The Annual Toby Awards since 1997. Celebrating theatrical excellence and impact to society

The Toby Awards have been celebrating theatrical excellence since 1997, promoting special recognition, irrespective of function, genre or geographic location within the global performing arts community based on individual social impact to society.

  Toby Awards Comedy/Tragedy emoticon
2023 Toby Awards Honorees

Two very special talents are highlighted:

Marc ShaimanToby Awards Trophy Marc ShaimanMARC SHAIMAN for his Outstanding Lifetime of Artistic Excellence side by side with Advocacy of gayhuman rights: Blame Canada?, maybe, but this busy New Jersey born jewish gay boy’s film, TV & Broadway music has been cherished globally by hundreds of millions, collectively generated in excess of an estimated USD $3.5 billion in global consumer sales, and has received accolades including an Emmy, Grammy, Tony Award as well as nominations for 7 Academy Awards, 2 BAFTA’s, 2 Golden Globes and a further 2 Tony’s, 5 Grammys and 11 Emmy’s while using his celebrity status nurturing his connections to become a staunch and effective activist for gayhuman rights.

TobySimkin.com/Marc-Shaiman
Facebook.com/Marc.Shaiman

and

Jim Glaub Miracle on 22nd StToby Awards Trophy Jim GlaubJIM GLAUB for his outstanding volunteerism in giving Santa a human voice: Jim is a Broadway boy moonlighting as Chief Christmas Elf as co-founder of Miracle on 22nd Street, a community-based volunteer organization that responds to children’s heart-wrenching letters to Santa with season’s greetings and gifts for kids. In the 2022 season alone, they answered 1,480 letters.

Sarah Klein and Tom Mason’s video, entitled “Miracle on 22nd Street” gives a great overview:

Facebook.com/JimGlaub

Toby Awards

December 2023

ANNOUNCING THE 2023 TOBY AWARDS

The Toby Awards have been celebrating theatrical excellence since 1997, promoting special recognition, irrespective of function, genre or geographic location within the global performing arts community based on individual impact to society.

Today, two 2023 Toby Awards honors are bestowed upon:

Marc ShaimanMarc Shaiman for his Outstanding Lifetime of Artistic Excellence side by side with Advocacy of Gay Rights:

As a composer and lyricist for films, television, and theatre, Marc Shaiman’s body of work has collectively generated in excess of an estimated USD $3.5 billion in global consumer sales, and he has received numerous accolades including an Emmy, Grammy, Tony Award as well as nominations for 7 Academy Awards, 2 BAFTA’s, 2 Golden Globes and a further 2 Tony’s, 5 Grammys and 11 Emmy’s.

Marc wrote the music and co-wrote the lyrics with Scott Wittman for Mary Poppins Returns (2018) and the NBC TV Series SMASH (2012) and the global musical franchises of Hairspray (2003), Catch Me If You Can (2011), Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2013), Some Like It Hot (2023) and the upcoming SMASH (opening on Broadway in 2024)

Marc started his career in 1984 in his Emmy nominated recurring role as the Sweeney Sisters pianist, Skip, on Saturday Night Live and went on to compose such films as Misery (1990), The Addams Family (1991), City Slickers (1991), Sister Act (1992), Mr. Saturday Night (1992), A Few Good Men (1992), Sleepless in Seattle (1993), The American President (1995), The First Wives Club (1996), George of the Jungle (1997), In & Out (1997), Patch Adams (1998), The Out-of-Towners (1999), South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut (1999), Hairspray (2007), LBJ (2016), Mary Poppins Returns (2018), Bros (2022), Team America: World Police (2004) and TV projects including Hawkeye, Only Murders in the Building, SMASH and From the Earth to the Moon.

He frequently works on films by Billy Crystal, Rob Reiner and Trey Parker, and also appeared on screen in many of these films. He became Bette Midler’s musical director and co-producer of many of her recordings, including “The Wind Beneath My Wings”, “From a Distance” and her performance on the penultimate The Tonight Show starring Johnny Carson. Marc has worked with other icons such as Harry Connick Jr., Neil Patrick Harris, Jack Black, Will Ferrell, Eric Clapton, Christine Ebersole, Jennifer Holiday, Jennifer Hudson, Diane Keaton, Steve Martin, Audra McDonald, Barbra Streisand, Queen Latifah, Robin Williams and Mariah Carey.

