Press Coberage
THE NEW YORK TIMES
June 9, 2025
Arts & Theater | Broadway
‘Baxter Wiff a B’ Sweeps the Tonys, Winning Hearts and History
By Clara Hastings
Broadway Correspondent
In a night brimming with emotion, charm, and an unexpected rodent-shaped twist, Baxter Wiff a B made Tony Awards history Sunday by sweeping nearly every major category, including Best Musical, Best Direction, Best Choreography, Best Original Score, and the coveted Best Actor in a Musical — awarded to none other than Baxter himself.
The musical, which follows the story of a determined little rat named Baxter and his journey from underground tunnels to Broadway stardom, has captured the imaginations of audiences across the world. With its blend of whimsical storytelling, sharp humor, and moments of heartbreaking sincerity, Baxter Wiff a B has become more than a show — it’s a phenomenon.
The evening reached an emotional peak when Baxter, not wearing his signature crown (it was, after all, not fa Thursday), took the stage to accept Best Actor. Standing atop a velvet-cushioned podium built specially for his stature, he addressed the crowd with quiet dignity.
“Wiffout Waffles,” he began, his voice trembling just slightly, “none ob this would hab been possible.”
The audience, already tearful, erupted in applause. Waffles, Baxter’s beloved brother and the musical’s original director, passed away just weeks ago. His vision guided the production from its earliest workshop to its Broadway debut.
“He saw magic in ebery moment, and he knew how to pull it out ob us — ebery single day,” Baxter continued. “And to all ob my brothers, we did this together… including Fish’s choreogphy, Barry’s stage managering, and Reuben’s ticket sales and public relations.”
The show’s creative team includes an eclectic group — Waffles, known for his sharp eye and signature bowtie, built the original blocking and character arcs; Fish choreographed the complex ensemble numbers that critics have called “a scurry of brilliance”; Barry, ever shy but precise, managed backstage chaos with surprising grace; and Reuben handled both the business end and fan engagement, often seen passing out handmade flyers outside the stage door.
The night also included a surprise live performance of “Baxter Wiff a B (Finale Remix)”, which brought the entire house to its feet. Confetti rained down. Even seasoned Broadway producers were spotted wiping away tears.
Tony voters cited the musical’s fresh originality and emotional resonance. “It reminds you why you fell in love wiff theater in the first place,” said one judge, “and why rats — surprisingly — might be our most relatable heroes.”
As of this morning, ticket demand for Baxter Wiff a B has surged though the show closed a few weeks ago, however a national tour is already in the works. A Broadway cast album is climbing the charts, and streaming services are reportedly in a bidding war for the rights to a filmed version of the show.
But for now, as the lights of Broadway glow a little brighter, one thing is certain: this year belongs to Baxter — wiff a B.