The 76th Antoinette Perry Awards for Excellence in Broadway Theatre, popularly known as the Tony Awards, are set to take place at the United Palace in Washington Heights. Here’s what you need to know about the 2023 Tony Awards:
When and where are the Tonys happening?
The Tony Awards will be held on Sunday night at the United Palace in Manhattan’s Washington Heights neighborhood. This is the first time the event is being held at this venue, with previous shows taking place at Radio City Music Hall and the Beacon Theatre.
How can I watch the Tonys?
The ceremony will have two parts: the “Act One” telecast, which will be broadcast on Pluto TV, a free streaming service that does not require registration, and the main show, which will run from 8 to 11 p.m. Eastern time on CBS and Paramount Plus. Viewers can sign up for a seven-day free trial of Paramount Plus to watch the main show.
How will the writers strike affect the show?
There was initial uncertainty due to the Writers Guild of America (WGA) strike, but after negotiations, an agreement was reached. The Tonys made alterations to the show to comply with WGA requests, and the WGA agreed not to picket the event. The awards and performances are expected to proceed as planned, although some nominated members have been asked to provide taped acceptance speeches or have others accept awards on their behalf.
Who’s hosting?
Ariana DeBose, an Oscar winner for “West Side Story” and a former Broadway performer in “Hamilton,” returns as the host for the second consecutive year. However, due to the altered show format, the exact role she will play remains unclear. Julianne Hough and Skylar Astin have been announced as co-hosts for the “Act One” telecast.
How are the nominees chosen? Who votes?
The Tony Awards Nominating Committee, consisting of approximately 50 theater professionals, chooses the nominees in the 26 competitive categories. They see every new Broadway production during the eligibility window and determine nominations through supervised ballots. The winners are then chosen by the Tonys’ 800-plus voters, who are expected to attend every nominated production.
Which shows are the front-runners?
“Some Like It Hot” leads the nominations with 13 nods, making it the most-nominated show this year. It competes for Best Musical against “Kimberly Akimbo,” “& Juliet,” “Shucked,” and “New York, New York.” In the revival of a musical category, “Into the Woods,” “Sweeney Todd,” “Parade,” and “Camelot” are notable contenders. For plays, “Ain’t No Mo'” and “Leopoldstadt” received the most nominations, while other nominees include Pulitzer Prize-winning plays like “Between Riverside and Crazy,” “Cost of Living,” and “Fat Ham.”
Will there be musical performances?
Yes, there will be numerous musical performances during the Tonys. All nine nominees from the Best Musical and Musical Revival categories will have their numbers performed. Casts from shows like “Sweeney Todd” and “Parade” are expected to headline the performances, and special tributes will be made to Joel Grey and John Kander, recipients of the lifetime achievement Tony.