Family of another sort was lauded by Oskar Eustis, head of the Public Theater, whose production of "Hair" won the musical revival prize. He thanked everyone associated with iconic "Hair," its origins in the 1960s and the revival cast: "These 32 most beautiful beasts of the forests, who not only know what hair stands for but live it every day. ... Peace now, freedom now, equality now."

The show's main competition for revival, "West Side Story," managed to snare one prize — for Karen Olivo's fiery performance of Anita.

One of the more heartfelt ovations of the evening was given to Lansbury.

"Who knew that (at) this time in my life that I should be presented with this lovely, lovely award," the 83-year-old actress said. "I feel deeply grateful."

She later returned to the stage of Radio City Music Hall to present a lifetime achievement award to composer Jerry Herman, who wrote "Mame," the musical that won Lansbury her first Tony.

"Did you know that I was born on this street and my mother thought there was something special that her hospital room had a great view of the Winter Garden marquee," said Herman, who also composed the scores for "Hello, Dolly!" and "La Cage aux Folles."

"Well, here I am 77 years later, still on 50th Street but enjoying the ultimate moment of my life."

Family was also evoked by Roger Robinson, a feature-actor winner for his performance in the revival of August Wilson's "Joe Turner's Come and Gone."

"It has taken me 46 years to come from that seat, up these steps, to this microphone," said Robinson, who thanked his mother in Bellevue, Wash., "who's 98 years old ... who encouraged me and raised seven children single-handedly."

And Liza Minnelli championed her parents — Judy Garland and Vincente Minnelli — when her "Liza's at The Palace" took the special theatrical event prize.

"This is exquisite," Minnelli said, asking for a list of people to thank because she didn't think she was going to win. "Lastly, I want to thank my parents and the greatest gift they ever gave me, Kay Thompson," her godmother. Minnelli recreated part of Thompson's club act as part of her Palace entertainment.

The awards show, televised by CBS, opened with a dizzying, exuberant montage of the season's musicals, starting with "Billy Elliot" (and Elton John at the piano). It then worked its way through other shows including "West Side Story," "Guys and Dolls," "Rock of Ages," Dolly Parton with performers from "9 to 5," Liza Minnelli, the cast of "Hair" and finally a stage-filling rendition of "Let the Sun Shine In" with all the casts.

Bret Michaels bumped into a set after cavorting in the "Rock of Ages" number with his band Poison, and was slightly injured.

The huge opening was a number that the show's host, Neil Patrick Harris called "the biggest and most expensive in the history of the Tonys. "And that is why I an your host tonight — I am on TV," said the charming, self-deprecating Harris.

(China Daily/Agencies June 9, 2009)