Broadway Ceremony Highlights: Musical Performances and Star-Studded Moments
The recent Broadway ceremony served as a vibrant showcase of the season's most acclaimed theatrical works. Featuring a blend of Tony-nominated musical medleys, high-energy opening numbers, and poignant tributes, the event celebrated the artistry and talent currently defining the New York stage.
Key Facts
- Opening Number: "Bigger!", written by Lin-Manuel Miranda and Tom Kitt and starring Neil Patrick Harris.
- Closing Number: A personalized version of "Empire State of Mind" performed by Neil Patrick Harris and Audra McDonald.
- Special Tribute: Cyndi Lauper performed "True Colors" during the "In Memoriam" segment.
- Comedy Highlight: A "failed TV career" medley featuring Andrew Rannells, Megan Hilty, and Laura Benanti.
Showcasing the Season's Nominees
The ceremony highlighted several Tony-nominated musicals through a series of dynamic performances. These segments allowed audiences to experience the diverse sounds and styles of the current season's top contenders.
Featured Musical Performances
- Matilda the Musical: A medley featuring "Naughty," "Revolting Children," and "When I Grow Up."
- Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella: Performances of "In My Own Little Corner," "Impossible," and "Ten Minutes Ago."
- Pippin: A medley including "Corner of the Sky" and "Magic to Do."
- Annie: Featured the classics "It's the Hard Knock Life" and "Little Girls."
- Other Notable Acts: Performances included "It's All Happening" from Bring It On: The Musical, a medley from Motown: The Musical, "You'll Shoot Your Eye Out" from A Christmas Story: The Musical, and "Everybody Say Yeah" from Kinky Boots.
Beyond the nominated performances, the event integrated the broader Broadway community. Casts from currently running shows—including Chicago, Jersey Boys, Newsies, Once, Mamma Mia!, Rock of Ages, Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark, and The Lion King—introduced the nominees. Additionally, the casts of Once, The Phantom of the Opera, and The Rascals delivered live performances.
Memorable Production Moments
The ceremony was anchored by an Emmy-winning opening number titled "Bigger!", composed by Lin-Manuel Miranda and Tom Kitt. Starring Neil Patrick Harris, the spectacle featured a diverse ensemble of contortionists, cheerleaders, newsies, and a guest appearance by Mike Tyson. Harris noted the significant presence of child performers in this season's shows, jokingly comparing the group to the size of a Chuck-E-Cheese.
Adding a touch of humor, Harris joined Broadway performers Andrew Rannells, Megan Hilty, and Laura Benanti for a comic medley centered on "failed TV careers," as all three performers had recently seen their television shows cancelled. This piece, with lyrics by Michael John LaChiusa, cleverly repurposed melodies from Broadway staples such as "America," "What I Did For Love," and "The Ladies Who Lunch."
Summary of Ceremony Performances
| Segment | Performers/Contributors | Featured Songs/Works |
|---|---|---|
| Opening Number | Neil Patrick Harris, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Tom Kitt | "Bigger!" |
| Comedy Medley | Harris, Rannells, Hilty, Benanti, LaChiusa | "America", "What I Did For Love", "The Ladies Who Lunch" |
| In Memoriam | Cyndi Lauper | "True Colors" |
| Closing Number | Neil Patrick Harris, Audra McDonald | "Empire State of Mind" |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who wrote the opening number "Bigger!"?
The opening number was written by Lin-Manuel Miranda and Tom Kitt and starred Neil Patrick Harris.
Which artists performed during the "In Memoriam" tribute?
Cyndi Lauper performed her 1986 hit song "True Colors" during the tribute.
What was the theme of the comedy medley performed by Andrew Rannells, Megan Hilty, and Laura Benanti?
The medley focused on their "failed TV careers" following the cancellation of their respective television shows.
How did the ceremony conclude?
The event ended with Neil Patrick Harris and Audra McDonald singing "Empire State of Mind" with special lyrics that mentioned the night's winners.
Which Broadway casts helped introduce the nominees?
Nominees were introduced by casts from Chicago, Jersey Boys, Newsies, Once, Mamma Mia!, Rock of Ages, Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark, and The Lion King.