In 2008, his objection to a prominent musical theatre’s artistic director’s support of the Gay marriage ban in California’s Proposition 8 led to his online viral satirical mini-musical sensation Prop 8 The Musical which received a live Broadway premiere in 2009. Since then, his open, fun, honest and loving social media is packed with his love of his husband Louis Mirabal, and publicly voicing his normal reality, without regard to ill-placed old views on sexuality. He is leading the way for his celebrity peers to join his ideals of acceptance across the spectrum of race and gender identity.

Fired up by the recent tide of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation in the USA, Marc has harsh words for red-state bans. “It’s not hyperbole to say that this is very much like it was in Nazi Germany, where they start banning books and start banning this and banning that, and there are much larger forces who are really trying to change the world in some very terrible ways”.

Blame Canada?, maybe, but this busy New Jersey born Jewish gay boy’s music has been cherished globally by hundreds of millions, while using his celebrity status nurturing his connections to become a staunch and effective activist for gay human rights.

VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m6-qamD8qGs

and

Jim Glaub Miracle on 22nd StJim Glaub for his outstanding volunteerism in giving Santa a human voice:

Jim Glaub has worked on over 50 Broadway shows and events. He has worked for The Society of London Theatre and prior to London, Jim was at Serino/Coyne, the live-entertainment advertising agency. Jim is on the advisory committee for the American Theatre Wing.

But it’s for his moonlighting as Chief Christmas Elf that he is recognized. Along with his husband Dylan Parker, he is the co-founder of Miracle on 22nd Street, a community-based volunteer organization that responds to children’s letters to Santa with season’s greetings and gifts for kids.

They’ve replied to thousands of letters to Santa Claus mistakenly delivered to their West 22nd St, New York apartment over the past decade. Letters included heart-wrenching requests from needy children.

The couple began writing back, fulfilling requests as best they could, and recruited friends and family to help. Since then, 1,000’s have volunteered to help.

In the 2022 season alone, they answered 1,480 letters.

VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Kmtb_GVbKQ

Toby Awards Trophy Marc Shaiman Toby Awards Trophy Jim Glaub

Both join an elite club, not only as shining examples of humanitarian leadership, but currently with only 53 theatrical awards having been bestowed since 1997, the awards are unique since they recognize individuals whose specific accomplishments typically would be overlooked by other global performing arts awards which have narrowly defined categories.

Throughout its 25-year history, awards have been presented at the end of each calendar year, except for 2020. Previous recipients include an eclectic mix of theatre creatives, performers, musicians, journalists, production, stage and general managers, marketing and public relations experts, logistics and production crew and more, each consistently showcasing theatrical excellence coupled with social, moral or ethical responsibility beyond their employment, coming from around the world such as Australia, Europe, UK, Canada, Brazil, Turkey, South Africa, Cuba, Argentina, Philippines, China, Russia, Poland, Indonesia and the USA.

For details, see:
https://TobySimkin.com/Toby-Awards/ 

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  Press contact: Toby Awards: theatrical@me.com

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The annual Toby Awards are unique since they provide an opportunity to celebrate theatrical excellence recognizing individuals that typically would be overlooked by other global performing arts awards. Previous recipients include an eclectic mix of theatre creatives, performers, musicians, journalists, production, stage and general managers, marketing and public relations experts, logistics and production crew and more, each consistently showcasing theatrical excellence coupled with a significant social, charitable, philanthropic, moral or ethical impact beyond their employment, coming from around the world such as Australia, Europe, UK, Canada, Brazil, Turkey, South Africa, Cuba, Argentina, Philippines, China, Russia, Poland, Indonesia and the USA.

Past Recipients

2023

Marc Shaiman

Lifetime of Artistic Excellence side by side with activism for gayhuman rights.
(learn more)
[Press Release]

2023

Jim Glaub

Outstanding Volunteerism.
(learn more)
[Press Release]

2022

Elena Kovalskaya

Outstanding International Courage.
[Press Release]

2022

David Foster

Outstanding Commitment to Humanity.
[Press Release]

2021

Gregory Gesch

Outstanding ongoing commitment to the Australian theatre community.
[Press Release]

2021

Glenn Weiss

Outstanding producing & direction in the preservation of the arts on film & TV.
[Press Release]

2020

No award granted

2019

José Campos

Outstanding presentation and development of 1st class live theatre in São Paulo, Brasil.

2019

Dame Penelope Keith

Fabulous career actress and charitable leadership of the Actors’ Benevolent Fund.

2018

Katrina Lenska

Spectacular fundraising for The Performers Retirement Collective throughout Eastern Europe.

2018

Tony Walton

Outstanding career in scenic and costume design side by side with education.

