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What to watch for at the Tony Awards, Broadway’s biggest night

3 min read

NEW YORK (AP) -- Twenty-nine shows on Broadway got Tony Award nominations this season, but not all will walk away with a trophy -- and the box office attention they usually bring.

Here are some key things to know as Broadway's biggest night approaches, including how to watch, who is poised to make history, what old favorite gets to take a victory lap and how you can see George Clooney on Broadway from the comfort of your couch.

When are the Tony Awards?

The Tonys will be broadcast to both coasts on Sunday, June 8, from 8-11 p.m. Eastern/5-8 p.m. Pacific, live from Radio City Music Hall.

How can I watch them?

On CBS and streaming on Paramount+ in the U.S.

Who's hosting the Tony Awards?

Tony, Emmy and Grammy winner (and three-time Oscar nominee) Cynthia Erivo, the "Wicked" star, will be making her debut hosting the Tonys. She won the lead actress in a musical Tony in 2016 for "The Color Purple" and will have just released her new album, "I Forgive You."

A pre-show will be broadcast on Pluto TV from 6:40-8 p.m. Eastern/3:40-5 p.m. Pacific, where some Tonys will be handed out. Darren Criss and Renee Elise Goldsberry will host that telecast. Viewers can access it on their smart TV, streaming device, mobile app or online by going to Pluto TV and clicking on the "Live Music" channel, found within the Entertainment category on the service.

Who can we expect to see?

Presenters include Aaron Tveit, Adam Lambert, Alex Winter, Allison Janney, Ariana DeBose, Ben Stiller, Bryan Cranston, Carrie Preston, Charli D'Amelio, Danielle Brooks, Jean Smart, Jesse Eisenberg, Katie Holmes, Keanu Reeves, Kelli O'Hara, Kristin Chenoweth, Lea Michele, Lea Salonga, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Michelle Williams, Oprah, Rachel Bay Jones, Renee Elise Goldsberry, Samuel L. Jackson, Sara Bareilles and Sarah Paulson.

How many awards are there?

A total of 26 competitive categories, from lead and featured actors to scenic, costume and lighting design. Some technical award handouts may be pre-taped and winners won't appear on the live show, only cut down into edited bits sandwiched into the telecast.

What are the top nominees?

There are three of them: "Buena Vista Social Club," which takes its inspiration from Wim Wenders' 1999 Oscar-nominated documentary; "Death Becomes Her," based on the 1992 cult classic film; and "Maybe Happy Ending," a rom-com musical about a pair of androids. Each has a leading 10 nominations.

Who is vying for best new play and musical?

For new musicals, it's "Buena Vista Social Club," "Dead Outlaw," "Death Becomes Her," "Maybe Happy Ending" and "Operation Mincemeat: A New Musical."

For new plays, it's "English," "The Hills of California," "John Proctor Is the Villain," "Oh, Mary!" and "Purpose."

Many of the races are unusually tight this year, the product of a Broadway heaving with shows after having largely rebounded from the pandemic.

"I haven't seen one nominated show that I haven't been wowed by. Everything brings something," says Lowe Cunningham, lead producer of "Death Becomes Her" and also a Tony voter.

"How dare the Broadway community come together with such excellent work," she jokes. "I needed everything else to be much worse, and I don't appreciate it."

Starting at /week.