One performer turned down his nomination. One musical was there only because it had been barred the year before. One not-nominated director was mentioned so many times in acceptance speeches that some people thought he was dead.

The year 1969 saw its share of turmoil all over America, and the Tony Awards broadcast — in which one honoree alluded to “this rather difficult, confusing, disturbing time” — was no exception.

Here, 50 years later, more than a dozen participants look back at Broadway’s biggest night.

Sandy Duncan

Nominated for best featured actress in a musical for “Canterbury Tales”

I had a dream the night before that I didn’t win. In the dream, Bobby Morse came on stage and apologized to me! He said, “I’m so sorry, Sandy, but Marian Mercer is the winner.” So I pick up the program the next day at the ceremony, and what do you know? Bobby Morse is the presenter. I knew right then that I wouldn’t win. At least I was prepared.

Marian Mercer did win the award, for “Promises, Promises.”

Lorraine Serabian

Nominated for best featured actress in a musical for “Zorba”

It was a very long rehearsal, so we got to hang out a lot that day. Angela Lansbury was doing “Dear World” in that theater [the Mark Hellinger], and we saw a lot of her. Patty Duke was right around the corner. I shared a dressing room with Lynn Redgrave, and Dustin Hoffman came by. They were playing little games in the dressing room.