Why the Tony Awards Will Be Like the Oscars–A Little
Tonight’s Tony Awards show on CBS promises to be the best in years– maybe ever.
For one thing, this has been a theater season full of movie stars. And they’re all coming to Radio City Music Hall tonight. Be there or be square.
Two time Oscar winner Jane Fonda, nominated for Best Actress in “33 Variations,” will open the show. That’s a big deal. From then on you will see a parade of stars from James Gandolfini and Marcia Gay Harden to Geoffrey Rush, Susan Sarandon, Stockard Channing, and Angela Lansbury. Martha Plimpton — a possible winner for her show stopping performance in “Pal Joey”–will be there despite the death of her uncle, David Carradine, a couple of days ago. Neil Patrick Harris--from CBS’s “How I Met Your Mother”– is hosting the event.
It will also be a big night if you’re a fan of Elton John. He’s set to perform at least a couple of times, and his show, “Billy Elliott,” is on track to sweep through several categories.
Dolly Parton is going to perform with the cast of “9 to 5″ as well. This year the Tonys will only show video clips of nominated plays. The big money is going to be on musical numbers and big names. You do not want to miss the numbers from “West Side Story” and “Hair,” believe me. Or from “Billy Elliott.”
If time permits, I’m told that there’s a big number planned for the end of the show, after the Best Musical award is given. Insiders say it’s worth sticking around till the very end just to see it.
And remember: at least if you’re home you can make a sandwich or take a toilet break. The audience will be in Radio City from 6 to 11pm. Help! The show is followed by an official Tony party in the Radio City ice skating rink. Then many of the shows have individual parties. The celebrating will go on all night.
One thing’s for certain: CBS is very excited about this year’s show. Les Moonves has invited all the big deals from the network including the board of directors, I’m told.