2017

John Kander

Dedicated military service in China and a lifetime of excellence composing musical theatre.
(learn more)

2017

Bette Midler

Outstanding actress and fabulous charitable leadership with her New York Restoration Project.

2016

Alan Wasser

Lifetime achievement in General & Charitable Management on Broadway and beyond.

2016

John Iacovelli

Astonishing Scenic & Production Design in both the Broadway and film industries

2015

Donna McKechnie

Lifetime of astonishing performing arts excellence with commitment to preserving history.

2014

Xu Feng Lou

Outstanding attitude, care and maintenance in Lintong, Xi’an within extremely difficult conditions.

2014

Chita Rivera

A lifetime of commitment to performing arts excellence and promotion of Puerto Rican talent.
(learn more)

2013

Keith Sherman

Lifetime of dedication to public relations of live entertainment.

2013

Fatih Osmançelebioğlu

Dedication to the success of the Istanbul, Turkey live entertainment market.

2012

Ryan Chen You Kang

Best newcomer, both as writer and film director within China & commitment to Children’s charities.
(learn more)

2012

Faith Prince

Lifetime of excellence leading the Broadway stage.

2011

Bobby Garcia

Astonishing development of the Asian theatre markets in Manila and Singapore.

2011

Alicia Alonso

Outstanding trailblazing career as a Cuban prima ballerina and choreographer.

2010

Zhu LilyYing

Outstanding global logistics support by Rock it Cargo in Seoul & Singapore.

2009

David da Silva

Devotion to the preservation and promotion of his musical FAME.

2009

Anthony Warlow AM

Continuing excellence in leading the Australian stage.

2008

David Richenthal

Outstanding West End and Broadway producer with emphasis on literary history.

2008

Ann Reinking

A lifetime of excellence in dance, choreography and her nurturing of dancers.

2007

Michael Duff

Substantial support of orchestral musicians excellence throughout the world.

2007

Michael Riedel

Continued excellence in theatre journalism, on Broadway and beyond.

2006

Frank P. Scardino

Outstanding Canadian Executive Producer and General Manager.

2006

Randy Weeks

Outstanding leadership at the Denver Centre promoting national touring musicals.

2005

Sergio Trujillo

Outstanding choreography for Broadway’s ALL SHOOK UP.

2005

Brian Dennehy

Outstanding lifetime achievement as a dramatic actor.
(learn more)

2004

Drew Hodges

Excellence in promoting the Broadway community and majority of its shows as founder of Spotco.

2004

Manny Kladitis

An astonishing lifetime career as a Broadway General Manager & Producer.

2004

Billy Porter

Outstanding newcomer in JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR at the Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera.

2003

Tara Murphy

Outstanding Atlanta promotions of developing new works with 360 Media.

2003

Stella Chitty OBE

Outstanding 47-year career in Stage Management with the Royal Opera House, London

2002

Jim D’Amico

Visionary risk-taking leadership at Celebrity Cruises bringing Broadway to the oceans.

2002

Jerome Vivona

Astonishing concept, direction and choreography of the #1 audience favorite SPOTLIGHT BROADWAY.

2001

Jody J. Abrahams,
Loukmaan Adams,
Junaid Booysen,
Terry Hector,
Alistair Izobell
& Kim Louis

Outstanding performance of KAT AND THE KINGS, breaking the mould of traditional musical theatre.

2001

Cristyne Nicholas

For contributions in leading the Broadway community out of 9/11 with NYC & Company.

2001

Harriet Slaughter

Outstanding achievement in labor relations between Broadway producers and all theatrical unions.

2000

Carol Channing

Outstanding support of the North American touring markets for musical theatre.
(learn more)

2000

Arthur Siccardi

Excellence in ongoing effective Production Management of live entertainment.

2000 (theatre.com people’s choice)

Theatre lovers cast 4785 votes in the TOBY awards, which recognize the best on Broadway in 36 categories during the 1999-2000 season, which ended May 31. In addition to traditional award categories, TOBY awards are given in categories that can be even more meaningful for theatregoing audiences. Votes were tallied electronically from May 17 to May 31, 2000, and covered Broadway shows that opened between June 1, 1999 and May 31, 2000. Full Press Release.

