At the 78th Annual Tony Awards, Playbill entrusted disposable cameras to cast members from Buena Vista Social Club, Dead Outlaw, Death Becomes Her, Floyd Collins, Gypsy, John Proctor is the Villain, Maybe Happy Ending, Oh, Mary!, and Operation Mincemeat. Each of them captured a photo album full of Broadway magic, and plenty of moments that you wouldn’t find on the broadcast.

Follow these Broadway stars during their busy Tony day, which included Tony Awards dress rehearsals, performing an afternoon matinee, changing into their Tonys outfit, changing back into their costumes to perform during the telecast, and then changing (again) into their party outfits.

Check out each of their photo galleries below, plus reflections on the awards from Tony nominees Conrad Ricamora, Julia Knitel, Kimberly Belflower, Natasha Hodgson, and more!

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"When I Grow Up" (Photos by Oh, Mary!'s Conrad Ricamora)

Tell us how your Tonys Sunday went.
Conrad Ricamora: The day started by waking up early in the morning and watching one of the most thrilling grand slam finals I’ve ever seen for the French Open. It was a five-hour match so it took up most of the day. I then took a long bath to just relax, and we made our way to Radio City. We took pictures and then had a drink at Pebble Bar. Then went to the ceremony. Afterwards, we went to three after parties and ended the night at 5 AM when the sun was just starting to come up. It’s a night I’ll never forget.

It’s a really long day. What helped you get through it?
My husband helped me through all of the logistics of the long day.

What was your top favorite memory from that day?
My favorite memory was just sitting with my parents inside Radio City Music Hall and thinking about how far we have come.

Any surprising star sightings?
It’s always amazing to see Oprah, anytime, any place.

Did you have any near-catastrophes or surprises?
Cynthia Erivo‘s after-party was so fun!

What was your go-to drink at the afterparty?
Champagne followed by water.

What would you name this photo album (think Facebook via 2012. It can be a song lyric, a pun, etc)
"When I Grow Up" by the Pussycat Dolls

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"Hey Now, hey Now, This is What Dreammsssss are Made of ✨" (Photos by Dead Outlaw's Julia Knitel)

Tell us how your Tonys Sunday went.
Julia Knitel:  I was up at the crack of dawn, and had a big breakfast before heading to the dress rehearsal. We walked into Radio City as Floyd Collins was running their number, and in that very moment, it all hit me. I was going to be at the Tonys. As a first-time nominee. For a role I’ve originated, in a brilliant, singular, innovative show that I couldn’t be more in love with. So I started sobbing and couldn’t pull myself together for...the rest of the day? It’s like all the hard work, all the joy, all the magic hit me for the first time. It was a really beautiful way to start my day, and sent me on a really good path of gratitude and being in the moment. 

Then I went home (we did 16 shows in a row with no day off so we could have Sunday off!!) where my incredible glam team was waiting with my stylist to get me ready! I had my family there to keep me calm & have some snacks, and two of my best friends (Jake and Amanda of Sub/Urban Photography) to help document the day. Then it was time to head to the red carpet. I ran into so many friends, old & new, inside before finding my seat and getting ready for the show to start. I cried my eyes out at the opening number (approximately cry number 2797 of the day) and just couldn’t believe I was sitting at the Tonys. Seated next to me, my mom cried maybe even more times than I did. 

Then, after my category (no one warns you how nervous you will feel when they call your name!!) it was time to get into costume and be reunited with my Dead Outlaw people before our performance! Which we crushed. Come see Dead Outlaw. Then, once the show was over, I party hopped until the wee hours and finally made it to bed by 5:30. Exhausted and I..still can’t feel my toes! But what a truly magical, unforgettable, perfect day.

It’s a really long day. What helped you get through it?
Staying in the moment and really focusing on the immense gratitude I feel. There were so many people supporting me on Sunday, sending sweet texts, watching from home, or running down to find me at my seat in Radio City. I could feel all of them cheering me on and being so proud of me just for being nominated. It was really beautiful (and was one of the many many things that made me cry that day!!)

What was your top favorite memory from that day?
I have two. One was getting to see my cast, crew, and band before our performance. It was like I hadn’t seen them in YEARS. We have the most incredible company of people over at the Longacre Theatre, and getting to share this magical day together is something I’ll never forget.

