Rex Reed, Liza MinnelliBilly Elliot the Musical, based on the film, and with music by Elton John was the big winner at the 54thAnnual Drama Desk Awards winning 10 awards including Outstanding Musical at the ceremony hosted by Harvey Fierstien and produced by Robert Blume in association with TheaterManina.com. Pulitzer Prize winning playwright Lynn Nottage’s play Ruined was named outstanding play. Liza Minnelli, a beloved theater icon, was given a special award for her enduring career and her hit show this season Liza’s at the Palace. Another legend Angela Lansbury took an award for outstanding featured actress in a play for her work as Madame Acati in the revival of Noel Coward’s Blithe Spirit.

Photography: Barry Gordin

The 2009 Drama Desk Award Winners

Outstanding Play: Patrick Christiano, Lynn Nottage
Ruined by Lynn Nottage

Outstanding Actress in a Play:
Janet McTeer (Mary Stuart)Robert Blume, Haydn Gwynne

Outstanding Actor in a Musical:
Brian d'Arcy James (Shrek The Musical)

Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical:
Gregory Jbara (Billy Elliot The Musical)

Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical: Pablo Schreiber
Haydn Gwynne (Billy Elliot The Musical)

Outstanding Music:
Elton John (Billy Elliot The Musical)

Outstanding Lyrics: David Korins
Stephen Sondheim (Road Show)

Outstanding Costume Design: Allison Janney
Tim Hatley (Shrek The Musical))

Outstanding Solo Performance:
Lorenzo Pisoni (Humor Abuse)

Outstanding Lighting Design in a Musical:
Rick Fisher (Billy Elliot The Musical)

Unique Theatrical Experience:
Celebrity Autobiography: In Their Own Words

In addition, the following non-competitive awards were presented:

Outstanding Ensemble Performances:

The cast of The Norman Conquests
The cast of The Cripple of Inishmaan

To Liza Minnelli, a beloved American musical theater icon, for her enduring career of sustained excellence, and her glorious performance in
Liza's at the Palace.

Phillip GeorgeTo Forbidden Broadway at the end of its nearly three decade run and the creators, casts and designers who made it an unparalleled New York institution cherished for its satire and celebration of Broadway.

To TADA! Youth Theater for providing an invaluable contribution to the future of the theater. The company makes outstanding training and experience accessible and affordable to young people and mounts productions remarkable for their quality and professionalism.
Henry Hodges, Nicki BlonskyGeoffrey Rush, Janet McTeerRex Reed, Liza MinnelliRandie Levine-Miller, Emanuel Verstrauten, Edith & Ervin DrakeJulie Halston, Harvey FiersteinIsa Goldberg, Jim & Julie DaleHaydn Gwynne, Janet McTeer, Brian d'Arcy JamesRobert Blume, Scott & Barbara Siegel, Edith & Ervin Drake, Mathew DonoghueAndre De Shields, Patrick ChristianoLillian & William WolfStockard ChanningLynn Nottage, Diane PaulusRandie Levine-Miller, Nicki BlonskyMegan Hilty, Jame deRoyBunny Dell, Raul EsparzaGregory Jbara, Haydn GwynneJane FondaStephen Daldry, John LithgowScott & Barbara SiegelEllis Nassour, Tsidii LeLokaIsa Goldberg, Nanette Shaw