The 78th Tony Awards at Radio Metropolis Music Corridor bought off to a rousing begin, as Oprah Winfrey blessed host Cynthia Erivo with a finger maintain earlier than the “Depraved” star took heart stage to sing the unique “Typically All You Want is a Music.” With the help of a choir, Erivo tipped her hat to the nominated film stars (lyric: “Half of Hollywood did a play”), provided powerhouse vocals, and introduced the quantity to crescendo by getting the viewers concerned, briefly handing off the mic to Kristin Chenoweth, Aaron Tveit, and Adam Lambert, amongst others.
It was, certainly, a union of Broadway and Hollywood all through the night. Throughout her opening monologue, Erivo famous that it was probably the most profitable yr in Broadway historical past (with reported ticket gross sales of $1.89 billion), “offering we don’t run out of solid members from ‘Succession.’”
“Succession” star Sarah Snook was really gained the primary Tony of the night. In her Broadway debut, “The Image of Dorian Grey,” Snook performed 26 roles.
“It’s billed as a one individual present, and I don’t really feel alone any night time that I do that present,” Snook stated in her acceptance speech, shouting out her manufacturing’s artistic workforce.
A number of of the nominated reveals have been, too, primarily based off standard Hollywood movies, together with “Good Night time, and Good Luck”, “Actual Girls Have Curls,” and “Demise Turns into Her,” which used its solid efficiency to provide a nod to Satisfaction Month with the quantity “For the Gaze.” A number of speeches paid homage to the LGBTQ+ neighborhood, as properly, together with Finest Path of a Musical winner Michael Arden.
“Rising up, I used to be referred to as the F-word extra occasions than I can keep in mind, and now I’m a f*ggot with a Tony,” Arden stated. “So, maintain elevating your voices, my pals. Hold loving and uplifting one another, standing up towards intolerance any time you see it. And vote each likelihood you get.”
The unique solid of “Hamilton” — together with Lin-Manuel Miranda, Renée Elise Goldsberry, Ariana DuBose, and Jonathan Groff — introduced the home down with a tenth anniversary particular “remix” medley.
Broadway’s sparkle was solid liberally all through the glittery festivities, and Erivo made a number of well-timed “Depraved” references. She additionally closed the present with a goosebump-inducing, revised model of “And I’m Telling You I’m Not Going.”
However the true 11 o’clock variety of the night was the presentation of the extremely anticipated Finest Actress in a Musical class. Nicole Scherzinger gained for her portrayal of Norma Desmond in “Sundown Blvd,” triumphing over Audra McDonald’s flip as Rose in “Gypsy.” Glenn Shut beforehand gained for a similar function in “Sundown Blvd.” in 1995.
“Rising up, I at all times felt like I didn’t belong. However you all have made me really feel like I belong, and I’ve come dwelling, ultimately,” Scherzinger stated in her acceptance speech.
“Sundown Blvd.” additionally gained Finest Revival of a Musical. Different winners included Darren Criss, who took dwelling his first Tony Award for “Possibly Joyful Endings,” which additionally gained Finest Musical. “Objective” gained Finest Play, whereas Finest Revival of Play went to “Eureka Day.” Cole Escola gained Finest Actor in a Play for his or her celebrated efficiency as Mary Todd Lincoln. Jak Malone (“Operation Mincemeat”), Natalie Venetia Belcon (“Buena Vista Social Membership”), Francis Jue (“Yellow Face”), and Kara Younger (“Objective”) additionally took dwelling performing prizes. Harvey Fierstein was introduced with an Honorary Tony Award.
Among the many presenters have been Ben Stiller, Lea Salonga, Jean Sensible, Samuel L. Jackson, LaTanya Richardson Jackson, and Sarah Paulson.
Click on right here for the complete listing of winners. The ceremony shall be accessible to stream June 9 at Paramount + Important.