The second: Francis Jue is married to one of the producers of Come From Away (a show I did for nearly four years), Randy Adams. When Francis won, I leapt to my feet—he is so deserving and just the kindest soul. Allllll the way across the orchestra, I suddenly locked eyes with Randy, who had (of course) also leapt to his feet—and we both hopped up and down and waved and cheered. Getting to share in that joy with him for a brief moment, to see the tears and the excitement on his face as his husband won his first Tony—I’m still smiling just thinking about it!!

Any surprising star sightings?
Living legend and new friend Richard Kind at around 3 am at the Carlyle. I also circled with Jean Smart a few times, but was too star-struck to say hello.

Did you have any near-catastrophes or surprises?
Yes!! I almost left this camera backstage after our performance!!

What was your go-to drink at the afterparty?
I’ve been avoiding alcohol to stay healthy for the opening-straight-into-Tonys madness, but I couldn’t resist a glass of champagne at the Carlyle!

What would you name this photo album (think Facebook via 2012. It can be a song lyric, a pun, etc)
"Hey now, hey now, this is what dreammsssss are made of ✨"

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“Did you imagine we’d ever make it this far? Here we are!” (Photos by Maybe Happy Ending's Dez Duron)

Tell us how your Tonys Sunday went.
Dez Duron: I woke up at 8 am and jogged about 2 miles through Central Park and Times Square to the Belasco Theatre. The building was already buzzing as we got dressed and headed to Radio City. Seeing the other casts and watching some perform made me feel a part of something so grand and wonderful. Then a nap. The matinee had an incredible energy of anticipation. Then another nap.

The night began watching our show win three Tonys, so by the time we got dressed to perform, we were already elated! Then it was a deluge of joy as Michael Arden won Best Director, Darren Criss Best Lead Actor, and then the big one! [Ed note: Maybe Happy Ending won Best Musical.] Tears and laughter were abundant, and I just wanted to hug everyone and tell everyone thank you. An overwhelming wave of gratitude carried me through the rest of the night.

No matter how Sunday went, I would have been so grateful for the last five years of being attached to this musical. It has changed me and enriched my life so deeply. However, I’m really glad it went the way it did. What an absolute dream come true.

It’s a really long day. What helped you get through it?
Naps before and after the matinee helped. The energy was so high it really carried us all through the night!

What was your top favorite memory from that day?
My favorite memory was when we won Best Musical at the end of the night. I can't explain the feeling that hit me so suddenly and so intensely. Then to feel it multiply with every embrace of the people I get to share this show with was nothing short of magical.

Any surprising star sightings?
Marcus and I were backstage right when they were about to announce Best Musical. Oprah and Nicole Scherzinger were in the entrance taking pics after her big win. I never thought I’d be that close to Oprah! I love Oprah!  But surprisingly, the only thing I could think was, “Please get out of the way in time. I wanna hug my MHE family!”

Did you have any near-catastrophes or surprises?
Everything went really smoothly. We felt so supported. Our stage management, wardrobe, and hair teams are so incredible. I don’t think there was even a moment I didn’t know what I was doing… And I never know what I’m doing.

What was your go-to drink at the afterparty?
Started with Whiskey and Coca Cola for some caffeine then on to just straight Johnny Walker Blue.

What would you name this photo album (think Facebook via 2012. It can be a song lyric, a pun, etc)
“Did you imagine we’d ever make it this far? Here we are!” I think that really encompasses our whole journey. We held on to each other and loved the work, and it’s turned out better than we hoped for.

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"Moo Cow ’25" (Photos by Gypsy's Jordan Tyson)

Tell us how your Tonys Sunday went.
Jordan Tyson: Woke up at 9 am to warm up, eat breakfast, and get to the theatre for our 1 PM matinee. Chit-chatted with my friend Shanel [Bailey], who went on as Louise that afternoon. Lucky me that I’m done before Act 2—I ran off stage, showered, and headed over to the left tower of our building so I could hang out with the inimitable [actor] Brandon Burks. Bowed, came back to finish hair and glam while having a throwback music sesh with Brandon and [actor] Kevin Csolak, who kindly then walked me to Radio City! I walked the red carpet, met up with Joy [Woods], did a few interviews, and then sat for the show. I loved Harvey Fierstein’s speech; it was really moving. Throughout the whole show, Joy and I were poking fun at Danny [Burstein] across the aisle, as we usually do.

