A remarkable night at the Tony Awards celebrating a record breaking season on Broadway!  Here are my Top 5 favorite moments:

1.  The “I was born to do this” speech by Edwin Robinson, the recipient of the Tony Award for Excellence in Theater Education was a reminder of how important theater teachers are the future of our art form and our business.  They not only grow great talent, they grow great human beings.  So thankful for Mr. Robinson chose to teach . . . when, with that voice and that charisma . . . he could have done anything!
2. The dueling diva performances of Nicole Scherzinger and Audra McDonald was a reminder that you the only thing you need to thrill an audience is great material and a great actress.  Last night, we got two of the greatest performances I’ve seen in one show!  Who won?  The audience.
3. Speaking of all you need is a performer and a song, how about that opening number?  Sometimes doing the opposite of what everyone expects is what is exciting.  Add Cynthia Erivo’s voice, charm and ability to hold that giant stage and she goes down as one of the greatest hosts we’ve had. 
4. The wins for Maybe Happy Ending, Oh Mary, and Buena Vista Social Club proves once again that originality and unique voices are alive and present on Broadway and can be celebrated!  If you are one of those who say that there Broadway is only movie titles and jukebox musicals, and big stars, look at who took home awards!  (And if you’re an artist – make what you want to make – it may be a longer and harder road, but the rewards will be bigger.)
5.  Hamil-ten.  I mean . . . admit it . . . seeing that Hamilton medley made you want to go back and see it, didn’t it?  I know it’s back on my list.  And I’d bet ticket sales went up big time this morning.  Remember, there’s a whole generation of people who haven’t seen it yet.  I’m betting they’ll buy tickets soon.

What was your favorite moment?  What was your favorite performance?  Favorite presenter?

If you’re a theatermaker . . . go do something today that can get you or your show one step closer to getting an award of your own!