Now, I know what happens at the Tony Awards. I’ve watched them closely for years, sometimes with friends and themed snacks (I’m looking at you, 2022’s “A Strange Fruit Loop”), sometimes at a more formal viewing party. At regular intervals I’ll also revisit “Bigger,” Neil Patrick Harris’s joyous opening number at the 2013 ceremony, knowing I will feel the same swelling in my heart every time he arrives at the climax of his rap: “We were that kid.” (Is someone cutting onions in here?) Still, nothing could quite prepare me for being in the room where it happens (…sorry!) during the 77th Annual Tony Awards on Sunday night.
Below, I’ve rounded up four things you likely didn’t catch watching the Tonys from home. We’re live in five…four…three…can I get applause, please?
The pre-show (which is actually very charming)
Yes, you can watch the pre-show at home via Pluto TV, but most people only know to switch on the Tonys for the CBS broadcast at 8 p.m. Hosted by Julianne Hough and Utkarsh Ambudkar, however, “The Tony Awards: Act One” was a delight, representing a welcome transition from the frenzy of the red carpet to the live show—and giving well-deserved recognition to the creative and design teams behind each production. Directors George C. Wolfe and Jack O’Brien also received their Special Tony Awards for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre during that time, giving two very endearing speeches. “Most of the people here tonight were discouraged by their parents, teachers, lovers, financial advisors,” O’Brien joked (but not really) of beginning a career in the theater. “But we couldn’t help it, could we?” The crowd loved this.
The weirdness of the commercial breaks
