Some Thoughts on the 2025 Tony Awards

It's been a few hours. The dust has almost settled, and I've gotten my thoughts together. The good, the bad...the baffling.

Some Thoughts on the 2025 Tony Awards

The Show

The Tony Awards: Act One Preview (Pluto TV - Entertainment Tonight): 

• Delightful interview with host Cynthia Erivo. Fun ET vault interviews with nominees, like one from 2015 with Nicole Scherzinger vowing to return to the stage, where her training lies. Talk about a return! Other clips include Audra, George Clooney, Jonathan Groff and Darren Criss. Naturally, though it's definitely about the Tonys, ET lays it on thick with the Hollywood connections to the season. My favorite segment? A look back at the first awards ET covered: 1982, the year of Nine vs Dreamgirls. A snarky Tommy Tune, a humble Cher, and an excited Jennifer Holliday. 

The Tony Awards: Act One (Pluto TV): 

• It goes so smoothly when everyone is prepared, and when there isn't such a huge rush to get all the "thank yous" in. And no real surprises here, either.
• What a great speech from the MUNY. I really need to get there.
• The Educator Award is so moving every year, what a great man. His students are very fortunate, indeed.
• What a wonderful speech by Sara Bareilles, and what a wonderful human being Celia Keenan-Bolger.
• Harvey. Nothing else needs to be said. Thank you.

The Tony Awards (CBS): xxxxxx

The Numbers

• Opening Number: "Sometimes All You Need" - What a voice! Classy opening number! And funny, too. Love the Sunset walk around and the cameos! (Go, HwaBoon!)
• Buena Vista Social Club: "Dos Gardenias" is a powerful showcase of everything that is great about the show. Perfect use of this platform.
• Dead Outlaw: "Opening/Dead" The perfect choice to showcase this oddball really-not-made-for-television musical, both in terms of the sound of the show and the terrific ensemble cast.
• Death Becomes Her: "Do It For the Gaze" The best production number in the show seemed perfect for the Tonys. The sound, as usual, was spotty at best. Megan is a trooper.
• Floyd Collins: "The Ballad of Floyd Collins/The Call" It sounded so beautiful, and the company sounded so great. 
• Gypsy: "Rose's Turn" Wow. No more bitching about Patti's enunciation. And just like Patti, riveting anyway.
• Just In Time: "Mack the Knife, etc." Groff, as always, oozes charisma. The band sounded great. Still not interested.
• Maybe Happy Ending: "Chasing Fireflies/Never Fly Away" Not the song I'd have chosen, but it sounded beautiful, and Helen J. Shen was robbed.
• Operation Mincemeat: "Born to Lead" Still hard to believe that's only 5 people. Having seen the show, I think it was the best choice to sample the show, but I doubt it'll sell many tickets.
• Pirates!: What absolute fun! Best washboard choreo since Crazy For You in '92!
• Real Women Have Curves: "Jugglin'" Great flavor of the show! PLEASE go see it!
• Sunset Blvd.: Great intro by Glenn. "As If We Never Said Goodbye" this brilliantly performed aria tells you everything to know about this stunning revival. Chills every single time.
• Hamilton 10th Anniversary: "Mix Tape" I had chills. It was better than the actual show. (Don't bother writing...)
• In Memoriam: "Tomorrow" A gorgeous arrangement, vocalized in stunning harmony by Bareilles and Erivo. I'm sure Gavin is pleased.

The Surprises

• I don't know if it was really a surprise, but Kara Young sure seemed shocked.
• I don't know if it was really a surprise, but Sam Pinkelton sure seemed shocked.
• Personal surprise: I loved the Hamilton number.
• I was shocked at Audra's performance. I'm glad we didn't sit too close when we saw it.

The Misses

• Not really a miss, but it saddens me that the play John Proctor is the Villain was not recognized.

The Best Moments

• I thought Cynthia was a great host!
• Jake Malone's speech - fast, furious & righteous! Bravo!
• Natalie Venetia Belcon - funny and heartfelt. Brava!
• Cole Escola's dress. They looked so pretty!

How Did We Do?

• Mike and I tied this year! We each got 3 wrong.

Here's to next year!!