The 78th Annual TONY Awards Performances!- Page 2

[bear88]

Posted: 6/9/25 at 3:59am

On the performances (some shows I had seen, others I haven’t). Overall, most of the performances suffered from tempo, sound or camerawork issues. I have seen two (Death Becomes Her, Operation Mincemeat) done better in past TV appearances - OM at the Oliviers.

Death Becomes Her - For The Gaze is a one-joke song, and it’s an old joke. The only reason to do it is to show off the ensemble too, but the camera was usually too close. I haven’t seen the musical but would consider it. That didn’t help sell it.

Buena Vista Social Club - The brief book scene didn’t impress, but the musical performance by the band was terrific. One of the better ones of the night.

Just In Time - I have seen much better in other TV appearances. It wasn’t bad because Groff is too winning a performer but I was a little disappointed.

Sunset Blvd. - I have mixed feelings about the revival, but Scherzinger’s performance of ‘As If We Never Said Goodbye’ was my favorite part of it. The edits weren’t distracting and I thought she did well even if the sound was a bit muddier than I would have preferred. The fact that it’s a vocal showcase served Scherzinger well.

Pirates - I haven’t seen it and, my admiration for David Hyde Pierce notwithstanding, the performance didn’t make me feel like I was missing anything. It had more bad camera work.

Hamilton - It seemed perfectly reasonable to do a 10th anniversary thing but I wasn’t eagerly anticipating it, until the performance started. Hamilton always had such crisp and clear sound, even on tour, and they did it again. Everyone sounded great. It was a reminder of the show’s embarrassment of musical riches and stellar performances. It was the unexpected highlight of the night.

Maybe Happy Ending - I thought the song choice was a mistake, but not a disastrous one. The orchestra, Criss and Shen sounded wonderful. With its Best Musical win, the show should get a boost.

Floyd Collins - The audience response was tepid but I really enjoyed the performance. Jeremy Jordan showed off his vocal talents and some acting chops. There weren’t significant sound or camera issues.

In Memorium - Cynthia Erivo’s shining moment as host came as she did the main vocal work for a clearly overcome Sara Bareilles, then hugged her at the end of Tomorrow,’ an appropriate choice.

Gypsy - I am a big admirer of McDonald’s performance in the revival and she showed off some of those strengths in ‘Rose’s Turn’ - her willingness to let uncomfortable silences linger and her unsettling ferocity. But whether it was tempo issues with the orchestra or something else, I thought her vocals were sometimes off even though she recovered by the end.

Dead Outlaw - I was flummoxed about what they would do, as I love the score but wondered how they would translate it in a few minutes. They basically tried to explain the musical, an unusual approach. It relied largely on ‘Dead,’ which has a catchy hook but has lyrics that feel like a mistake and don’t really explain the show anyway. I don’t know what the viewing audience made of it. At least it sounded good, as the songs didn’t rely on the orchestra.

Real Women Have Curves - More sound and camera issues, a running theme. I gather that the musical has better songs. Why not pick one of those?

 

Updated On: 6/9/25 at 03:59 AM

[SingingEachtoEach]

Posted: 6/9/25 at 5:20am

WiCkEDrOcKS said: "IdinaBellFoster said: "The tempos were inexcusable. Both Audra and Megan Hilty seemed to not be able to hear the orchestra racing along. It ruined what would’ve been excellent performances."

It was so bad that at one point I thought the tracks might’ve been pre recorded."

 

Groff noticeably corrected the orchestra pace early in his performance too.  Since he was facing them and singing in that style he had more of an ability to do it.

[rosscoe(au)]

Posted: 6/9/25 at 7:27am

Nothing was really ground breaking. Of course my opinion. Audrey just seemed angry, Nicole was ok. I’m not sure the camera work helped either. 

[BrodyFosse123]

Posted: 6/9/25 at 7:43am

Simply love Erivo these days after her glorious WICKED press tour (she truly won me over) and vocally she’s just thrilling but that opening was boring AF. It’s the Tony Awards, celebrating Broadway. The “less is more” conceit doesn’t apply here. The Tony Awards deserved an opening production number with Erivo on a harness doing somersaults while singing. THAT would be talked about for days and it would have gone viral for weeks. Missed opportunity.

Audra’s affected “Rose’s Turn” was an eye roll watch. I’m sure at the Majestic Theatre it plays better but with the intimate camera in her face you could see her working her performance. It was too much “I’m Audra McDonald and I’m acting these lyrics better than any other actress has ever.” Her acting wasn’t anchored to the music so there was a disconnect. That’s where all the other actresses who’ve played the role differed - they acted “Rose’s Turn” to the music, not the other way around. Audra was doing a play interpretation not a musical interpretation of “Rose’s Turn.”

[ACL2006]

Posted: 6/9/25 at 9:10am

None of the performances stood out as something that'll help a show with ticket sales. I thought Cynthia was a great host and a big step up from DeBose.

[MemorableUserName]

Posted: 6/9/25 at 9:49am

I said this in the other thread, but I think it's worth noting, because it likely affected song choice (and, regrettably, tempo in some instances since so many seemed rushed).

