THE FRIDAY 5:
Jeff's 5 Favorite Tony Awards Things
5. Laurie Metcalf winning for Three Tall Women
I don't think anyone was more surprised than Metcalf herself when her name was called. If it couldn't be Angels' Denise Gough, I'm glad it was Laurie Metcalf. Hers was an intense, in the moment, and yet unadorned performance, and worthy of a second statue in as many years.
4. Josh Groban and Sara Bareilles as Hosts
In a world coming undone with craziness, intensity and dumb-assery, it was nice for a change to have moments of quiet adoration of the art form being celebrated. And smart, funny songs. And self-deprecating humor. All of it was good for this viewer. (And the picture above... letting the costumes tell the joke. Good stuff!)
3. Glenda Jackson's Acceptance Speech
Classy. Smart. Pointed. Low key. Gracious. Like I said, classy.
2. Ari'el Stachel winning for The Band's Visit
I knew when I saw The Band's Visit the first time, that Ari'el Stachel's performance was special and Tony-worthy. The only real surprise, for me, was that the Tony voters got this one right. His tearful and poignant acceptance speech was the cherry on top of the sundae.
1. Once On This Island winning Best Revival of a Musical
I can't remember the last time I was so thrilled, shocked and happy over a show winning an award. It was the best revival by a mile, and it was both earned and deserved. Beautiful theater. Risk-taking theater. Genuinely creative and inspiring in its humanity. The world needs more of this.
