Memories: On the Red Carpet at the 63rd Annual Tony Awards

63rd ANNUAL TONY AWARDS

By: Sandi "D"
June 7, 2009


THE NOMINEES ARE. . .AND THE WINNER IS . . .

The 63rd Annual Antoinette Perry Awards took place on Sunday June 7, 2009 at Radio City Music Hall. At the Red Carpet, this writer was given the golden opportunity of up close and personal chats and overhearing tidbits from many nominees and celebs passing through on their way inside Radio City Music Hall. The women be-jeweled and be-gowned, many in designer frock, were all smiles. Martha Plimpton, nominee for Featured Actress in a Musical (Pal Joey) revealed “I was terrified and got through because Graciella Daniele is a mammy choreographer.” Nominee for Leading Actor in a Play Hope Davis looked glamorous in a more simplified Peter Soronen dress (he dresses Michele Obama) as she met up to chat with God of Carnage co-actors Jeff Daniels and James Gandolfini.

Stage mates Janet McTeer and Harriet Walter (Mary Stuart) walked arm in arm, a friendly pair of competitors, as nominees for Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Play. Young, talkative Mark Indelicato told me he was the official Twitterer for the evening while Tovah Feldshuh (in strapless Christian Lacroix) and currently appearing on Broadway in “Irena’s Vow” was off to co-host the event at Duffy Square. Lin-Manuel Miranda of In The Heights fame, when asked what he said when Sondheim called him to rewrite lyrics in Spanish for West Side Story….”I said yes, yes!” Lovely Sutton Foster, swathed in orange gown, said that by age 14 she knew that Broadway was for her. Rock of Ages Constantine Maroulis confided that he feels surreal and is looking forward to going on the road with the show.

Red Carpet photo ops gave sponsor Audemars Piguet (maker of distinguished Swiss watches) the opportunity to showcase specially designed clocks where many celebs posed. Is that Dolly Parton being ushered through? Yes! Darn, she still has an 18” waist!

Before I knew it, everyone was safely tucked into their seats inside Radio City as I made my way up to the 64th Floor Rainbow Room’s Media Room to watch the Tony Awards simulcast. While Doogie Houser, M.D. was hosting the Awards, I mean Neil Patrick Harris, and making with the funnies, I was about to have some downtime, relaxation and food; the perfect solution for tired feet and brain.

It didn’t take long, however, before the first winners were announced and escorted to the Media Room for interviews and photos. The writing was on the wall as Martin Koch arrived for Best Orchestrations followed by Paul Arditti for Best Sound Design , both for “Billy Elliot.” Here comes Angela Lansbury hugging her Tony for Best Featured Actress in a Play (Blithe Spirit) while Roger Robinson took the Award for Best Featured Actor in a Play (Joe Turner’s Come and Gone). Karen Olivio won Best Featured Actress in a Musical for West Side Story saying she feels transported when she performs finding it very liberating to sing lyrics in Spanish, while acknowledging that Arthur Laurents gives notes in the best way he can to get what he needs and doesn’t coddle his performers. Her influence: Rita Moreno.

Leading Actor in a Play went to Geoffrey Rush who said he was thrilled to be performing in such an obscure Ionesco play; “It’s like eating spinach.” He’d love to come back to Broadway if the right role comes along. Harvey Firestein was already announcing Best Revival of a Play to The Norman Conquests and soon the entire cast and creative team were busily answering questions in the Media Room. They are a lively bunch!

Gregory Jbara, Best Featured Actor in a Musical, (Billy Elliot) says he wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for the sacrifices his wife made stating he was a bit intimidated going into rehearsals, finding it hard maintaining the accent, and stating that it’s like ‘electricity inside me….I’m free, I’m free!”

Special Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre Award went to composer Jerry Herman who is now 77 years young and responsible for Hello Dolly!, Mame and La Cage aux Folles. Jerry said he was born right near Radio City and he’s here because his Mother and Frank Loesser believed he had the talent to make it big. What does he look forward to now? Enjoying my houses in Palm Springs and Beverly Hills!

Best Revival of a Musical went to Hair, along with Best Direction to Diane Paulus who said she worked closely with Jim Rado on this revival and that he did write some new lines about the draft card. She said the musical speaks to all generations; it’s about the rebirth of idealism.

Best Direction of a Play went to Matthew Warchus for God of Carnage. He was also up for the same award for The Norman Conquests. Pretty good odds.

The three young “Billy Elliots” won Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical. David Alvarez, Trent Kowalik and Kirl Kulish were all adorable and somewhat tongue-tied trying to answer questions saying it’s like a dream. But they all had some advice: to all the kids out there who want to dance. . .never give up! No surprise that the announcement soon came that Billy Elliot had just won the Tony for Best Musical, making a total of ten Tonys!

Marcia Gay Harden took home her Tony as Leading Actor in a Play for God of Carnage looking stunning in a long green gown.

Best Actress in a Musical was given to Alice Ripley in Next To Normal. Ms. Ripley was explicit in saying that she channels her character Diana everyday and is happy she has a patient husband. It takes a lot of energy to stay focused and deliver her on stage. How did she feel winning the Tony? I feel complete; it feels natural and makes sense I have this Award. It’s other-worldly and a dream come true!

Before I could finish taking notes, I looked up and there was Elton John eager to speak to everyone. He was a little worried opening Billy Elliot in these tough times and admitted he’d never been to the Tonys before but found it more enjoyable than the Oscars because you’re being entertained from start to finish. Do you feel the need to control the performance of your music? Having done four musicals Elton remarked, you have to check your ego at the door and be part of a team. No immediate stage plans at the moment but he is working on a Disney film.

Lest I forget, Liza won Best Special Theatrical Event for Liza’s at the Palace. And the audience cheered and cheered both at Radio City and in the Media Room.

Other awards presented included: Regional Theatre Award to Signature Theatre in Arlington, Va.; a first time Isabelle Stevenson Award presented to Phyllis Newman and a Tony Honor for Excellence in the Theatre to Shirley Herz.

The evening was now complete or almost as Neil Patrick Harris sang the 11:00 o’clock song, a parodied “Tonight” as the credits rolled, featuring lyrics such as “this show could not be gayer if Liza was named Mayor and Elton John took flight. . .” Oh well, it’s the Tonys. See you next year!