'Come From Away,' 'The Inheritance' score at Olivier Awards

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"The Inheritance," an epic drama about gay lives in New York, and musicals "Come From Away" and "Company" were the big winners at British theater's Olivier Awards on Sunday, receiving four trophies apiece.

"Come From Away," inspired by a small Canadian town that sheltered thousands of stranded airline passengers after the 9/11 attacks, was named best new musical at Britain's equivalent of Broadway's Tony Awards. The play also took trophies for sound, outstanding achievement in music and choreography.

Choreographer Kelly Devine dedicated the award in her category to the people of Gander, Newfoundland who in real life "effortlessly showed the world how easy it is to be kind."

The award for best musical revival went to a production of Stephen Sondheim's "Company" that gender-swapped the lead role of a commitment-shy New York singleton and turned the usually male Bobby character into Bobbie.

The Duchess of Cornwall talks to Kyle Soller(R), winner of the best actor award, after attending the Olivier Awards at the Royal Albert Hall in London. /VCG Photo

Director Marianne Elliott attributed the show's success partly to "a wind of change blowing in the industry, where celebrating female stories is not only possible, but absolutely vital."

"The Inheritance," Matthew Lopez's drama about young gay men living in New York a generation after the AIDS crisis was declared best new play.

"The Inheritance" also took prizes for lighting and for Stephen Daldry's direction, while star Kyle Soller beat rivals to be garlanded best actor in a play.

Spanish-British actress Patsy Ferran was crowned best actress in a play as a woman consumed by love in Tennessee Williams' smoldering "Summer and Smoke."

Founded in 1976, the Olivier Awards honor achievements in London theater, musicals, dance and opera. Winners in most categories are chosen by a panel of stage professionals and theatergoers.

(Cover: Kyle Soller(L) with the award for Best Actor and Patsy Ferran with the award for Best Actress during The Olivier Awards with Mastercard at the Royal Albert Hall in London, England, April 07, 2019. /VCG Photo)

Source(s): AP