Amidst Uncertainty, Broadway Stars Showcase Their ‘Live’ Muscles at Unique Tony Awards
The anticipation surrounding this year’s Tony Awards extends far beyond the question of who will take home the coveted trophies. With the ongoing Hollywood writers’ strike casting a shadow of uncertainty, the telecast is poised to be an unconventional affair. While performances from the nominated musicals and pre-recorded play montages are assured, many aspects of the show remain up in the air.
In an act of solidarity, the striking members of the Writers Guild of America have agreed not to picket, but they have forbidden their writers from contributing to the Tonys, leaving Broadway’s most significant night without an established script. As a result, any banter or dialogue will have to be impromptu, relying on the quick wit and spontaneity of the Broadway community.
Wayne Brady, known for his appearances in “Kinky Boots” and “Chicago,” who will lead a new production of “The Wiz,” believes that the theatrical community is more than capable of rising to the occasion. He states, “I think the theatrical community is the one artistic community that is absolutely capable of pulling off a show like this and not having it feel like, ‘Oh, I’m so scared and nervous!’ This is what we do. This is what we do.’ And I can’t wait to see it.”
Hosting the event for the second time, Ariana DeBose faces a different challenge this year as she takes on the responsibility of tying everything together seamlessly. With plenty of time to immerse themselves in the Tony Awards experience, viewers can enjoy a 2 1/2-hour pre-show on Pluto TV from 6:30-8 p.m. EDT, hosted by Julianne Hough and Skylar Astin, followed by the main event led by DeBose on CBS and Paramount+ starting at 8 p.m. EDT/5 p.m. PDT, spanning a three-hour extravaganza.
The evening promises captivating performances from the nominated casts of “Camelot,” “Into the Woods,” “& Juliet,” “Kimberly Akimbo,” “New York, New York,” “Parade,” “Shucked,” “Some Like It Hot,” and “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street.” Additionally, Joaquina Kalukango, last year’s Tony winner for best leading actress in a musical, will grace the stage along with casts from “A Beautiful Noise” and “Funny Girl.” The lineup boasts a plethora of star power, featuring the likes of Josh Groban and Lea Michele.
A total of 26 Tony Awards will be presented, acknowledging the outstanding contributions of the season, which saw the arrival of 40 new productions, including 15 musicals, 24 plays, and one special engagement. Notably, this marks the first complete season since Broadway’s reopening after the COVID-19 shutdown.
Stark Sands, a nominee attending this year as part of the musical “& Juliet,” describes the telecast as “an annual national commercial for Broadway.” He recognizes the significant impact the Tonys have on ticket sales, emphasizing the importance of the televised performances for reaching millions of viewers across the nation.
Sands expresses disappointment over the altered format of the Tonys but acknowledges the value of those memorable moments created through the live performances.
This year’s location, the United Palace Theatre in Manhattan’s Washington Heights neighborhood, deviates from the traditional Times Square theater district, adding an additional layer of novelty to the event. The morning telecast rehearsal, typically open to the public, has been canceled, and the red carpet will feature photos only, further contributing to the distinctive nature of this year’s ceremony. Additionally, a list of presenters has yet to be released, adding an element of
There’s a lot of excitement and anticipation surrounding this year’s Tony Awards, despite the challenges and uncertainties brought about by the ongoing Hollywood writers’ strike. The telecast promises to be a unique and unforgettable event, showcasing the resilience and talent of Broadway stars.
The striking members of the Writers Guild of America have shown solidarity by refraining from picketing, but they have prohibited their writers from contributing to the Tonys. As a result, the show will be devoid of an established script, requiring the performers to rely on their improvisational skills and “live” muscles. The Broadway community, known for its ability to thrive under pressure, is poised to deliver a show that is both engaging and spontaneous.
Renowned actor Wayne Brady, who has graced the Broadway stage in productions like “Kinky Boots” and “Chicago” and is set to lead a new rendition of “The Wiz,” expresses confidence in the theatrical community’s ability to rise to the occasion. He believes that the Broadway community is uniquely equipped to handle the challenges of a live event, stating, “This is what we do. This is what we do.’ And I can’t wait to see it.”
Ariana DeBose, an Academy Award winner and Tony Award nominee, will be hosting the event for the second time. As the host, she will play a crucial role in ensuring a seamless and captivating show. Viewers can expect an immersive experience, with a 2 1/2-hour pre-show on Pluto TV hosted by Julianne Hough and Skylar Astin, followed by the three-hour main event led by DeBose on CBS and Paramount+.
The performances at this year’s Tony Awards will feature the nominated casts of several acclaimed productions, including “Camelot,” “Into the Woods,” “& Juliet,” “Kimberly Akimbo,” “New York, New York,” “Parade,” “Shucked,” “Some Like It Hot,” and “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street.” In addition, Joaquina Kalukango, the previous year’s Tony winner for best leading actress in a musical, will grace the stage, along with casts from “A Beautiful Noise” and “Funny Girl.” The star-studded lineup includes talented artists such as Josh Groban and Lea Michele.
A total of 26 Tony Awards will be presented, recognizing the outstanding contributions made during the season. This season witnessed the arrival of 40 new productions, comprising 15 musicals, 24 plays, and one special engagement. It marks a significant milestone as the first complete season since Broadway’s reopening after the COVID-19 shutdown, making the celebration even more meaningful.
Stark Sands, a nominee attending the Tonys as part of the musical “& Juliet,” highlights the importance of the telecast as a national platform for promoting Broadway. The exposure on television has a direct impact on ticket sales, reaching millions of viewers and sparking interest in the shows.
While there may be some disappointment that this year’s Tonys won’t follow the familiar format, Sands acknowledges the value of the live performances and the unforgettable moments they create. The change in location to the United Palace Theatre in Manhattan’s Washington Heights neighborhood adds a touch of novelty to the ceremony. The cancellation of the morning telecast rehearsal and the restriction to photos-only red carpet further contribute to the unique nature of this year’s event. As of now, the list of presenters remains a mystery, adding an air of anticipation to the evening.
Despite the challenges posed by the writers’ strike, the Tony Awards promise to be a remarkable showcase of talent, resilience, and creativity. Broadway stars are ready to captivate audiences with their live performances, reminding everyone why they are at the pinnacle of their craft. It will be a night to remember in the history of Broadway.