Hosts for the 2006 Tony Awards

[CapnHook]

Posted: 9/25/05 at 1:19am

Nathan Lane & Matthew Broderick, please.

They have THE PRODUCERS film that should be on DVD by then. And also THE ODD COUPLE.

Or: Harvey Fierstein and Rosie O'Donnell. After FIDDLER having closed just a few months prior to the Tonys, it'd be nice to see them together again.

[meagan9848]

Posted: 9/25/05 at 1:22am

I bet Hugh will do it again...he won a freckin emmy for it.

[FosseBoi]

Posted: 9/25/05 at 1:28am

UGH! Enough with Hugh! Dont get me wrong, I love him! But after this years so-so broadcast, lets get someone new!

I think the previous pairing ideas are great! What about Bernedette Peters? Or Carol Channing?

[LaCageAuxFollesFan2]

Posted: 9/25/05 at 1:28am

Hugh...three years in a row is enough, TAKE A BREAK!

Matthew & Nathan...5 yrs seems long enough, but it would just be the same old shtick.

Rosie...I just caught tonight in Fiddler and folks, let me tell ya...SHES GOOD! She breathes a life into that show that is heartwarming and telling all at once, and doesnt miss a note. The woman has her act together on that stage and is quite the delight! My personal opinion is it's time for some more Rosie Tony Magic!

[dotmarie]

Posted: 9/25/05 at 1:30am

Anyone but Hugh Jackman or Idina Menzel.

[FosseBoi]

Posted: 9/25/05 at 1:34am

The more I think about it, Rosie and Harvey hosting(or just Rosie) could be a GREAT refreaser from this years broadcast. Btw, sorry to keep harping on that, but it just wasnt good. Except the begining, I LOVED the begining!

[CJWesselman]

Posted: 9/25/05 at 1:43am

How about Norbert? I think he'd make a great host.

[boytobroadway]

Posted: 9/25/05 at 1:47am

Well, she has done great so far. so let's hear it for

ELLEN DEGENERES!!!!!!!!!!!!

WOOOOOT!!! *squeals in high pitched voice as that of Spongebob Squarepants*

[munkustrap178]

Posted: 9/25/05 at 1:48am

I would prefer Hugh to Broderick/Lane. If I were the producers, I would certainly try to get Jackman back - he won the Emmy, and more non-Broadway fans would tune in to see Hugh Jackman hosting than they would someone like Harvey Fierstein, Nathan Lane, or someone in the same genre.

[boytobroadway]

Posted: 9/25/05 at 1:52am

THAT IS WHY I SAY ELLEN DEGENERES!!!

She would bring in all the people who don't like theatre, nut like her.

ELLEN...YAY!!!!!!!

[munkustrap178]

Posted: 9/25/05 at 1:54am

Well, in my opinion (as well,) Ellen is an ideal host for everything. Unfortunately, I can't see her wanting to host an award show (or her getting the offer to host an award show) that has absolutely nothing to do with her. It's a nice thought, though. I have a feeling we'll see Hugh back. If not Hugh, I think it might be time for Rosie's return.

PS - I love your avatar. Bjork is amazing!

[SirLiir]

Posted: 9/25/05 at 1:55am

Norbert would be a nice host but he still doesn't have the name or track record to be offered the job. I mean, we as BWAY fans know how great he is. How would some person in CA or other states know? The 2006 Tony Awards hosted by...Norbert leo Butz. Nah, Id love to see to but the chances are slim.

[munkustrap178]

Posted: 9/25/05 at 1:58am

Maybe John Lithgow?

[CJWesselman]

Posted: 9/25/05 at 2:03am

I totally understand the mentality behind getting a bigger name to host, but what are the odds that Joe Schmo who loves in Eerie, PA and has never really had any interest in theatre will hear that Hugh Jackman (or any other popular entertainer) is hosting the Tony's and decide to watch? I'd rather prefer the Tony's go back to PBS than pick a unqualified host for primetime. Hugh, of course, is a major exception (great host with a great name) but as has been said, he's done it for three years....time for new blood. I don't think Rosie would be a good choice if you're aiming to bring in a new crowd....I think the media has shown her out to be a looney.

