The 76th Tony Awards, an esteemed annual ceremony recognizing the brilliance of Broadway plays and musicals, is airing tonight on CBS. This year’s event promises to captivate audiences with a unique twist as it unfolds amidst a writers’ strike, resulting in unscripted moments and unexpected charm. Despite the absence of scripted commentary, the 76th Tony Awards will undoubtedly deliver a memorable evening.

76th Tony Awards Nominations Announced

The announcement of the Tony Award nominees on May 2 was met with great anticipation and excitement. “Some Like It Hot” led the pack with an impressive 13 nominations, closely followed by “& Juliet,” “New York, New York,” and “Shucked,” each receiving 9 nominations. These outstanding productions and their talented cast and crew have undoubtedly left a lasting impression.

Celebrating Broadway’s Finest

On the grand stage of the United Palace in Manhattan’s Washington Heights neighborhood, the 76th Tony Awards will honor the best of Broadway. Viewers can expect a lineup of live musical performances that will transport them into the heart of theater magic. Though the writers’ strike may alter the usual course of the ceremony, the essence of the Tony Awards remains intact.

Unscripted Charm

The Tony Awards typically feature scripted commentary, such as the talented Lin-Manuel Miranda’s opening number. However, due to the ongoing writers’ strike, Writers Guild of America members are prohibited from writing for the awards show. This unexpected turn has led to unscripted moments and genuine expressions from presenters and hosts alike.

A Familiar Face

Ariana DeBose, a prominent figure in the Broadway community, will return as the host of this year’s Tony Awards. Her infectious energy and stage presence will undoubtedly captivate audiences. Despite the absence of scripted lines, DeBose’s charm and charisma will no doubt be present as she performs a medley for the opening number.

Reflecting on History

This is not the first time the Tony Awards have taken place during a writers’ strike. In 1988, the awards show embraced unscripted commentary from presenters and host Angela Lansbury. Despite the uncertainty caused by the strike, the ceremony showcased the resilience of Broadway and the unwavering commitment of its performers. The Tonys have a rich history of overcoming challenges and celebrating the essence of theater.

Conclusion

As the 76th Tony Awards draw near, anticipation grows for an evening that will showcase the resilience and adaptability of Broadway’s finest. Though the absence of scripted content may alter the usual rhythm, viewers can expect unscripted charm, remarkable performances, and the amazing spirit of the theater community. The Tony Awards have always been a celebration of creativity and talent, and this year will be no exception.

Be sure to follow Right Celebrity, as we will update this post with the winners!

**UPDATE – Winners list below!**

Best Musical

Kimberly Akimbo – Winner
& Juliet
New York, New York
Shucked
Some Like It Hot

Best Play

Leopoldstadt- Winner
Ain’t No Mo’
Between Riverside and Crazy
Cost of Living
Fat Ham

Best Revival of a Musical

Parade -Winner
Camelot
Into the Woods
Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street

Best Revival of a Play

Topdog/Underdog – Winner
A Doll’s House
The Piano Lesson
The Sign in Sidney Brustein’s Window

Best Leading Actress of a Musical

Victoria Clark, Kimberly Akimbo – Winner
Annaleigh Ashford, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
Sara Bareilles, Into the Woods
Lorna Courtney, & Juliet
Micaela Diamond, Parade

Best Leading Actress of a Play

Jodie Comer, Prima Facie – Winner
Jessica Chastain, A Doll’s House
Jessica Hecht, Summer, 1976
Audra McDonald, Ohio State Murders

Best Leading Actor of a Musical

J. Harrison Ghee, Some Like It Hot – Winner
Christian Borle, Some Like It Hot
Josh Groban, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
Brian D’Arcy James, Into the Woods
Ben Platt, Parade
Colton Ryan, New York, New York

Best Leading Actor of a Play

Sean Hayes, Good Night, Oscar – Winner
Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Topdog/Underdog
Corey Hawkins, Topdog/Underdog
Stephen McKinley Henderson, Between Riverside and Crazy
Wendell Pierce, Death of a Salesman

Best Featured Actress of a Musical

Bonnie Milligan, Kimberly Akimbo – Winner
Julia Lester, Into the Woods
Ruthie Ann Miles, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
NaTasha Yvette Williams, Some Like It Hot
Betsy Wolfe, & Juliet

Best Featured Actress of a Play

Miriam Silverman, The Sign in Sidney Brustein’s Window – Winner
Nikki Crawford, Fat Ham
Crystal Lucas-Perry, Ain’t No Mo’
Katy Sullivan, Cost of Living
Kara Young, Cost of Living

Best Featured Actor of a Musical

Alex Newell, Shucked – Winner
Kevin Cahoon, Shucked
Justin Cooley, Kimberly Akimbo
Kevin Del Aguila, Some Like It Hot
Jordan Donica, Camelot

Best Featured Actor of a Play

Brandon Uranowitz, Leopoldstadt – Winner
Jordan E. Cooper, Ain’t No Mo’
Samuel L. Jackson, The Piano Lesson
Arian Moayed, A Doll’s House
David Zayas, Cost of Living

Best Direction of a Musical

Michael Arden, Parade – Winner
Lear deBessonet, Into the Woods
Casey Nicholaw, Some Like It Hot
Jack O’Brien, Shucked
Jessica Stone, Kimberly Akimbo

Best Direction of a Play

Patrick Marber, Leopoldstadt – Winner
Saheem Ali, Fat Ham
Jo Bonney, Cost of Living
Jamie Lloyd, A Doll’s House
Stevie Walker-Webb, Ain’t No Mo
Max Webster, Life of Pi

Best Book of a Musical

David Lindsay-Abaire, Kimberly Akimbo – Winner
David West Read, & Juliet
Robert Horn, Shucked
Matthew López and Amber Ruffin, Some Like It Hot
David Thompson and Sharon Washington, New York, New York

Best Original Score

Kimberly Akimbo, music by Jeanine Tesori; lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire – Winner
Almost Famous, music by Tom Kitt; lyrics by Cameron Crowe and Tom Kitt
KPOP, music and lyrics: Helen Park and Max Vernon
Shucked, music and lyrics: Brandy Clark and Shane McAnally
Some Like It Hot, music: Marc Shaiman; lyrics: Scott Wittman & Marc Shaiman

Best Choreography

Casey Nicholaw, Some Like It Hot – Winner
Steven Hoggett, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
Susan Stroman, New York, New York
Jennifer Weber, KPOP
Jennifer Weber, & Juliet