Wow! Another Tony award show has wrapped up with Memphis and La Cage aux Folles winning the coveted honors of Best Musical and Best Musical Revival. Even days later, I still find myself humming along to the catchy little ditty” Best Of Times” from La Cage. Perhaps I’m trying to send TUTS a message about what show I want to see next season! Speaking of La Cage, did any of you notice native Houstonian Logan Keslar, currently performing on Broadway as a “Cagelle”, on the Tony’s? I hope last Sunday was the first of many appearances Logan will be making at the awards ceremony!
Logan wasn’t the only “first” I noticed during the course of the evening. There were over eight first-time Tony winners; and for some, it was their first time to ever trod the boards of Broadway. Douglas Hodge in La Cage aux Folles; Catherine Zeta-Jones in A Little Night Music; Eddie Redmayne in Red; Scarlett Johansson in A View from the Bridge; and Levi Kreis in Million Dollar Quartet each made their Broadway debut this year and did so in a very big way!
Continuing with the Tony-trend of “firsts”, Angela Lansbury officially accepted her new role as the first Honorary Chairperson into the American Theatre Wing during the live telecast. She will be involved with carrying out the American Theatre Wing's mission of recognizing excellence and supporting education in theatre. Brava to the ATW for choosing such a theatre icon for this position! The 64th Tony Awards will also go down in theatre history as the first time two African-American performers won the Best Actor/Actress in a play for the same theatre season. Denzel Washington won his first Tony while Viola Davis took home her second for their roles in August Wilson’s Fences.
In his first attempt at hosting a show, Sean Hayes had some big shoes to fill. Neil Patrick Harris did such a great job last year but Sean stepped up to the plate with funny jokes and costumes. And who knew he could play the piano so well! Perhaps he’ll finally bring “Just Jack – The Musical” to Broadway. You probably couldn’t tell from your tv screens, but a certain Tony diva recently had a little work done, if you know what I mean. I’m talking about the desired trophy itself. The base was made taller and heavier so that it stands in comparison next to an Oscar or Golden Globe. The winners are the first to receive this new and improved Tony. Hopefully their trophy shelf at home is strong enough to withstand the extra weight!
For those of you who tuned in to the Tony Awards last Sunday, what are your overall thoughts on the show? After seeing a musical performance, is there a show you’re just dying to see now? What are your thoughts on there being so many movie and television actors on Broadway?
Already counting the days until next year’s ceremony,
Thea