[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 91 (Thursday, June 12, 2014)]
[Senate]
[Page S3662]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   CONNECTICUT'S AWARD-WINNING TALENT

 Mr. MURPHY. Madam President, we have a lot to be proud of in 
my home State of Connecticut, and that includes our thriving arts 
community. Our small but vibrant theatrical arts industry is often 
overshadowed by that of its more renowned next-door neighbor, New York 
City. But this week, a homegrown production--``A Gentleman's Guide to 
Love and Murder''--took home the top honors at the 2014 Tony Awards, 
demonstrating the incredible talent and artistic skill that comes from 
our State's theaters and schools. I could not be prouder of these 
individuals' historic achievements.
  Not only did ``A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder'' win ``Best 
Musical'' of the year, but director Darko Tresnjak of Connecticut's 
Hartford Stage took home ``Best Direction of a Musical;'' Yale Drama 
School graduate Robert L. Freedman won ``Best Book of a Musical;'' and 
Linda Cho, also a graduate of the Yale Drama School, won ``Best Costume 
Design of a Musical.''
  The musical originally premiered under Mr. Tresnjak's direction in 
2012 at the Hartford Stage in Hartford, CT. The musical follows the 
story of a British commoner, Monty Navarro, who discovers he is ninth 
in line to inherit an earldom and great wealth, and decides to 
eliminate the other eight heirs who stand in his way. The musical stars 
only three actors, all with Connecticut ties. The talented lead actor 
Jefferson Mays of Clinton, CT plays an incredible total of eight 
characters throughout the course of the musical. He is supported by 
Bryce Pinkham and Lauren Worsham, both graduates of the Yale Drama 
School.
  In 2013, the musical and its Connecticut cast moved to Broadway, 
where it became the most Tony Award-nominated musical of the 2013-2014 
season and ultimately took home the night's top honors. Their victories 
are not only wins for their careers and productions, but also for the 
State of Connecticut.
  I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating these incredible 
artists on their Tony Award-winning performances, and I wish the 
company of ``A Gentleman's Guide'' all of the continued success in the 
world as it goes on to enrich the lives of many more audiences for 
years to come.

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