What Is 2013 Outer Critics Circle Awards

Overview

The 2013 Outer Critics Circle Awards celebrated outstanding achievements in Broadway and Off-Broadway productions during the 2012–2013 season. These awards are unique because they are selected by a voting body of over 90 theater critics from print, digital, and broadcast outlets across the U.S. and New York.

Announced on May 2, 2013, the awards recognized excellence in 24 competitive categories, ranging from performances to direction and design. The Outer Critics Circle, founded in 1950, serves as a bridge between New York theater and national audiences through critical recognition.

• 93 voting members participated in selecting winners, representing national publications, regional newspapers, and digital media outlets.
• Kinky Boots was the top musical winner, taking home awards for Best New Musical and Best Actor in a Musical (Billy Porter).
• The Glass Menagerie won Best Revival of a Play, praised for its emotionally resonant direction and performances.
• Clybourne Park received the award for Outstanding New Off-Broadway Play, continuing its critical acclaim after a successful run.
• The awards also recognized contributions in design, including Best Lighting Design for Natasha Katz in Passion.

How It Works

The Outer Critics Circle Awards process involves nominations and voting by a jury of theater critics who cover Broadway and Off-Broadway productions. The eligibility period for the 2013 awards spanned shows opening between May 1, 2012, and April 25, 2013.

• Eligibility Period: Productions opening between May 1, 2012, and April 25, 2013 were considered for nomination and award consideration.
• Voting Body: The 93-member panel includes critics from national outlets such as The New York Times, Variety, and The Hollywood Reporter.
• Nominations: Announced in late April, nominees are revealed before winners are selected through a final round of voting.
• Award Categories: There are 24 categories, including Best Play, Best Musical, Best Actor/Actress, and design and direction honors.
• Off-Broadway Recognition: The awards are notable for including Off-Broadway and regional theater achievements alongside Broadway shows.
• Announcement Date: Winners were officially revealed on May 2, 2013, ahead of the Tony Awards, influencing industry attention.

Comparison at a Glance

A comparison of major categories between the Outer Critics Circle and Tony Awards highlights overlaps and distinctions in critical versus industry recognition.

The table shows that while both awards often align—such as in recognizing Kinky Boots and The Glass Menagerie—the Outer Critics Circle uniquely honors Off-Broadway work, offering a broader scope than the Tony Awards, which focus exclusively on Broadway.

Why It Matters

The 2013 Outer Critics Circle Awards played a significant role in shaping the narrative around that season’s most impactful theater productions. By recognizing both commercial hits and artistically bold works, the awards highlight the diversity and depth of New York’s theater scene.

• Kinky Boots gained momentum after its win, helping secure its status as a major Tony contender and box office success.
• Recognition for Off-Broadway productions like Clybourne Park elevates plays that might otherwise be overlooked by mainstream awards.
• The awards serve as a barometer of critical opinion, often predicting or influencing Tony Award outcomes.
• Design categories spotlight the importance of lighting, sound, and set design in creating immersive theatrical experiences.
• By including national critics, the Outer Critics Circle broadens the geographic perspective of theater excellence beyond New York.
• Winning an Outer Critics Circle Award can boost ticket sales and extend a show’s run, especially for smaller productions.

Ultimately, the 2013 awards underscored the collaborative nature of theater and the vital role critics play in shaping public and industry appreciation of the art form.