Why isn't there a Tony for...

Because the play is the book.

In my case, self-absorption is completely justified.

What do you mean?

At the Tonys, the author of the play wins the Tony along with the producers. I, too, have been wondering why don't they have a separate category for Best Writing of a Play for just the authors.

At the 19th Annual Tony Awards, given on June 13, 1965, there was a "Best Play" category, a "Best Producer (Dramatic)" category, and a "Best Author (Dramatic)" category.

Best Play

The Subject Was Roses by Frank Gilroy
Luv by Murray Schisgal
The Odd Couple by Neil Simon
Tiny Alice by Edward Albee


Best Producer (Dramatic)

Claire Nichtern, Luv
Hume Cronyn, Allen Hogdon Inc., Stevens Productions Inc. and Bonfils-Seawell Enterprises, Slow Dance on the Killing Ground
Theatre 1965, Richard Barr and Clinton Wilder, Tiny Alice
Robert Whitehead, Tartuffe


Best Author (Dramatic)

Neil Simon, The Odd Couple
Edward Albee, Tiny Alice
Frank Gilroy, The Subject Was Roses
Murray Schisgal, Luv

The musical categories had similar divisions:

Best Musical

Fiddler on the Roof
Golden Boy
Half a Sixpence
Oh, What a Lovely War!


Best Producer (Musical)

Harold Prince, Fiddler on the Roof
Allen-Hodgdon, Stevens Productions Inc. and Harold Fielding, Half a Sixpence
Hillard Elkins, Golden Boy
David Merrick, The Roar of the Greasepaint – The Smell of the Crowd


Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

Fiddler on the Roof, Jerry Bock (music) and Sheldon Harnick (lyrics)
The Roar of the Greasepaint – The Smell of the Crowd, Anthony Newley (music) and Leslie Bricusse (lyrics)
Half a Sixpence, David Heneker (music and lyrics)
Do I Hear a Waltz?, Richard Rodgers (music) and Stephen Sondheim (lyrics)


Best Author (Musical)

Joseph Stein, Fiddler on the Roof
Jerome Coopersmith, Baker Street
Beverly Cross, Half a Sixpence
Sidney Michaels, Ben Franklin in Paris

I suspect that people were confused by this.


I don't know if it's "really wacky," but your French is coming along.

I have edited my post, which may have been a little confusing itself.


I don't know if it's "really wacky," but your French is coming along.