Snook Secures Tony for Stunning One-Woman Show

Australian Star Captivates Broadway in The Picture of Dorian Gray

Sarah Snook’s remarkable performance in The Picture of Dorian Gray has earned her a Tony Award, solidifying the Australian actor’s breakout success on Broadway and marking a high point in solo theatrical achievements.

A Triumph for Solo Performance

Accepting the award, Snook expressed gratitude, stating “This means so much for a little Australian girl,” and acknowledged her husband’s support in balancing family life during the production. This win follows her earlier Olivier Award for the same role in London’s West End, demonstrating the show’s international appeal.

The production, directed by Kip Williams, initially premiered in Australia in 2020 with Erin-Jean Norvill in the lead role, garnering critical acclaim before transferring to both London and New York. Snook’s interpretation of all 26 characters in Oscar Wilde’s classic has resonated deeply with audiences and critics alike.

“When I left The Picture of Dorian Gray all those weeks ago, I said to whoever would listen on Eighth Avenue that they might as well start engraving Sarah Snook’s Tony right then and there. I will claim this one for my clairvoyant skills.”

—Elisabeth Vincentelli, New York Times Critic

The play explores themes of identity and perception, as Snook herself explained to the New York Times: “It’s about concealing and revealing, putting on masks, taking off masks. It’s about having your soul be seen.” The success of The Picture of Dorian Gray comes as solo theatrical performances are gaining traction; a 2024 study by the National Endowment for the Arts found that attendance at solo performance events increased by 15% between 2019 and 2023. (Arts.gov)

Creative Team Honored

While Snook’s performance was the centerpiece, the production also saw recognition for Melbourne-based costume designer Marg Horwell, who won in the costume design category. The show received a total of six Tony nominations, including one for Williams as best director, but did not win in the lighting, sound, or scenic design categories.

Williams is now preparing to bring another ambitious one-person show to the West End: a production of Dracula starring Cynthia Erivo, who will portray all 23 characters. This continues a trend of innovative, actor-focused theatrical experiences gaining prominence on both sides of the Atlantic.