Lansbury, Harris or Jackman - Which is the better Tony host?

[Playbilly]

Posted: 5/19/12 at 1:15am

Yes, it's apples and oranges and pears, but let's debate who you think is the better host and why.

For me, it's Angela Lansbury. Class beats comedy and charisma every time.

[Far From Home]

Posted: 5/19/12 at 1:33am

No contest, it's Angela.

[TheatreKid3]

Posted: 5/19/12 at 2:36am

I, for one, thought Whoopi did a wonderful job. Would love to see her come back and do it again eventually!

[HorseTears]

Posted: 5/19/12 at 2:48am

While I ADORE Ms. Lansbury on stage and in film, I find her hosting style hasn't aged very well -- it's a bit old fashioned for my taste. It's not quite Lawrence Welk territory, but still...

But that was the way things were done, I understand.

Harris hands down for me. Funny, charming, talented and just the right amount of 'wrong' without losing too much reverence for the institution.

[AADA81]

Posted: 5/19/12 at 4:42am

I agree that it's a bit like apples and oranges, although I have tired of Harris's smugness over time. He's quite pleased with himself.

[Will42]

Posted: 5/19/12 at 5:05am

I honestly can't chose. Love them all.
Ms. Lansbury is a pure class and brought something special to each ceremony she hosted.
Jackman was born to entertain, he's just so damn charismatic and funny.
Harris is so adorable and has the perfect comic timing. Really hope they would let him host the Oscars.

[aasjb4ever]

Posted: 5/19/12 at 8:26am

Angela.

[best12bars]

Posted: 5/19/12 at 9:06am

Angela and Julie Andrews have been the classiest hosts in the past 20-odd years, and they moved things along, but they weren't all that entertaining.

Whoopi and Harris have been the funniest.

Rosie and Jackman have been strong as well. Maybe too strong. I felt at times they got in the way of the ceremonies they were hosting.

I would say, overall, I prefer Harris. He manages to be highly entertaining and move things a long.

[castlestreet]

Posted: 5/19/12 at 10:46am

How dare we forget Mr. Lane- I loved the year that he and co-host the late great Gregory Hines did the Women's Medley (95 maybe?, if that was the Sunset year, then they probably needed a lot of filler)

Whoopi was great too.

Lately though I don't think you can go wrong with Harris- he's got a highly rated TV show, he loves Broadway musicals and I think he has done a really great job.

[CapnHook]

Posted: 5/19/12 at 10:50am

I would have loved to have seen what Billy Crystal would have done as host.

[Kad]

Posted: 5/19/12 at 10:53am

I honestly think he's past his time as a host.

[Gaveston2]

Posted: 5/19/12 at 3:50pm

I would certainly watch any of Lansbury, Jackman or Harris (or any combination thereof), but Harris is the only one we seem to be talking about at the water-cooler on Monday morning.

[Idiot]

Posted: 5/19/12 at 4:40pm

I'm partial to Jackman, but that's only because in another reality we're married.

[canmark]

Posted: 5/19/12 at 4:48pm

Lansbury.

[BroadwayFan12]

Posted: 5/19/12 at 8:20pm

Angela Lansbury. She IS theatre.

[Unknown User]

Posted: 5/19/12 at 8:22pm

Angela Lansbury is STILL the best!

[mamaleh]

Posted: 5/20/12 at 7:14pm

Hugh Jackman displayed the best combination of class, integrity, talent, showmanship and pure joy at hosting. I'd vote for him as permanent host.

[Jonwo]

Posted: 5/20/12 at 8:34pm

NPH and Hugh Jackman are both great but Jackman has the upperhand, who can forget the opener for the 2004 Tonys, that was amazing.

It'd be nice if Jackman could return for one year as host but his film career probably prevents him from doing it an annual basis.

[PitPro2004]

Posted: 5/20/12 at 11:09pm

Lansbury. A class act. Untouchable.

[TheGirlUpstairs]

Posted: 5/20/12 at 11:10pm

I would be perfectly happy if Hugh Jackman just hosted every year until the end of time.

[Ejm105989]

Posted: 5/20/12 at 11:16pm

Hard to choose. All of them have been solid hosts.