Each of the nominated shows appeared to have 3 minutes and 30 seconds for their number, except Audra, who got 4:10, and Dead Outlaw, also 4:10. (Pirates finished closer to 3 minutes; Buena Vista at 3:15.)

Hamilton got 4 minutes and 18 seconds. 

The two non-nominated shows got 2 and a half minutes. (Real Women came in a few seconds under; Just in Time a few second over.)

Yes, in some cases there were better numbers that could have been done...but in the time allotted?

And the show still finished late.

[ColdClimateDude]

Posted: 6/9/25 at 10:15am

BrodyFosse123 said: "Audra’s affected “Rose’s Turn” was an eye roll watch. I’m sure at the Majestic Theatre it plays better but with the intimate camera in her face you could see her working her performance. It was too much “I’m Audra McDonald and I’m acting these lyrics better than any other actress has ever.” Her acting wasn’t anchored to the music so there was a disconnect. That’s whereall the other actresses who’ve played the role differed - they acted “Rose’s Turn” to the music, not the other way around. Audra was doing a play interpretation not a musical interpretation of “Rose’s Turn.”"

Not being anchored to the music is primarily due to the truncating of the song for broadcast and the conductor rushing some moments that are timed better in the theater.  I loved it in the theater and appreciated getting to see the camera right up close, looking down at her tonsils.  And in many ways, yeah, she did act it better than some of the other women to play Rose...so what?

I agree with what most have said about the song choices and was surprised at how boring some of the shows with the most buzz looked.  Maybe Happy Ending's number was a terrible showcase to support a win for Criss later in the evening (especially considering how strong Jordan and Groff were in the representative numbers), and musically, it didn't come close to something like Operation Mincemeat, which I find in general was the more dynamic score.  Dead Outlaw was D.O.A. in my book. I would never see that show unless it was part of a touring package, and the same goes for Pirates! (they should tour that one, though).  I love RWHC and was hoping they'd choose a more representative number, but while the music was pleasant, it doesn't give you a clear idea of what to expect if you buy a ticket.  

It's telling that the best number of the night was the Hamilton reunion, and I was thrilled to see even the ensemble was back in formation.  I don't understand the continued hate for DeBose on here; she's one of the most eye-catching performers, and she looked fantastic last night (the hair! Love).  She was a terrific host, the best kind of theater kid try-hard all of us are deep down.  

[brdwybound04]

Posted: 6/9/25 at 10:44am

https://variety.com/2025/legit/awards/tony-awards-2025-snubs-and-surprises-1236422866/

[CopleyScott17]

Posted: 6/9/25 at 4:41pm

I enjoyed the Hamilton reunion, but I was surprised and disappointed that Anthony Ramos didn't get a spotlight. He's one of the biggest names to emerge from that company!

[Sauja]

Posted: 6/9/25 at 4:47pm

CopleyScott17 said: "I enjoyed the Hamilton reunion, but I was surprised and disappointed that Anthony Ramos didn't get a spotlight. He's one of the biggest names to emerge from that company!"

When they originally announced the reunion performance, everyone in the cast BUT him was listed. I wonder if there was a question of his availability until the last minute.

[Kad]

Posted: 6/9/25 at 4:57pm

From what I understand, it was not a question of availability, but one of saving face after initially turning it down due to… certain tensions. 

Updated On: 6/9/25 at 04:57 PM

[JSquared2]

Posted: 6/9/25 at 5:06pm

Kad said: "From what I understand, it was not a question of availability, but one of saving face after initially turning it down due to… certain tensions."

Let's not be coy -- he and Jasmine used to bang one another -- then they had a messy breakup.  

Tale as old as time...

[Wayman_Wong]

Posted: 6/10/25 at 2:59am

Cynthia Erivo sounded sensational singing the Tonys opening number, ''Sometimes All You Need Is a Song,'' written by the Tony- and Emmy-winning teams of Marc Shaiman, Scott Wittman, Benj Pasek and Justin Paul. (Video link below.) At one point, Erivo goes into the audience and gets some stars to sing along: Kristin Chenoweth, Aaron Tveit and then Adam Lambert. Anyone here know who the fourth person is? He's wearing glasses, sitting behind Lambert and appearing at the 5-minute mark. Thanks!

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IP8YtvXHxAw

Updated On: 6/10/25 at 02:59 AM

[Wayman_Wong]

Posted: 6/10/25 at 10:30am

ANNIE GET YOUR GOWN

Maybe ... I'm slow, but I was rewatching Cynthia Erivo's Tony opening number and just realized her red gown with white collar is a tribute to ''Annie.''

And later in the show, Erivo sang ''Tomorrow'' with Sara Bareilles. (People.com says Erivo's red gown was designed by Zac Posen. No mention of ''Annie.'')

https://people.com/2025-tony-awards-cynthia-erivo-outfit-changes-photos-11740515

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 6/10/25 at 10:35am

Martin Charnin’s daughter said the look was custom made for Erivo and to honor “Annie”.

