Broadway’s biggest celebration is back this Sunday as theater lovers prepare for the 78th annual Tony Awards, which recognized nearly three dozen Broadway productions with nominations this year.
How To Watch
The main ceremony will take place Sunday night at New York City’s Radio City Music Hall and will run from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. ET. Viewers can catch the event live on CBS or stream it on Paramount+.
Ahead of the main show, a preshow broadcast hosted by Darren Criss—nominated this year for the first time for Maybe Happy Ending—and Renée Elise Goldsberry, who won a Tony in 2016 for her role in Hamilton, will begin at 6:40 p.m. ET on Pluto TV. Some awards will be announced during this preshow.
Who’s Hosting And Presenting?
This year’s Tony Awards will be hosted by Cynthia Erivo, who starred with Ariana Grande in the hit film adaptation of the Broadway musical Wicked. Erivo previously won a Tony in 2016 for her role as Celie in The Color Purple, and she’s also a Grammy and Emmy winner.
“Cynthia is a remarkable talent and with her deep roots in the theater community, we are honored to have her host this year’s Tony Awards on CBS,” said Mackenzie Mitchell, CBS’ vice president of specials, according to NBC News. “There is no doubt with her innate creativity and captivating presence, she will deliver an unforgettable evening highlighting the extraordinary achievements of this Broadway season.”
Performances To Watch For
In honor of the 10th anniversary of Hamilton, the original cast will reunite for a special performance, sure to be a highlight of the evening.
Audiences can also expect numbers from a wide range of productions, including Buena Vista Social Club, Dead Outlaw, Death Becomes Her, Floyd Collins, Gypsy, Maybe Happy Ending, Operation Mincemeat: A New Musical, Pirates! The Penzance Musical, Sunset Boulevard, Just in Time, and Real Women Have Curves.
Spotlight On The Nominees
This year’s awards cover 26 categories, and the complete list of nominees is available on the official Tony Awards website. In addition to the competitive categories, special awards will be given out. Among those honored will be the musicians from Buena Vista Social Club, as well as the team behind the illusions and technical wizardry of Stranger Things: The First Shadow.