BEST NEW MUSICAL: Aida
BEST NEW PLAY: Copenhagen
BEST REVUE: Swing!
BEST COMEDY: Dame Edna: The Royal Tour
BEST SOLO SHOW OR CONCERT: Dame Edna: The Royal Tour
BEST EXPERIMENTAL PIECE: The Green Bird
BEST REVIVAL OF A DRAMA: The Real Thing
BEST REVIVAL OF A MUSICAL: Kiss Me, Kate
BEST SHOW FOR KIDS: The Music Man
BEST SHOW FOR A SPECIAL OCCASION (DATE, ANNIVERSARY, ETC.): Swing!
BEST SHOW FROM A PREVIOUS SEASON HOLDING UP THE BEST: Chicago
BEST OFF-BROADWAY TRANSFER TO BROADWAY Contact
BEST IMPORTED SHOW: Copenhagen
BEST PERFORMANCE IN A PRIMARY ROLE (MUSICAL): Heather Headley (Aida), Brian Stokes Mitchell (Kiss Me, Kate), Craig Bierko (The Music Man) and Rebecca Luker (The Music Man)
BEST PERFORMANCE IN A PRIMARY ROLE (PLAY): Kristin Chenoweth (Epic Proportions), Stephen Dillane (The Real Thing), Philip Seymour Hoffman (True West), Cherry Jones (A Moon for the Misbegotten)
BEST DUO: Lee Wilkof and Michael Mulheren in Kiss Me, Kate
BEST PERFORMANCE IN A SECONDARY ROLE (MUSICAL): Michael Berresse (Kiss Me, Kate), Michael Mulheren (Kiss Me, Kate), Amy Spanger (Kiss Me, Kate), (tie:) Sherie Rene Scott (Aida), Tony Vincent (Jesus Christ Superstar)
BEST PERFORMANCE IN A SECONDARY ROLE (PLAY): Roy Dotrice (A Moon for the Misbegotten), Jennifer Ehle (The Real Thing), Harris Yulin (The Price), Ruth Williamson (Epic Proportions)
BEST PERFORMANCE BY A REPLACEMENT ACTOR: Sandy Duncan (Chicago)
COOLEST CAT ON BROADWAY: Brian Stokes Mitchell (Kiss Me, Kate)
BEST ORIGINAL BOOK OF A MUSICAL: Aida by Linda Woolverton, Robert Falls and David Henry Hwang
BEST ORIGINAL MUSIC: Aida by Elton John
BEST ORIGINAL LYRICS: Aida by Tim Rice
BEST CAST ALBUM: Kiss Me, Kate
BEST SPECIAL EFFECTS: The Green Bird
BEST POSTER: The Music Man
BEST TV COMMERCIAL: (tie) Jesus Christ Superstar and Saturday Night Fever
SPECIAL BROADWAY-RELATED EVENT YOU MOST WISH YOU’D ATTENDED: The Tony Awards Ceremony
BEST CHOREOGRAPHY: Susan Stroman (Contact)
BEST ORCHESTRATIONS: Don Sebesky (Kiss Me, Kate)
BEST DIRECTOR (PLAY): Michael Blakemore (Copenhagen)
BEST DIRECTOR (MUSICAL): Michael Blakemore (Kiss Me, Kate)
BEST MUSICAL DIRECTOR: David Chase (The Music Man)
BEST SET DESIGN: Robin Wagner (Kiss Me, Kate)
BEST COSTUME DESIGN: Constance Hoffman (The Green Bird)
BEST LIGHTING DESIGN: (tie:) Paul Constable (Amadeus), Donald Holder (The Green Bird)

Read the full Press Release.

1999

Children’s Ensemble

Outstanding performance in the Broadway revival of ANNIE GET YOUR GUN.

1999

Margaret Styne

Excellence in maintaining public legacy of the estate of husband & composer Jule Styne.

1999

Bill Rosenfield

Nurturing the preservation of Broadway musical theatre with RCA Victor.

1998

Pichon Baldinu
& Diqui James

Outstanding production concept, writing and direction of DE LA GUARDA “VILLA VILLA”.

1998

Ruth Mitchell

Astonishing career of over 50 Broadway shows, and one of the first female stage managers.

1998

Carol Chiavetta

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Visionary achievement in the marketing, PR and promotion of the live arts.

1997

Stephanie Lawrence

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Spectacular performance in USA, Canada & UK in BLOOD BROTHERS and CATS in the West End

theatre online best of the year toby awards
The Toby Awards began in 1997 as the Theatre Online Best of the Year awards as part of BuyBroadway / Theatre.com and then later migrated to the current annual awards which emphasizes social impact without the theatre community.

Future Nominations


You can nominate an individual for consideration for a Toby Award by contacting us with a brief description of why they deserve this recognition and provide a link to their social media. All submissions will be reviewed, before up to 3 recipients being chosen annually for an end of calendar year announcement.

Toby Simkin’s Broadway Entertainment, LLC
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