[nmartin]

Posted: 6/10/25 at 10:48am

I will be in New York next month. None of the musical performances on the Tonys inspired me to buy a ticket, and McDonald's "Rose's Turn" makes me want to avoid 44th Street altogether. 

[DanS3]

Posted: 6/10/25 at 12:15pm

Y'all are so grumpy.

I thought Audra was phenomenal.  Yes, she seemed angry, but, that was the point.  Rose is upset her time in the spotlight will never come and she realizes at this point in the show that she was an overbearing stage mom not for her kids as she claimed...but....for herself.  I saw all that come through.  And, yes, she "acted", but, isn't that the point of theater?

The MHE performance was delightful and totally captured the entirety of the show.  And, it is at this point that they admit they are in love.  So, I thought it was a great showcase for the show.  The song is a bit melancholy yes, but this is not a show full of bangers anyway.

Just my humble opinion(s).

[BrodyFosse123]

Posted: 6/10/25 at 12:26pm

Jordan Catalano said: "Martin Charnin’s daughter said the look was custom made for Erivo and to honor “Annie”."

At an event I was at she happened to be there and while I was praising ANNIE and how groundbreaking the original Broadway production was, I added that it was heart-breaking that many today consider it a cheesy kiddie show. That last part didn’t go over well and I literally just walked away from her as she was ripping me a new one. 

[Bwaygurl2]

Posted: 6/10/25 at 12:43pm

BrodyFosse123 said: "Jordan Catalano said: "Martin Charnin’s daughter said the look was custom made for Erivo and to honor “Annie”."

At an event I was at she happened to be there and while I was praising ANNIE and how groundbreaking the original Broadway production was, I added that it was heart-breaking that many today consider it a cheesy kiddie show. That last part didn’t go over well and I literally just walked away from her as she was ripping me a new one."

I'm not surprised that you are just as off-putting in real life as you are on this board.

[BJR]

Posted: 6/10/25 at 12:57pm

BrodyFosse123 said: "Audra’s affected “Rose’s Turn” was an eye roll watch. I’m sure at the Majestic Theatre it plays better but with the intimate camera in her face you could see her working her performance. It was too much “I’m Audra McDonald and I’m acting these lyrics better than any other actress has ever.” Her acting wasn’t anchored to the music so there was a disconnect. That’s whereall the other actresses who’ve played the role differed - they acted “Rose’s Turn” to the music, not the other way around. Audra was doing a play interpretation not a musical interpretation of “Rose’s Turn.”"

Exactly what my MD friend and I were saying. Literally stopping the song more than once to fit the interpretation, when the result was it felt like she was fighting the song. The telltale sign on miscasting, I think: bending yourself in knots to prove you can play it. When someone is ideally cast, and like she has been beautifully so many times, the song does the work and it seems to fall out of you. 

[beensince1987]

Posted: 6/10/25 at 1:26pm

I thought Audra was acting "drunk"

[willep]

Posted: 6/10/25 at 9:42pm

As someone who loves Operation Mincemeat, I genuinely don’t understand why Born to Lead is their go-to. It didn’t grab me when they performed it at the Olivier Awards, but I went on to love the show. The people I know who haven’t seen the show were not grabbed by it on Sunday. There are so many more interesting song choices for them.

[Robbie2]

Posted: 6/10/25 at 10:03pm

nmartin said: "I will be in New York next month. None of the musical performances on the Tonys inspired me to buy a ticket, and McDonald's "Rose's Turn" makes me want to avoid 44th Street altogether."

 

So, what are you planning on seeing if nothing aroused you on the TONYS?

Cabaret w/ Orville may do the trick or Old Friends possibly?

[bear88]

Posted: 6/11/25 at 5:06am

Random thoughts:

- For anyone who saw ‘Rose’s Turn’ at Radio City Music Hall, how did it come across? As someone who loved it in the Majestic, it felt like McDonald was playing to a much bigger audience in the building as opposed to modulating her performance for viewers at home. Then again, for people who think she was acting with a capital A, I doubt they would like it anywhere. It worked for me, overall, worked even more for my family - who seemed more blown away by her Tony Awards performance than they had been in person. Everyone reacts differently. It’s kind of fascinating.

nmartin, a lot of the musicals are better than the TV show performances reflected, for a variety of reasons. Maybe Happy Ending is a lovely show, and deeper than you might expect. I wouldn’t have picked the songs they did, but I would strongly recommend the musical - especially with its original cast - even if you think it’s not necessarily going to be your thing. That’s what I thought, and I was very pleasantly surprised. The show covers a lot of darker themes without making you miserable.

- I understand why Operation Mincemeat chooses ‘Born to Lead’ - it fits the time slot and includes the entire cast. But it’s not the best song in the show, or even close. It took me a few songs to adjust but I was all-in by the end. The song that won Jak Malone his Tony Award is almost worth the price of admission.

- Dead Outlaw is an interesting but flawed musical with a hell of a score. It might not be your thing - the show is unapologetically weird - but I appreciate musicals that swing for the fences. Sit in the orchestra, though.