The gifted and mesmerizing Audra McDonald made Tony Award history on June 8, 2014. She became the first performer — ever — to win six Tonys in competitive categories, and she has won in every performing category in both plays and musicals. The honor caps off a history-making winning streak for McDonald. Last year, she made history as the first Black woman to win five Tony Awards. Is it safe to call this immensely gifted woman the Queen of Musical Theater, yet? Around here she is, and if you try to argue otherwise, I’ll smash you over your head with your own Strat!

The 2014 Tony was the fruit of her first nomination in the category of Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play. She also won the 2014 Drama Desk Award Outstanding Actress in a Play, so it’s been a banner year on the stage for her.

I’ve followed her career for the last few years and have been bowled over. Few people combine gorgeous looks with a commanding stage and screen presence, but she does! She’s on fire, and given the way she carries herself as an actress, singer and human being, I don’t think her light will dim anytime soon.

Here’s a quick sampling of why Audra is arguably, the reigning demigoddess of the stage:

And yet another example of why her star is still soaring …