been widely acclaimed by critics, marks Snook’s Broadway debut after having also performed the show in London’s West End, where she won an Olivier award last year.
According to The Guardian, Snook’s emotional acceptance speech from the podium highlighted her gratitude, stating, "This means so much for a little Australian girl," she said, thanking her husband, actor Dave Lawson, for "holding down the fort and keeping our family together". As reported by The Guardian, Snook took over the role from actor Erin-Jean Norvill, who originated the performance to acclaim in Australia between 2020 and 2022.
The show, directed by former STC artistic director Kip Williams, has been widely praised by critics and was nominated for six Tonys this year. As noted by The Guardian, Snook’s portrayal of all 26 roles in the play has been particularly lauded, with the actress telling the New York Times, "It’s about concealing and revealing, putting on masks, taking off masks. It’s about having your soul be seen."
Sunday’s win is not the first time Snook’s performance has been recognised, with New York Times critic Elisabeth Vincentelli writing on Sunday, "When I left The Picture of Dorian Gray all those weeks ago, I said to whoever would listen on Eighth Avenue that they might as well start engraving Sarah Snook’s Tony right then and there. I will claim this one for my clairvoyant skills." The Guardian also reported that Melbourne-based costume designer Marg Horwell won the costume design category for Dorian Gray on Sunday night.
Despite the wins, the show lost out in the lighting, sound, and scenic design categories, as well as Best Direction of a Play for Williams. However, the production’s success is set to continue, with Williams staging his one-woman production of Dracula on Broadway, starring Wicked star Cynthia Erivo in all 23 roles.
The production’s producer, Michael Cassel Group, announced that Dorian Gray had broken the box office record at the Music Box Theatre, becoming the first show to gross more than US$1m a week in the venue’s 104-year history. The show will continue to run at the Music Box Theatre until 29 June. As The Guardian reported, Snook’s win marks a significant achievement for the actress, who has demonstrated her versatility and range in taking on the multitude of roles in the production.
The Sydney Theatre Company’s production of The Picture of Dorian Gray has been a critical and commercial success, with Snook’s Tony win serving as a testament to her exceptional talent. The show’s success is a reflection of the hard work and dedication of the cast and crew, including Snook, Williams, and Horwell, who have all been recognised for their outstanding contributions to the production. With its Broadway run set to continue, The Picture of Dorian Gray is sure to captivate audiences for weeks to come.
The production has been well-received by critics and audiences alike, with many praising Snook’s incredible performance. As The Guardian noted, Snook’s win is a significant achievement for the actress and a testament to her hard work and dedication to her craft. The show’s success is a reflection of the high-quality production and the talented cast and crew.