Show was over, so I headed to party with the Gypsy cast and fangirl over Audra [McDonald], which never gets old. Then we rolled up to Darren Criss’ party, and that’s where I got to see soooo many amazing friends who were celebrating that night. A few margs were had. Much fun and much love was shared. FIN.

It’s a really long day. What helped you get through it?
Just spending time with my cast members throughout the show… we had so much fun getting our outfits and glam ready.

What was your top favorite memory from that day?
Honestly, seeing the Hamilton 10-year anniversary performance was amazing… That show was a huge impetus to me pursuing all of this, and that night, I was finally in the room where it happens. ;)

Also hanging with my Gypsy fam immediately post-Tonys made my little heart burst.

Any surprising star sightings?
I’m always in awe when I see Oprah. And I was finally able to give Lizzy McAlpine my adoration in person. Love. Her.

Did you have any near-catastrophes or surprises?
No, thank the lord. I did love making a stop with Joy to get her a pair of NYC flip flops from a souvenir shop when her feet were hurting, though.

What was your go-to drink at the afterparty?
Margaritas. I mean, what drink would go better with my dress?

What would you name this photo album (think Facebook via 2012. It can be a song lyric, a pun, etc)
Moo Cow ’25

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"Hey now, hey now, this is what dreams are made of" (Photos by John Proctor is the Villain's Kimberly Belflower)

Tell us how your Tonys Sunday went.
Kimberly Belflower: [Director Danya Taymor] and I decided to live our biggest Eloise dreams and get rooms at the Plaza (if not for THE FREAKING TONYS, when?!!). I spent the night there on Saturday and woke up at 9 am to the front desk letting me know that Blake Daniel, my date and best friend, had arrived. We had a big breakfast, FaceTimed with my boyfriend Dan, and I took a nice bath to shave my legs and have a quiet moment—which was of course disrupted when I dropped my phone in the tub and screamed. My amazing hair and makeup artist, Em Katz, arrived around 12:30 pm to start getting me ready, and after being derailed by a parade that shut down 5th Avenue, Danya arrived and started getting ready with her hair and makeup people as well. Lorde and Taylor Swift underscored everything. Gabe Ebert joined us after the JPITV matinee, and we all left for Radio City around 4 pm.

The red carpet into the ceremony feels like a blurry dream. I remember being emotional in red carpet interviews about my teenage self, and feeling her with me so much. I felt gorgeous in my custom Kelsey Randall (icon) dress. I got to hug fellow Best Play nominees Sanaz Toossi and Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, who are both perfect people, before the ceremony started. 

We ran into the whole JPITV cast in the lobby and did lots of squealing and hugging. I cried during Harvey Fierstein's and Celia Keenan-Bolger's speeches. I squeezed Blake's hand a lot. I lost my mind at all the performances. I kept reminding myself: look at where you are. The Tonys aren't the end-all-be-all, of course, but they've been a seemingly impossible dream for so long. I really tried to be present and take it all in. Then I did what I haven't done in probably a decade and stayed up until 6 am. From the official after-party at MoMA to the JPITV rooftop party to the Carlyle, then finally back to the Plaza for some 5 am room service and silly sweetness with Blake and Danya and Gabe, and Josh Sharp. A perfect night.

It’s a really long day. What helped you get through it?
My best friend, Blake Daniel. We grew up down the street from each other and did high school theatre together and were NYC roommates in our 20s. We got ready with Danya Taymor and Gabriel Ebert, which was so fun and sweet. Throughout the day, Blake was amazing at thinking of everything I'd need to feel calm and comfortable. From making sure I ate, to running errands for me, to packing snacks and emergency supplies (Advil, band-aids, oil-blotting sheets, etc) for the ceremony, he was my no. 1 support.

What was your top favorite memory from that day?
There was a moment in the wee hours of the morning at the Carlyle when Danya was sitting on my lap and Sadie Sink had her legs up on Danya's lap, and I felt like I zoomed out of my body to recognize, like, "Wow, the journey to this moment started with the three of us connecting about this play two years ago, and we really did it. We're here." I love them both so deeply.

Any surprising star sightings?
I thought I'd missed Cole Escola for the night; I hadn't seen them at the ceremony or any of the parties. Then, as I was leaving the Carlyle at 4:30 am, we ran into each other in the lobby. I've known Cole through mutual friends for years, and have admired their work for years before that. They've always been the biggest star in every room to me. It was so special to end the night with hands clasped, freaking out together about this huge dream we just lived.

