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'Billy Elliot' wins 10 Tonys; 'Carnage' best play
(Agencies)
Updated: 2009-06-08 15:54

An emotional Liza Minnelli accepted the prize for special theatrical event for her show "Liza's at The Palace."

'Billy Elliot' wins 10 Tonys; 'Carnage' best play
Actress and singer Liza Minnelli performs during the 63rd annual Tony Awards ceremony in New York, June 7, 2009. [Agencies]

"This is exquisite," Minnelli said, asking for a list of people to thank because she didn't think she was going to win. "Lastly, I want to thank my parents and the greatest gift they ever gave me, Kay Thompson," her godmother. Minnelli recreated part of Thompson's club act as part of her Palace entertainment.

Roger Robinson's portrayal of a mystical shamanlike character in "Joe Turner's Come and Gone" was honored with the featured-acting prize.

'Billy Elliot' wins 10 Tonys; 'Carnage' best play
Presenter, actress Jane Fonda (L), looks on as Roger Robinson, winner for best performance by a featured actor in a play for "Joe Turner's Come and Gone", accepts his award at the 63rd annual Tony Award ceremony in New York, June 7, 2009. [Agencies]

"It has taken me 46 years to come from that seat, up these steps, to this microphone," said Robinson, who thanked his mother in Bellevue, Washington, "who's 98 years old ... who encouraged me and raised seven children single-handedly."