It costs $200K to perform on the Tonys???

"Bernard Gersten, exec producer at LCT, pegged the cost of the "South Pacific" medley, including scenery and personnel expenses, at around $240,000.

"Our number on the telecast cost more than double the title of the song," said producer Kevin McCollum of the "In the Heights" on-air performance of tune "$96,000."

One of the interstitial segs for a show from a prior season was said to have cost nearly $70,000."

How can that be possible?
Variety

Anytime anything is broadcast on televsion...it costs $$$. This thread should meet the other thread about why Broadway shows aren't filmed for DVD as often. They've both been dating the same guy: $$$.

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Unions.

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I think that was probably the point --Wanna Be a Foster!

Isn't the whole production reminiscent of a 70's variety show taping?

The cost does seem a bit crazy when you figure they can be invited to perform anywhere else on television for FREE!

I'm sure most performers are not paying to be on the Today Show, Tonight Show, or any other "part of the day" shows. They get through those productions just fine without elaborate sets and major expenses.

When you throw an event, the hosts usually PAY the entertainment which serves as a means of drawing a larger crowd to the event.

I imagine a lot fewer people would watch the Tony Awards if the shows were not there to entertain.

There needs to be some sort of compromise here, so as not to put struggling shows further into debt.

Either that, or shows should opt to skip the Awards and send the talent to the daily variety and talk shows instead.

It really is a downward spiral when you think it through...UGH!

Maybe someone else can pick up where these thoughts left off...

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I guess I understand why Grease used that tacky locker set that looked like it was left over from a 1970's variety show taping.

That's actually GREASE's real set.

The original Grease set was much tackier and the show ran for 8 years.

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I remember a funny story that Gavin Creel told about performing and getting paid to perform on the Tony Awards for Thoroughly Modern Millie. They did FORGET ABOUT THE BOY (a number his character was not in), but they threw a full company tag on then end of the performance.

He came on stage and sang the end of TMM and blocking ended with cast raising one hand then the other. He said he was thinking as he raised each arm...that is $1000, that is $2000.