Charleston Gazette
April 22, 1974
NEW YORK – “The River Niger.” produced by the Negro Ensemble Company, won the Tony award Sunday night for the best Broadway play of the 1973-1974 season.
“The River Niger” was selected over “Ulysses in Nighttown.” “The Au Pair Man” and “Boom Boom Room.”
Best play director went to Jose Quintero for “A Moon for the Misbegotten.”
Ed Flanders of “A Moon for the Misbegotten” won a Tony for best supporting actor in a play. Frances Sternhagen of “The Good Doctor” was picked for best supporting actress in a play.
The awards, named in honor of the late Antoinette Perry, were selected in 18 categories by a ballot of about 450 members of the theatrical profession.
The coveted Tony statues were presented in a two-hour ceremony at the Shubert Theater and televised over the ABC network.
Named for best supporting actress in a musical was Janie Sell for her role in “Over Here!” Tommy Tune won as best supporting actor in a musical for “Seesaw.”
Other awards aired earlier in the program included: best choreographer. Michael Bennett for “Seesaw;” best scenic design. Franne and Eugene Lee of “Candide.”
Also, best lighting design, Jules Fisher for “Ulysses in Nighttown;” best costume design, Franne Lee for “Candide.”
Competing for the best musical award were “Raisin,” “Seesaw.” and “Over Here!” best play award nominees were “The Au Pair Man,” “Boom Boom Room,” “The River Niger,” and “Ulysses in Nighttown.”
Two productions receiving numerous nominations in other categories but ineligible for best play and best musical awards because they are revivals, “A Moon for the Misbegotten” and “Candide,” received special citations from the League of New York Theaters.
Citations also went to Bette Midler and Liza Minnelli for limited Broadway singing engagements, and to Peter Cook and Dudley Moore, author-actors of “Good Evening.”
