The Tony Awards

Last night was a gay national holiday of sorts - the Tony Awards were on.  What is it about Broadway that gay people seem to just be drawn to?  Perhaps it is that it has been so open and accepting to the community for years.  Well, they were held at Radio City Music Hall and Neil Patrick Harris was host for the 4th time.  He was also a producer this year.

This year marks the 67th anniversary of the Tony Awards, which were first held on April 6, 1947 at the Waldorf Astoria’s Grand Ballroom.  The ceremonies are presented by Tony Award Productions, which is a joint venture of The Broadway League and the American Theatre Wing, which founded the Tonys in 1947.

The feel-good musical Kinky Boots, with songs by pop star and Broadway newcomer Cyndi Lauper, won six Tonys, including best musical, best score and best leading man.  While Christopher Durang's comical Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike won the best play Tony. Matilda the Musical and Pippin won four awards.  It was one of the better telecasts in the award realm.  Quite lively.

Just as a side note, the Tonys were founded in memorial to Antoinette (“Tony”) Perry, the American Theatre Wing’s World War II chairperson. The winners are selected by approximately 830 eligible voters. These include voting members of The Broadway League and the board of directors and designated members of the advisory committee of the American Theatre Wing, along with members of the governing boards of Actors’ Equity Association; the Dramatists Guild; SDC, the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society; United Scenic Artists; and the Association of Theatrical Press Agents and Managers. Other eligible voters include members of the Theatrical Council of the Casting Society of America, the New York Drama Critics’ Circle, the board/council of the National Association of Talent Representatives, and the Tony Awards Nominating Committee.