Tony Awards to Retire Special Theatrical Event Category

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By Dan Bacalzo • Jun 18, 2009 • New York

Liza Minnelli with her 2009 Tony Award
(© Joseph Marzullo/WENN)

The Tony Awards Administration and Management Committees have ruled to retire the Special Theatrical Event category, beginning with the 2009-2010 season.

Shows which were formerly considered eligible in this category will be considered in either the Best Play or Best Musical categories, and all other creative elements for those shows will be eligible in all the other creative categories. (Under existing rules, shows nominated as a Special Theatrical Event could only be nominated in that category.)

The final production to win the award, given out at the 2009 Tony Awards ceremony, was Liza's at the Palace, starring Liza Minnelli. Although the category will no longer exist, a Special Tony Award can still be given to productions or any element thereof, worthy of extraordinary recognition.

For more information, visit www.TonyAwards.com.