This rule, according to a June 18 press statement, was approved this week by both the Tony Awards Administration and Management committees. Shows which were formerly considered eligible in the Special Theatrical Event category — if they meet the necessary Tony eligibility requirements — will be placed into eligibility in either the Best Play or Best Musical categories.

The Administration Committee will "retain its ability to award a Special Tony Award to productions or any element thereof, worthy of extraordinary recognition. Additionally, by eliminating the category of Special Theatrical Event, all elements of all productions will now be eligible for nomination in all the other creative categories, which was precluded for productions eligible as Special Theatrical Events under the prior rules," according to the statement.

Liza's at the Palace . . .!, starring Liza Minnelli, won the 2009 Tony Award for Best Special Theatrical Event.