Glittering gems, wings of plumage, flowing trains, guyliner—the 2010 Tony Awards had it all, and we’re not talking about the costume category. Now that the winners have been announced and the parties have dispersed, we’re throwing the spotlight on one of the best parts of Broadway’s big night: the clothes, naturally. Despite some potentially disastrous weather (rain + white dresses = major CBS costume malfunction), the ladies and gents of the Rialto made it into Radio City in style, letting us catch a glimpse of how our favorite stars look once they’ve stepped out of costume. After much debate, we’ve selected our Top 5 for the 2010 Tonys—though a big round of applause goes out to anyone who can handle that slick step and repeat in stilettos.
1. Scarlett Johansson
Maybe it’s the years she’s spent being scrutinized on Hollywood red carpets (or a team of A-list stylists), but the clear winner in tonight’s Tony fashion race was newcomer Scarlett Johansson, who wooed us all in a deep emerald sequined construction by fashion staple Elie Saab. ScarJo highlighted a perfect figure with a plunging neck and back, exchanging conservative character Catherine’s mousy locks for an uber-glam backcombed updo and fierce, smoky eyes. Forget the Bridge. This is one ensemble you’d want to view from pretty much anywhere.
2. Maria Dizzia
In the Next Room, or The Vibrator Play’s Maria Dizzia made her Broadway debut this season as an uptight (no, seriously—corset, petticoats, buttons…the works) housewife laced head to toe in hysterical neurosis. For her first walk down the red carpet as a nominee, Dizzia stripped off the drama, letting her hair down into a cascade of loose locks that paired perfectly with a form-fitting Karen Millen confection of fluttering tiers. A fitted bodice showcased the rising star’s petite frame with sophistication, while the surprising ash-gray tone set her apart from the night’s pack of primary hues. Hats off to Dizzia for demonstrating how an understated approach can still get the crowd buzzing.
3. Kristin Chenoweth
Not everyone can pull off a textured, bejeweled micro-mini in eye-popping white on a rainy day—but Kristin Chenoweth certainly can, as she demonstrated with confidence both on the red carpet and during onstage pratfalls opposite Promises Promises co-star and telecast host Sean Hayes. The pint-sized powerhouse’s Tony Ward Couture creation could have been more Vegas than va-va-voom, but fortunately this star had the sense to pare down the rest of the look, limiting the jewelry to sensible drop earrings and one oversized bauble on her right hand. We “Say a Little Prayer” for everyone to have such fashion savvy when strutting their stuff for the masses.
4. Angela Lansbury
It’s not easy to out-rouge the red carpet itself, but five-time Tony Award winner and A Little Night Music nominee Angela Lansbury, clad in Carmen Marc Valvo, managed to do it—at 84, no less. Age-appropriate sleeves, flattering draping, a simple brooch and a classic black bag were all it took for this grand dame of the stage to outshine starlets a quarter of her age, but what really put Lansbury over the edge and into the winner’s circle was that perfect shade of Russian red, which seems to light the star from the inside out. May Lansbury’s timeless class and style serve as a lesson for the next generation of Broadway legends.
5. Montego Glover
Montego Glover grabbed Broadway’s attention this season as newly anointed Best Musical Memphis’ reigning siren, then kept all eyes trained on her as she sashayed past the Tony cameras in a perfectly tailored Max Azria gown. Geometrically assembled from fluttering candy-apple cubes and finished with delicate mermaid tiers, the rosy column proudly declared: “I’m here, and not going anywhere.” Simple hair, classic make-up and one seriously sexy statement cuff only underscored Glover’s eleven o’clock fashion number. Forget the “Radio.” This girl’s got a face—and body—we expect to see on stage and screen on the regular.