Tonys 2015: Larry David's curbed enthusiasm; Ruthie Ann Miles' 'King and iPhone' moment by Deborah Vankin

Like any of life's extreme events, awards shows bring out the best and worst in their players. Here are some of most memorable moments from the 69th Tony Awards:

Tonys 2015: 'Fun Home' wins best musical by Deborah Vankin

"Fun Home" snagged the top honor at the Tonys on Sunday for best musical. The production, based on Alison Bechdel's acclaimed graphic memoir, earned 12 nods and was considered a front-runner.

Tonys 2015: Alex Sharp wins best actor in a play by Deborah Vankin

Broadway first-timer Alex Sharp won the Tony Award for lead actor in a play Sunday night. The actor was considered a front-runner in the category for his role in "The Curious Incident of the…

Kirk Douglas Theatre's 2015-2016 season: 'Straight White Men,' Courtney Love by Deborah Vankin

What's the meaning of life? What's the point of economic privilege if it comes with an even steeper cost? What's life without salad?

Tony nominations 2015: Alison Bechdel on 'Fun Home's' moment by Deborah Vankin

Alison Bechdel's graphic coming-of-age memoir, "Fun Home," doesn't exactly seem the stuff of Broadway musicals. The book -- which has become a touchstone of gender identity since its 2006 pu…

South Coast Repertory gets second Time Warner grant to develop new work by Deborah Vankin

South Coast Repertory, known for its prolific commissioning of new works by both emerging and established writers, now has more firepower behind it.

Choreographer-dancer Claudia Lavista explores shifting identities at UCLA by Deborah Vankin

Claudia Lavista wears many hats. She is co-artistic director of Delfos Danza Contemporánea, one of Mexico's premier contemporary dance companies. She is also a leading choreographer, a wi…

The shows go on, despite snow, on Broadway by Deborah Vankin

The Great White Way is just that " white with fresh snow " from the massive snowstorm that hit New York, but after a dark Monday, most of Broadway's Tuesday night performances will go on as …

'Kinky Boots' creators Cyndi Lauper and Harvey Fierstein kick back by Deborah Vankin

Cyndi Lauper knows what she wants: good lighting. Harvey Fierstein knows what he wants too: "Whatever she wants," he said with a laugh.

Anthony Quinn 'Pope of Broadway' mural to get restored by Deborah Vankin

"The Pope of Broadway" will be getting a face-lift.

Andrea Martin is living in the moment these days by Deborah Vankin

Comedians may be known for their frenetic personalities, but as Andrea Martin descends the Santa Monica hotel staircase, she slowly takes in the foggy ocean view through a wall of glass. "Mm…

Deaf West Theatre makes Tony winner 'Spring Awakening' all its known by Deborah Vankin

Inside a theater among the warehouses of L.A.'s Arts District, an ensemble of actors in their early 20s scattered across a bare stage like billiard balls after the strike of a cue. Some prac…

'Lion King' becomes top ticket of all time by Deborah Vankin

"The Lion King" is now officially King of the Beasts on Broadway: The hit musical is the top-earning ticket of all time, the Associated Press reported Monday.

'Kinky Boots' a good fit for Cyndi Lauper, Harvey Fierstein by Deborah Vankin

Girls just wanna have fun. So do boys. And so do boys dressed as girls.

Noted choreographer William Forsythe to join USC School of Dance by Deborah Vankin

The USC Glorya Kaufman School of Dance is bringing on internationally renowned choreographer William Forsythe to join the faculty as a professor in fall 2015 " just in time to greet the new …

Liza Minnelli's wonderful life by Deborah Vankin

The Sunday Conversation: Liza Minnelli is taking her new stage show, 'Simply Liza,' on the road, including her Disney Hall debut. She dishes the new show, her love of Broadway, being a fan o…

For Albina Shagimuratova, opera is a special kind of love and madness by Deborah Vankin

Coloratura soprano Albina Shagimuratova, performing 'Lucia di Lammermoor' at the L.A. Opera, talks about a most demanding -- and 'beautiful' -- role.The sound of a woman descending into madn…

Sneak peek: Los Angeles Opera debuts rare glass harmonica for 'Lucia' by Deborah Vankin

Who knew the sound of insanity could be so beautiful?

Valley Performing Arts names Thor Steingraber executive director by Deborah Vankin

The 3-year-old Valley Performing Arts Center at Cal State Northridge — a growing local hub for live music, dance, drama and other cultural events — has named Thor Steingraber as …

LACMA to feature Comedy Central's Nick Kroll by Deborah Vankin

Zoe Kazan dips back into love for new play 'Trudy and Max' at SCR by Deborah Vankin

Zoe Kazan talks up the new play she's written, 'Trudy and Max in Love,' her talented family and her two loves, acting and writing.Stage and screen credits abound in Zoe Kazan's family &mdash…

Mystery guests give Second City's 'Twist Your Dickens!' an extra zing by Deborah Vankin

'It's a lot of fun and kind of surreal,' says Keegan-Michael Key, part of the guest lineup at the 'Christmas Carol' spoof at the Kirk Douglas Theatre.Despite his expressive elasticity as hal…

Taraji P. Henson to star in Pasadena Playhouse's 'Above the Fold' by Deborah Vankin

The Pasadena Playhouse announced Thursday that Academy Award nominee Taraji P. Henson (“The Curious Case of Benjamin Button”) will star in the world premiere of “Above the …

'Spider-Man' to swing to Las Vegas once it goes dark on Broadway by Deborah Vankin

The seemingly cursed musical “Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark” will be turning off its lights for good come January -- at least on Broadway.

'Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark' may be set for lights out on Broadway by Deborah Vankin

The seemingly cursed Broadway musical “Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark” will reportedly be turning off its lights for good come January.

L.A. Opera's unlikely — and unusual — 'The Magic Flute' by Deborah Vankin

Los Angeles Opera's 'The Magic Flute,' with live performance and animation, is decidedly nontraditional. Barrie Kosky is its contrary creative force.In a bare rehearsal space downtown at the…

L.A. Opera adds performance of 'Magic Flute' even before it opens by Deborah Vankin

Wallis Annenberg puts her own stamp on Southland's cultural scene by Deborah Vankin

Through a handful of ambitious public spaces, Wallis Annenberg has made her mark in Southern California.The star power under a tented ballroom enclosing a blocklong stretch of Beverly Hills'…

Audra McDonald curls up at home by Deborah Vankin

The singer-actress, headed to L.A. for a Saturday concert, talks about songs that connect her to family and to a fondly remembered past.Soprano Audra McDonald is clearing out junk — in…

Starry gala opens Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts by Deborah Vankin

The Hollywood elite turned out in droves for the inaugural gala of the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts on Thursday night in Beverly Hills. 

Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts set for grand opening by Deborah Vankin

The Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts will officially open its doors Thursday evening with a black-tie gala co-hosted by Robert Redford, Brad Pitt and  Jamie Tisch, as well …