'Theatre Has the Greatest Potential to Change People': Michael Arden On His Tony Win

At the Tony Awards, after the statues are given to the winners, they are taken to the media room, where they speak to journalists about their prizes. Playbill was able to have some one-on-one time with some of the 2023 Tony winners. We spoke with Michael Arden after winning the prize for Best Direction of a Musical for his work on the acclaimed revival of Alfred Uhry/Jason Robert Brown's Parade (which also won Best Revival of a Musical).

Watch the video above to see Arden react to winning, including why he thinks, "theatre has the greatest potential to change people, because you hold them captive." He also told Playbill: "That is how we combat hate and ignorance and all the things that are pulling us backwards. The empathy and love created in the theatre is unique, it's vital."

READ: How a Trip to Best Buy Inspired Michael Arden's Love for Parade

Arden began his Broadway career as an actor, playing Tom Sawyer in Roundabout and Deaf West Theatre's 2003 production of Big River and Coyote in the Twyla Tharp-directed The Times They Are A-Changin'. More recently, he played Aide to Cornwall in the Glenda Jackson-led 2019 Broadway revival of Shakespeare's King Lear. He previously earned Tony nominations for directing the revivals of Once On This Island and Spring Awakening. This season, Arden also directed A Christmas Carol starring Jefferson Mays.

For Playbill's complete coverage of the Tony Awards, visit Playbill.com/Tonys.