Going to the Tonys for the First Time. Need advice!

[AberJ01]

Posted: 4/28/15 at 5:36pm

Treated myself to tickets to the Tony Awards for the first time since I am going to be in New York during them just by chance. Was lucky enough to get tickets in the 1st Mezz, but now I'm a little bit nervous. Is there anyone who has gone like the last two years who could give some insight?

1) The event is obviously black tie. Is it a requirement to rent a tuxedo? I ask because I'm flying in from Chicago. I own a lot of formal wear, including suits that look like a white and black tux, that I could bring from Chicago. Would that be okay, or do I need to go through the hassle of trying to get a tux in New York?

2) I've read that the general public isn't allowed to leave their seats to use the bathroom for the entire run of the show, which can be 4+ hours. To be quite honest, I can't go 4 hours without a bathroom break. Scared about this. Anyone?

3) Obviously, I'm not looking to buy anything at the Tony Awards. I know it's not some kind of buying souvenirs kind of event, haha. I was wondering though if the general public gets any kind of Playbill or Program as a token of the night?

Thanks in advance!!!

[Liza's Headband]

Posted: 4/28/15 at 5:43pm

1. Yes, you need a tux. Not sure why you'd have to rent one in NYC if you already own one? But yes, it's a black tie event. That's not optional.

2. That is patently false. During commercial breaks you are permitted to use the bathroom. I know if you are sitting in the Orchestra, they do not allow you back in until the next commercial break. Not sure if that's true for the Mezzanine. 

3. I do not recall receiving a program or playbill of any kind, although I know there are souvenir booklets/programs sold in the lobby. 

[abbagirl]

Posted: 4/28/15 at 5:46pm

There is a (free) Tony Playbill, yes. :)

[UnwoundFantasies]

Posted: 4/28/15 at 5:46pm

I sat in the third mezzanine last year and had no problem going to the bathroom on the commercial breaks! Just run and get back before it's over because I'm not sure if they'd let you back in or not.

Yes! Last year, they had these Tony booklet things for free. They were pretty thick and had information about all the nominees and productions. They were on a huge rack thing when entering the theater and no one was watching, so my friend and I each took a couple!

[rjm516]

Posted: 4/28/15 at 5:57pm

Not letting people pee for 4+ hours is pretty much a form of torture so that can never be true! Have fun!

[howardbf]

Posted: 5/1/15 at 9:18pm

Keep your acceptance speech short and to the point.    

 

[Just_John]

Posted: 5/1/15 at 9:49pm

The first time I went I rented a tux and it was a complete waste of money. No one sitting upstairs was wearing one.  I have worn a nice suit the two times I went since and never had a problem.  

[wonkit]

Posted: 5/1/15 at 10:44pm

"The first time I went I rented a tux and it was a complete waste of money. No one sitting upstairs was wearing one.  I have worn a nice suit the two times I went since and never had a problem.  "

 I concur with this. Unless you are likely to be heading for the stage to make an acceptance speech, any reasonably nice business attire is fine. 

[heybroadwayhey]

Posted: 5/5/15 at 9:56pm

What about for girls? Long dresses? Short?

[UnwoundFantasies]

Posted: 5/5/15 at 10:18pm

Last year I wore a short dress that I had previously worn to a banquet-esque event and it was fine. This year, I'll probably wear a long dress. It really doesn't matter, just dress up nicely.

What others said earlier, unless you're planning on making it on stage, don't stress too much.

[ScottyDoesn'tKnow2]

Posted: 5/6/15 at 1:42am

Dress like Cyndi Lauper. 

[Daddy Warbucks]

Posted: 5/6/15 at 2:29am

I'm attending as well.  Does black tie mean I actually have to wear a black bow tie with my tuxedo?  What if I want to wear a yellow bowtie, yellow gloves or yellow tuxedo shoes; as a shout out to the Visit.  Will they just not let me in??

 

(I'm serious.)

[dramamama611]

Posted: 5/6/15 at 5:29am

Oh, good Lord.  If other posters in this very thread have said you don't even need a tux (which is what black tie MEANS), then why would the for if your tie even matter?

[jo]

Posted: 5/6/15 at 5:53am

Most of all, enjoy yourself!

I have gone only once but there was a very strong sense of community among the audience ( we were cheering for all the shows), something one does not fully appreciate when watching the show on TV.