The Broadway Ferret

Wow, so much has happened…

Thought during Billy Elliot opening - Did they use all 3 Billy Elliots?  I only count two.

Best transition/combination - West Side Story into Guys and Dolls.

Worst transition/combination – Stockard Channing of Pal Joey and Aaron Tveit of Next to Normal.  Disturbing.

Most welcoming ensemble – cast of Hair singing “Let the Sun Shine In” with all the casts of the other shows performing.  By the way, was that David Hyde Pierce onstage?

Best age-related joke – Neil Patrick Harris, pointing out the gap between Jane Fonda’s two Tony nominations, joked that the next time she’ll be seen (or nominated) will be for Blithe Spirit.

Performance I was most looking forward to – “Things are looking up in Dulac” from Shrek.  It was as funny as the first time I saw it.

Most puzzling sight – Cast of Shrek in the audience.  In costume.

Thought that never crossed in anyone’s mind until it was mentioned – James Gandolfini clearing any confusion over being related to Shrek.  Now that’s all I can think about.

Great moment to witness – Angela Lansbury winning her 5th Tony.

First pointless musical number – Mamma Mia.  What the hell are they wearing?  It’s like an outer space disco.

Funniest intro (2nd place )- Will Ferrell going on about being a “Broadway veteran”, reminding us that Waiting for Godot is a French play written by an Irishman and that the correct pronounciation of the play is Waiting for God-ot.  Who knew?

The Felt Like a Long Speech Award – Tom Kitt and Brian Yorkey taking turns thanking the world…even after the orchestra played.

Which Matthew Warchus won? – The one that directed God of Carnage.  Though it would have been funny to see if he did tie with himself.

Only thought during Rock of Ages performance – Is the audience holding lighters?

Weirdo moment – Liza’s acceptance speech.  Does she realize there’s a time limit?

Backstage crew moment – Stagehand hands Titus Burgess a mike.  By the way, what’s with all the backstage chatter we can hear?  Shouldn’t the backstage people be on a different frequency than everyone else?

Thought on picture of actor in Our Town – Is that Hugh Jackman?

The Creative Arts Tonys – Hey, where’s the other categories?

Thought when Kate Burton and Lucie Arnaz came out to talk about a Broadway program for kids – What is up with women wearing gigantic bows as part of their dress?

Our Town pic question answered – It’s John Stamos!  Really?

Best Way to Thank Spouse (who probably preferred to stay in seat) – Gregory Jbara, who brought his wife onstage to thank her for being the only parent to their sons in LA while he worked on Billy Elliot.

Most Emotional Acceptance Speech – Karen Olivo who started crying about halfway through her speech.

The What Are They Saying Award – the cast performing Next to Normal.  I get that the musical has a rock score, but don’t you think it would be great to hear the actors?

The Kind of Uncomfortable Lead-In – Neil Patrick Harris, doing a sushi joke before announcing the presenter for Best Leading Actor in a Play.  One wonders what would’ve happen if Raul Esparza won.

What award show is this? – Edie Falco is behind James Gandolfini?  Is this the Emmys?

Best Acceptance Speech (2nd place) – Geoffrey Rush, for saying “funny existential absurdist tragicomedy” at least twice and mentioning the other plays in a French accent.

Most Obvious Representation of Show – Tim Hatley, Shrek costume designer, wearing a green shirt and matching tie.

Funniest intro (first place) – Frank Langella, reminding the Tony nomination committee that he was in a play yet not nominated.  And for giving people the idea that he’s wearing the same suit he wore to the Oscars.

Best Use of Acceptance Speech Time – Marcia Gay Harden, correcting the cameraman who switched the Mary Stuart actresses.

2nd pointless performance – Legally Blonde

Highlight of Jerry Herman tribute – clip of “Put on Your Sunday Clothes” mentions Hello Dolly! and the movie Wall-E.

Best Intro – David Hyde Pierce, describing the characters portrayed by the actresses in the Best Leading Actress in a Musical category and explaining “Yes, I’ve been called a lot of things.” 

Weirdest Acceptance Speech of the Night – Alice Ripley.  Oh where to begin…Why did she scream into the mike?  Why does it sound like a Lifetime Achievement Award speech?  And finally, BFA’s cover more than acting.

Best Acceptance Speech (first place) – David Alvarez, Trent Kowalik and Kiril Kulish who looked geniunely nervous, yet when they began their speech, managed to thank everyone.

Third pointless performance – Jersey Boys.  Though they did do something original by having all the current actors portraying Frankie Valli perform.

Best End of Show recap – Neil Patrick Harris singing to the tune of “Tonight Tonight” and “Luck be a Lady Tonight”.