I think John Lithgow could work.

[CJWesselman]

Posted: 9/25/05 at 2:05am

Oh, or, because of "The Producers," how about getting Will Ferrel to host? (may the lynching begin...hehe)


**addition** Or, how about Roger Bart??

I think the possibilities are endless if you don't have to pick someone with a big name, like Hugh.

Updated On: 9/25/05 at 02:05 AM

[munkustrap178]

Posted: 9/25/05 at 2:08am

No, it wouldn't get Joe Schmo to watch the Tony Awards, but it might get his wife to.

If I were a big fan of some actor - let's say...Clive Owen. And Clive Owen hosted an award show for something that I have absolutely no interest in. You bet I would watch it.

[CJWesselman]

Posted: 9/25/05 at 2:11am

I dunno...I guess the differences between myself and middle american continue. lol. if you told me, say, for example, ewan mcgregor (whom I love) was hosting an awards show for Accounting...I wouldn't watch, cause I find accounting boring (sorry to any accounters...accountants? whatever...lol). But, once again, like you pointed out munk, some would watch bc of a host they like. but is it enough to justify doing it? are enough of those people going to become theatre fans? is it even about that? or are we just doing this for ratings?

[munkustrap178]

Posted: 9/25/05 at 2:14am

It's not about getting people to start enjoying theatre. That might be the hopes of the Wing and of us, but to CBS, the Tonys are beginning to become a risky thing. They want guaranteed ratings.

[CJWesselman]

Posted: 9/25/05 at 2:18am

So how about moving them back to PBS? You think that would ease any pressure?

[munkustrap178]

Posted: 9/25/05 at 2:20am

On CBS...why would the Wing optionally switch to a lower-profile station?

[CJWesselman]

Posted: 9/25/05 at 2:30am

Well, I'm just looking at it from a standpoint not concerning ratings. Haven't the Tonys' ratings been continually dipping for a few years now?

From mikeandmandyonline.com:

"Tony Award Ratings - American TV viewers don’t appear to have an interest for Broadway’s best. Sunday night’s broadcast of the 59th Annual Tony Awards garnered a small 6.6 million viewers. What is really sad is that there was no stiff completion on the other networks. The awards show was beaten on Sunday by Dateline: NBC, and re-runs of Law & Order: Criminal Intent and Desperate Housewives."

I guess what my point is is that CBS is going to want someone with a big name to host and it could end feasibly up being someone who's really not involved with theatre, like Ellen. I have nothing against these people, but it just seems like the host should be someone from within the community. I would think PBS would be willing to allow this because they don't expect amazing ratings but can expect the regular audience to simply switch stations. Am I at fault somewhere in this reasoning?

**UPDATE** Sorry, it's 2am and I'm not thinking right. I keep thinking of the PBS pre-show special they've been showing for a few years. CBS has been running the Tonys for a while now....wow...I think I've been making an argument based on non-factual memories. lol. begin tearing me apart now. So I guess now that I've been set straight, I withdraw my arguement for the move to PBS (which I previously stated as a move BACK to PBS) and just pray that CBS allows for the Tonys to be done without any stunts for ratings, like a huge, non-theatrical celebrity host.

Updated On: 9/25/05 at 02:30 AM

[FOAnatic]

Posted: 9/25/05 at 2:30am

How about Martin Short? His one-man show is coming to Broadway this season...and he would be a HILARIOUS host.

Definitely good for ratings.

[CJWesselman]

Posted: 9/25/05 at 2:39am

Didn't Martin Short host something else fairly recently? Just curious.

[stage_door76]

Posted: 9/25/05 at 6:25am

martin short terrifies me

i'm over hugh (something i simultaneously never thought i'd say in my life and something i wish was true)

[Albin]

Posted: 9/25/05 at 6:35am

Pamela Anderson. She'll bring in the straight male viewers.