Oklahoma Native Kelli O'Hara Wins Tony Award

Oklahoma actress Kelli O'Hara won the Tony Award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical at the 69th Annual Tony Awards. She was up against fellow Oklahoman Kristin Chenoweth in the category.

Chenoweth, who was nominated for her role in "On the 20th Century," lost out for the award but sparkled as co-hosted the awards ceremony with Alan Cumming.

Chenoweth and Cumming - both Broadway veterans and Tony winners themselves - kicked off the telecast with a musical opener, to the tune of Broadway hits including "Willkommen" from "Cabaret," "Popular" from "Wicked," "There Is Nothing Like a Dame" (directed at nominee Helen Mirren) and even an encouragement to producer Harvey Weinstein to "Smile," despite his "Finding Neverland" getting snubbed in the best musical category.

The Tony Award for best revival of a play went to "Skylight," while best revival of a musical went to "The King and I," which also earned Kelli O'Hara her first Tony win (for leading actress in a musical) after six nominations. Ruthie Ann Miles also won best featured actress for her role in the show.

Both O'Hara and Chenoweth trained at Oklahoma City University under music professor Florence Birdwell. News 9's Justin Dougherty interviewed Birdwell before the awards ceremony.

6/5/2015 Related Story: OCU Professor Talks About Former Students Nominated For Tony Awards