Did you have any near-catastrophes or surprises?
I started my period immediately upon waking for the day, which was, of course, thrilling.

What was your go-to drink at the afterparty?
Dirty gin martini!!

What would you name this photo album (think Facebook via 2012. It can be a song lyric, a pun, etc)
"~*Hey now, hey now, this is what dreams are made of*~

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“A Dream Is A Wish Your Heart Makes" (Photos by Death Becomes Her's Taurean Everett)

Tell us how your Tonys Sunday went.
Taurean Everett: Okay. So, alarm goes off at seven, and I start downtown to put in my eight hours for the powers that have always been. I arrive at the theatre, have a bagel (they do feed the birds), and before I put on my makeup, I say a little prayer. I get into a Paul Tazewell costume, and we get on the magic bus that takes us to Radio City Music Hall. We arrive and prepare for a filmed dress rehearsal (in the event something goes wrong in the telecast), all of us thinking to ourselves, “God, I hope I get it (right).” We perform the number that we ALL know is “FOR THE GAZE,” exit the stage, then take as many photos as we can-can-can before we board the bus back to the theatre to go back home to where the folks are broke.

After a sensible meal and a nap, I get dressed in my strongest suit (because I believe in looking like my time on earth is cooking)... I call a car, arrive at Radio City, and sit with two of my beautiful castmates. We enjoy the telecast, then get called back to change into our Tony Award-winning costumes. We are then ushered backstage where Cynthia Erivo sashays past us giving us drama, honey, and Oprah casually pops in to say hello. We do our best to warm up and stretch before we are shot out of a cannon and are performing live to the world. The performance is a blur. We hear the confetti pop and it’s all over. We all eventually make our way to TAO restaurant, where everyone is ready to have a wild, wild party. Everyone is living to serve, and there are 10s across the board. Love, Celebration, Merriment, Photos, Connection, and Fun are what’s present in the room. They kick us out, we all go home…then show up for the Tuesday evening show looking like the potion actually worked. A Tony Sunday. That’s all, folks.

It’s a really long day. What helped you get through it?
It’s not every day that one gets to perform live on national television, for the Tony Awards, in a 10-time nominated hit Broadway show. That alone provides enough adrenaline and excitement to last 16 hours. But what really helped me get through it was support from friends and family, remembering that I’ve always dreamed of this moment, and taking a good, healthy NAP between dress rehearsal and the telecast.

What was your top favorite memory from that day?
Top fave memory was watching the cast members who were making their Tony Award performance debut take it all in! It’s so special, and I remember the feeling, so it was fun to watch it all come true for them!

Any surprising star sightings?
Oprah stopped and greeted members of our cast. How much more special could it possibly get?

Did you have any near-catastrophes or surprises?
No near-catastrophes, but I will say hearing the music was quite difficult considering how large Radio City Music Hall is, and navigating spacing on a curved stage was a new obstacle. We really had to listen and keep time and spacing with each other in an unfamiliar space. Most people don’t know how much we use our peripheral vision while performing, but we work as a team and pulled it off successfully!

What was your go-to drink at the afterparty?
I fancied a sensible Cosmopolitan. It’s summery, refreshing, and I enjoyed the pink color of the drink against my black tuxedo.

What would you name this photo album (think Facebook via 2012. It can be a song lyric, a pun, etc)
I would name the photo album “A Dream Is A Wish Your Heart Makes.” (Except I’m wide awake and making it happen, honey!)

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"I Forgot To Take More Pictures So This Is All You Get, Sorry" (Photos by Floyd Collins's Lizzy McAlpine)

Tell us how your Tonys Sunday went.
Lizzy McAlpine: It was all a blur honestly. Did the dress rehearsal in the morning and got to see so many friends and icons, the matinee was crazy and felt like it lasted five hours. We all crowded in the hallways to watch the live-stream and see the awards. And then we crammed on the bus, waited in a stairwell, performed, and then went back to the theatre to change! Partied at PJ Clarkes and then hit some more parties and ended in bed at 4 AM. Crazy day.

It’s a really long day. What helped you get through it?
My friends and GoMacro protein bars.

What was your top favorite memory from that day?
Standing in the wings after we sang the opening of our number, watching Jeremy sing "The Call." We were all like proud mothers.

Any surprising star sightings?
The entire cast of Hamilton.

