I don’t always post a Monday newsletter but today is special because it’s the day after the Tony Awards!

I’ve been watching the Tony Awards for over 37 years.  Since I was 16!  And now that I am lucky enough to work in the industry and watch from a seat inside the theater where the awards are happening, I still try to watch like I was when I was 16. 

And just like I did back then, I always keep track of my favorite moments.  Here are my Top 7 from the 2026 Tony Awards (in no particular order):

1.  The opening

   By far, the best opening number I’ve ever seen.  The song, the choreography, the inclusion of so many of those leading ladies, the references to the audience . . . it did exactly what great opening numbers in awards shows (and musicals) are supposed to do – blow the roof of the joint.

2. Cinqo Paul’s SECOND speech
   

   Cinqo Paul had an amazing night – and deservedly so.  The Despicable Me writer (yep, he wrote that franchise) who loves musicals, got a couple of speeches.  Both were great but this is what I loved the most:
   
   “There are only six new musicals this season. That is not enough. We need more new musicals on Broadway. I can’t do that. There are people out here who can help make that happen, so I implore you all to please do all you can. There are amazing musical writers out there. Support new musicals.”

3. The DJ
   

   Not sure if you saw this at home, but there was a live DJ spinning great mixes during the commercial breaks. It kept the energy in the room electric – and just made The Tony Awards seem even cooler.

4. Those CATS Fans
   

   We all had those CATS fans underneath our seat – and were instructed how to use them on a commercial break.  CATS had a remarkable performance – which was punctuated by letting the audience unleash their love with the flip of a fan.  It felt like, well, a Knicks Game where the crowd was cheering “Go Knicks Go!”

5. PINK
   

   When it was announced Pink was hosting, everyone, including me, was like, “Wait, Pink?  Huh?”  She addressed that in the first 30 seconds – a great reminder that if your audience is thinking something – best to let them know you know – and then SHOW them why you’re one of the best hosts that the Tonys have ever had.  Just goes to show . . . again . . . things that don’t make sense on paper can be the absolute best.  So be careful what you shun until you see it.  Also, how many producers are calling Pink’s people today do you think?

6. The Anniversary Numbers
   

   Thanks to the success of the Hamilton appearance last year, the Anniversary Performance was back.  And I bet the Chicago number helped sell some serious tickets.  And I enjoyed being reminded of how classically fun and exciting that show can be.  And add Pink, and well, boom. 
   
   Now, we also had a Book of Mormon AND Chorus Line moment – which I also loved, but I think keeping these anniversary or celebration of a long running show to one per telecast is the best way to make them special.  (And also not distract too much from the NEW shows – the ones that need the most support.)

7. They Let Them Talk (for the most part)
   

   
   We got longer speeches this year!  Until, well, we got to the end and perhaps because of those longer speeches, the orchestra struck up a little early.  But there seemed to be more respect given to those who were getting their bucket list moment to let them talk and not pressure them off. 

What was YOUR favorite moment from this year’s Tony Awards?

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