As Glee, the hit television phenomenon that will enter into its third season next fall, stole the hearts of television watchers nationwide, musicals and live theater have been given a fresh breath of life. Last Sunday, June 13th, Radio City Music Hall in New York City hosted the 64th Annual Tony Awards to honor the year’s best performances in drama, theater and Broadway production.

The Tony Awards, more eloquently referred to as the Antoinette Perry Awards for Excellence in Theatre, exclusively nominate outstanding accomplishments in Live American Theatre, a mark of distinction that is as highly regarded as the Academy Awards for motion pictures. 

This year, after having suffered from declining ratings in the past, the Tony Awards went above and beyond in its old Hollywood-style glamour, ramping up its popularity significantly with the appearance and subsequent wins of such big Broadway/cinema names as Scarlett Johansson (Best Featured Actress in a Play, A View From the Bridge), Denzel Washington (Best Actor in a Play, Fences), Catherine Zeta-Jones (Best Actress in a Musical, A Little Night Music) and Viola Davis (Best Actress in a Play, Fences).  

Red, the moving story of legendary modern art expressionist, Mark Rothko, took home six Tony Awards, including Best Play.  Memphis, an inspiring musical about the rock ‘n’ roll revolution of the segregated 1950s, walked away with five Tony Awards, including Best Musical.

Even two of our favorite Glee cast members, the bubbly Rachel Berry (Lea Michele) and the big-hearted Will Schuester (Matthew Morrison), performed at the ceremony along with famed musicians Ricky Martin, Sean Hayes, and 90s punk rock band, Green Day.

As popularity skyrockets, we may soon find that the once sleepy Tony Awards will surpass even the biggest of competitor ratings as those who tune in realize the inherent pleasure of being able to sing along to their favorite classic American musicals.  Our friends on Glee will be so proud.

Posted by : Courtney O’Kane Academy of Art University Alumna at 03:20 AM (IST)