The Broadway Ferret

I thought this was one of the most entertaining years in the history of the Tony Awards.  Here’s why:

And the award for:

Best Awards Show Opening:  the opening number from The Lion King.  I was amazed how they fit the elephant down the aisles.

Best Disney shout-out:  Whoopi Goldberg coming out in a Sebastian the crab costume.  Would be funnier if they went into The Little Mermaid and all the cast members were confused by her costume.

Best Performance Intro:  John Waters for Cry Baby.  I don’t remember what he said, but I do know it was hilarious.

Closest the General Public Would Get to see a sold-out show – the Spotlight on Jersey Boys.  That show does not need any more advertisements.

Most Disturbing Flashback – LL Cool J (at least I think it’s him) and Carol Channing doing a remix of Hello Dolly.  ‘Nuff said.

Most Blatant Cry for Attention – John Lithgow talking about how great the musical revivals were even though he wasn’t cast.  Please, someone, cast him.

Most Disturbing Plug - Whoopi Goldberg in a Phantom of the Opera scene.  I actually screamed.

Best (Semi-Planned) Acceptance Speech – Lin-Manuel Miranda for Original Score.  You just know someone’s going to do that at the next Grammys.

Funniest Plug – Whoopi as Mary Poppins.  This did not scare me and was the most entertaining of all the Tony plugs.

Best (but brief) Best Play intro – Whoopi talking about the Best Play nominees against projections of the stage and scenery a la Sunday in the Park with George.  The clips should’ve been longer.

Most Unexpected Shout-Out – Anna D. Shapiro mentioning in her acceptance speech about how she managed to get The Little Mermaid tickets for her nieces and nephews.  Maybe when they’re older, she’ll get them tickets to her show.

Weirdest Plug – Whoopi “stripping” her armor for Spamalot.  I did not want to know what was under there.

Best (Planned) Acceptance Speech – Mark Rylance for Boeing Boeing.  I don’t know if he meant it to be funny, but it was, especially when they included the puzzled reaction of Mary McCormack.

How Many More of This Should We See? – Whoopi in Spring Awakening.   I’m sure that was her own hair.

What Did She Say? – Liza MInelli presenting Best Actor in a Musical.  I have no idea what she said, not because I couldn’t understand it, but because I was thinking “OMG, I can see her bra!”.  At least I hope it’s her bra.