People: Jun. 22, 1987

Sore losers are familiar, but what about sore winners? Taking the lion's share of the prizes at the 41st Annual Tony Awards in New York City last week did not stop some of the British winners from baring their claws during acceptance speeches. Director Trevor Nunn, who got best director of a musical for Les Miserables (eight Tonys), took the mike and scolded New York drama critics. Growled John Napier, who picked up Tonys for costumes (Starlight Express) and scenic design (Les Miserables): "It seems a little peculiar to me that Starlight wasn't even nominated ((for scenic design))." Then Napier raised his Tony and sniped, "I'd give this to have been in the room" where the nominations were decided. There was no grousing from Robert Lindsay and Maryann Plunkett, who danced away with best leading actor and actress in a musical for their roles in Me and My Girl. The Yanks managed to stave off the English invasion on the dramatic front. Linda Lavin won best actress for Broadway Bound; James Earl Jones clinched best actor for his role in Fences, which also won best play. The Americans, it seems, decided to save the really heavy stuff for the theater.