Did you have any near-catastrophes or surprises?
I almost had a panic attack before we started getting ready for the performance but I cried and hugged Jason and then everything was okay.

What was your go-to drink at the afterparty?
Cranberry seltzer.

What would you name this photo album (think Facebook via 2012. It can be a song lyric, a pun, etc)
I Forgot To Take More Pictures So This Is All You Get, Sorry.

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"Con Ritmo, Con Clave, Con 5 TONYS" (Photos by Buena Vista Social Club's Da'Von T. Moody)

Tell us how your Tonys Sunday went.
Da'Von T. Moody: Up before the alarm,
heart already humming
The day had begun before the sun did.
At the theatre, a table of warmth —
breakfast shared by cast, crew, and song.
Fuel for the road ahead.
Then time moved quick.
Costumes, buses,
Radio City rising like a dream.
Inside: movement, murmur, momentum.
Rehearsal comes and goes
like a breath held, then released.
Back we go —
one show before the show.
The matinee flies,
lifted by what’s to come.
Curtain falls.
We change.
We gather.
And then —
The lights rise.
The stage opens.
Radio City glows before us.
A moment etched in memory,
forever bright.
We weren’t at the ceremony,
but the celebration found us.
The Buena Vista family —
united, proud,
dancing in the joy of a story well told.

It’s a really long day. What helped you get through it?
Coffee, a nap and anticipation and adrenaline.

What was your top favorite memory from that day?
My favorite memory is after the ceremony when we finally all got to be together to celebrate. We were kind of separated all day so to bring the night to a close celebrating everyone was special.

Any surprising star sightings?
Oh for sure; Oprah, Katie Holmes, Brian Stokes Mitchel, and the casts of Death Becomes Her and Just in Time all while waiting for our performance backstage.

Did you have any near-catastrophes or surprises?
As far as I know everything was pretty smooth! I dont have any near misses to report!

What was your go-to drink at the afterparty?
Oh whenever I’m in a tux, I live my 007 dreams and drink a vesper martini. Shaken, double strained with a twist. ;)

What would you name this photo album (think Facebook via 2012. It can be a song lyric, a pun, etc)
Con Ritmo, Con Clave, Con 5 TONYS

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"Girls Who Are Boys Who Are Girls Who Are Boys" (Photos by Operation Mincemeat's Natasha Hodgson)

Tell us how your Tonys Sunday went.
Natasha Hodgson: The tracking of Allison Janney started at daybreak. I sent my scouts to Radio City as I readied myself to perform, but I think I was betrayed, for no intel made it back. As we rapidly sluiced ourselves post-show, I raged against the walls of the Golden Theatre, “WHERE IS JANNEY?? WHERE IS SHE?” My attendants’ eyes slid to the side. Nothing. I would have to attempt this myself.

Amid the celebration and revelry, my head pounded, I answered questions and waved and smiled, but my heart was sharpened steel. This was my chance. Lin-Manuel Miranda, Oprah, Samuel L. Jackson, all met my gaze and hardened their glances. They would not spill their secrets, they would not give up their queen. As I turned myself back into a military man and sang of war on that global stage, I scanned the crowd. Surely this could not all be in vain. But I had underestimated her. A fatal mistake. My eyes locked with my old ally, George Clooney. He shook his head, almost imperceptibly. It would not be today. Janney, I know you are reading this. You cannot evade me forever.

It’s a really long day. What helped you get through it?
The absolute assurance that by the end of this day, I would not have to read or speak the word “gala” for at least one calendar year.

What was your top favorite memory from that day?
Walking off the stage at Radio City after we performed “Born To Lead” from Operation Mincemeat: A New Musical for nearly five million people (one of those people being Keanu Reeves) and collapsing into a heap of limbs with my best friends, all our sweat becoming one single sweat.

Any surprising star sightings?
I heard that Allison Janney was in the building. I love her. She is perfection. I searched for her but she evaded me. She will not be so lucky again.

Did you have any near-catastrophes or surprises?
Because we did a matinee, we were frantically running behind. We sprinted into the auditorium of Radio City as the winner for Best Book was being announced—thank god it wasn’t us.

What was your go-to drink at the afterparty?
The tears of my many enemies.

What would you name this photo album (think Facebook via 2012. It can be a song lyric, a pun, etc)
Girls Who Are Boys Who Are Girls Who Are Boys