TIME FOR THE TONY’S 2012
By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photographer: George Whylie Videographer: Maxine NolanOne of the fabulous things about New York City are the lights on Broadway. There are a variety of plays to fit everyone’s pleasure and draw in millions of fans and visitors all year long.
Sunday, June 10th, marked the 66th year for The American Theatre Wing’s Tony Awards, a celebration to recognize and honor excellence in the theater. Back in 1947, it all began in the Grand Ballroom of the Waldorf Astoria Hotel with such great names as Mickey Rooney, Patricia Neal and Ingrid Bergman. The gala dinner also became one of the highly anticipated events of the evening over the years.
In 1978, CBS began broadcasting the Tony Awards on television for all to share in the excitement. It not only was your traditional award ceremony but the concept of select performances for the audience to experience became a part of the evening as well. Radio City Music Hall was the home of the awards for many years but in 2011, they found a new and historic home at The Beacon Theatre on Broadway and 74th Street.
The website TonyAwards.com was launched in 2000 to keep up with the technological age.
Official partners are IBM, Nexxus, Avis, Royal Caribbean International, Audemar’s Piguet, Intercontinental Hotels and Resorts, United Airlines and The New York Times.
This year the actors were out in full force. One of the bright stars of stage and screen, Neil Patrick Harris, played host once again with a constant chuckle and a smile keeping his audience entertained.
There was so much to thrill the audience. Energetic performances from plays such as the award-winning play “The Book of Mormon” and from nominated play “End of The Rainbow” and a special performance live from the ocean on Royal Caribbean’s ‘Oasis of the Seas’ featuring the cast of “Hairspray” were full of fun and vitality.
Some of the presenters were Ellen Barkin, Candice Bergen, Sheryl Crow, Christopher Plummer and Amanda Seyfried.
The Red Carpet gave us a preview of the glitz and glamour that the ceremony held. Men were black tie formal and stars such as Jessica Chastain sparkled in sheer and suggestive silver.
Gowns were gorgeous and purple was popular. Amanda Seyfried is certainly no stranger to the stage. Her embellished purple and gold dress with spaghetti straps and a bright orangish-red belt looked spectacular on her.
Although Sheryl Crow’s health has been of great concern, she looked radiant and royal in a dark blue gown with train. Her long, flowing hair was curled.
Newlywed and Best Leading Actress Nominee, Cynthia Nixon, dressed simple but stunning in a reddish-pink low cowl neck gown with silver camisole underneath.
One of the great accompaniments of this year was the simulcast of the Awards in Times Square. The whole city came alive and was transfixed on who would walk away with the coveted trophy. They became a part of the program cheering on their favorites.
The Tony Award Gala brought out the best of the celebration. Past and present winners smiled for the camera while basking in their glory.
Neil Patrick Harris had his share of performances in a multitude of settings. The stage was filled with animated talent and time stood still.
The list of the winners is as follows:
Musical: “Once.”
Play: “Clybourne Park.”
Revival of a Play: “Death of a Salesman.”
Revival of a Musical: “The Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess.”
Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play: James Corden, “One Man, Two Guvnors.”
Performance by an Actress in Leading Role in a Play: Nina Arianda, “Venus in Fur.”
Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical: Steve Kazee, “Once.”
Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical: Audra McDonald, “The Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess.”
Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Play: Christian Borle, “Peter and the Starcatcher.”
Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play: Judith Light, “Other Desert Cities.”
Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical: Michael McGrath, “Nice Work If You Can Get It.”
Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical: Judy Kaye, “Nice Work If You Can Get It.”
Book of a Musical: Enda Walsh, “Once”
Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre: “Newsies.”
Direction of Play: Mike Nichols, “Death of a Salesman.”
Direction of a Musical: John Tiffany, “Once.”
Choreography: Christopher Gattelli, “Newsies.”
Orchestration: Martin Lowe, “Once.”
Sound Design of a Play: Darron L. West, “Peter and the Starcatcher.”
Sound Design of a Musical: Clive Goodwin, “Once.”
Costume Design of a Play: Paloma Young, “Peter and the Starcatcher.”
Costume Design of a Musical: Gregg Barnes, “Follies.”
Scenic Design Play: Donyale Werle, “Peter and the Starcatcher”
Scenic Design of a Musical: Bob Crowley, “Once.”
Lighting Design of a Play: Jeff Croiter, “Peter and the Starcatcher.”
Lighting Design of a Musical: Natasha Katz, “Once”
Courtesy of www.nydailynews.com
But it isn’t over just yet. If you happen to be near Bloomingdale’s in Manhattan, stop in and check out the colorful and intricately detailed costume display showing through June 18th. You will find costumes from all the great plays that make New York City the entertainment mecca.
It is easy to see how The Tony Awards lit up the night.
PHOTO CREDITS: Getty Images, WireImage, Shevett Studios
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