Behind the Lens at the 2023 Broadway.com's Audience Choice Awards Winners' Reception
On the evening of June 1, a unique celebration took place at 48 Lounge in New York City. It wasn't just any reception; it was a gathering of the newly-crowned winners of the 2023 Broadway.com's Audience Choice Awards. As a first-time red carpet photographer, I had the incredible opportunity to capture this special occasion for Shutterstock
Each winner had been chosen by fans, their performances resonating deeply with audiences. The breadth of talent was astounding, with winners spanning a diverse range of categories. Among these winners was Jessica Chastain, who took home the award for Favorite Leading Actress in a Play for her role in “A Doll’s House”.
The complete list of winners included:
Favorite New Musical: “Some Like It Hot”
Favorite New Play: “Peter Pan Goes Wrong”
Favorite Musical Revival: “Into the Woods”
Favorite Play Revival: “The Piano Lesson”
Favorite Long-Running Show: “Hamilton”
Favorite Tour: “Hamilton”
Favorite Performance of the Year (Musical): Sara Bareilles, “Into the Woods”
Favorite Performance of the Year (Play): Audra McDonald, “Ohio State Murders”
Favorite Leading Actor in a Musical: Josh Groban, “Sweeney Todd”
Favorite Leading Actress in a Musical: Annaleigh Ashford, “Sweeney Todd”
Favorite Leading Actor in a Play: Sean Hayes, “Good Night, Oscar”
Favorite Featured Actor in a Musical: Gavin Creel, “Into the Woods”
Favorite Featured Actress in a Musical: Phillipa Soo, “Into the Woods”
Favorite Featured Actor in a Play: Samuel L. Jackson, “The Piano Lesson”
Favorite Featured Actress in a Play: Danielle Brooks, “The Piano Lesson”
Favorite Diva Performance: Patina Miller, “Into the Woods”
Favorite Funny Performance: Annaleigh Ashford, “Sweeney Todd”
Favorite Onstage Pair: Annaleigh Ashford and Josh Groban, “Sweeney Todd”
Favorite Breakthrough Performance (Male) (Tie): Hiran Abeysekera, “Life of Pi” and Justin Cooley, “Kimberly Akimbo”
Favorite Breakthrough Performance (Female): Julia Lester, “Into the Woods”
Favorite Replacement (Male): Derek Klena, “Moulin Rouge! The Musical”
Favorite Replacement (Female): Lea Michele, “Funny Girl”
The atmosphere at the 48 Lounge was vibrant and warm. The talented actors and actresses radiated joy and friendliness. As I navigated the event, vying for the attention of these stars to capture the perfect shot, I was struck by the energy and camaraderie. Despite the exhaustion that comes with an evening of non-stop photography, the experience was incredibly rewarding.
The chance to document such a momentous occasion, to capture the joy and triumph of these talented performers, was a privilege. It was an evening of celebration, a testament to the power of theater, and a night I won't soon forget.
