57th Tony Awards

Harvey Fierstein, who performed with the cast of "Hairspray" during the 57th Annual Tony Awards Sunday, June 8, 2003, was later announced as best actor in a musical.

Out of costume, Harvey Fierstein poses with his Tony Award. "People say 'gay' and 'Hairspray.' The gayest thing about 'Hairspray' is all the men it took to write it," he quipped. "What happens if you put six gay men in a room and lock the door? You get a Broadway musical."

Marissa Jaret Winokur arrives at the 57th Annual Tony Awards at Radio City Music Hall. She was named best actress in a musical for her work in "Hairspray."

Antonio Banderas, nominated for best actor in a musical for "Nine: The Musical," and his wife, actress Melanie Griffith, arrive at the awards ceremony. Griffith is preparing to take over one of the starring roles in the Broadway show "Chicago," which is playing right across the street from "Nine."

Jane Krakowski accepts her Tony award for best featured actress in a musical for "Nine." Backstage, of her co-star, Antonio Banderas, who made his Broadway debut in the revival, she said, "He felt watched by all of us because he was such a gorgeous movie star. But as soon as he opened his mouth to sing, we knew we were in very good hands."

Vanessa Redgrave, left, and her sister Lynn pose for photographers at the Tony Awards Sunday, June 8, 2003 in New York. Vanessa Redgrave won a Tony for best actress in a play for "Long Day's Journey into Night."

Brian Dennehy was named best actor in a play for "Long Day's Journey into Night." He admitted backstage, "I didn't say anything about my fellow players. I'm such a schmuck. I thought Eddie Izzard was the man, and I didn't thank Vanessa Redgrave. Apologize to Vanessa for me. Well, we self-absorbed actors..." Dennehy also won the actor Tony in 1999 for "Death of a Salesman."

Russell Simmons unfolds his acceptance speech before accepting the Tony award for Best Special Theatrical Event for "Russell Simmons Def Poetry Jam on Broadway" as the cast of Simmon's production celebrate during the 57th Annual Tony Awards Sunday, June 8, 2003, at New York's Radio City Music Hall.

Featured actor in a musical winner Dick Latessa was asked how it felt to be the only straight guy to win a Tony Sunday. "How do you like that? I brought my wife and kids to prove it." The longtime musical thesp said, "It couldn't be a better time (to win). I'm not going crazy. I'll have a couple of drinks. It is perfect timing." In fact, he said, "It's renegotiation time," as "Hairspray" approaches the end of its first year on Broadway.

Scott Wittman, left, hugs Mark Shaiman as they accept the Tony award for best score for "Hairspray." Lyricist Wittman revealed backstage that he and Shaiman are "working on a musical version of 'Catch Me If You Can,' developing it as a musical, with Steven Spielberg."

Bernadette Peters arrives at the 57th Annual Tony Awards at Radio City Music Hall. The major production blanked at the awards was the revival of "Gypsy," which had four nominations. But, according to the Associated Press, the show - and its leading lady - had an undeniable moment of triumph in Peters' altogether electrifying performance of "Rose's Turn."

Billy Joel arrived at the awards show, flanked by his daughter, Alexa Ray Joel, left, and his girlfriend, Kate Lee. He said he is "thinking about doing another show. I have an idea for a book. I want it to be my idea. People have sent me ideas."

Billy Joel, right, and Stuart Malina accept the Tony award for best orchestrations for "Movin' Out" during the 57th Annual Tony Awards Sunday, June 8, 2003, at New York's Radio City Music Hall.

Matthew Broderick and his wife Sarah Jessica Parker are interviewed as they arrive at the 57th Annual Tony Awards at Radio City Music Hall.

Christopher Reeve and his wife Dana Reeve arrive at the 57th Annual Tony Awards at Radio City Music Hall, Sunday, June 8, 2003, in New York.