Tonys Make A Comeback

Just as Broadway appeared to come back to life during the past year -- setting box-office records in the process -- so, too, did Sunday night's telecast of the Tony Awards. Although the 2004 and 2005 telecasts set ratings lows, Sunday's show, which again aired over three hours of primetime, showed a 9 percent increase in the audience over the previous two years -- averaging a 5.9 rating and a 9 share. Even more impressive, it did so against Game 2 of the NBA Finals, featuring Miami vs. Dallas, whereas last year it had no basketball competition to fend off.
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I love Broadway! But the Tony productions are always like a shot in the dark; you just don't know where they're gonna land all the time. You would think bringing the best of Broadway talent together at a nationally televised 3 hour awards event would warrant a Hal Prince/Cam Mack style production. Writer David Boone must have brainstormed with his brother Daniel.

First off, No official host. No Hugh, No Rosie,No Harvey not even David Hyde Pierce, mistake #1. Allowing Harry Connick Jr. singing lounge music as an opening act, mistake #2. A shabby tribute to Hal Prince that really put poor Howard McGillian on the spot when he flubbed his lines, mistake # 3. Poor Patricia Neal. Enough said. The presenter who really couldn't read the prompter without help. The presentation was really not up to snuff. Or maybe that was the problem.

Can't argue with most of the presentations or the decisions. Besides it's not like most/any of us are connected to the award process. Loved The Color Purple & Jersey Boys spots. The winners: I was not disappointed that Jersey Boys won. It will make the tour (when it tours, and it will, like a super Nova). But I was thrilled that Lachanze took the Tony from the much expected and very shocked Patti Lupone. (Patti was spotted murmering something about chocolate meat pies for Sweeney, but then she can always re-steal Patricia Neal's second Tony).

I just wish they would have made the presentation and presenters match the quality of some of the performers.
For the record, I've never seeen that redneck in PJ's at any of my Philly sleepovers! Don't pin that one on me.

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Updated On: 6/12/06 at 07:31 PM