NEW YORK — Ariana DeBose assures that the upcoming Tony Awards on Sunday will resemble a Broadway show in its presentation and movement.
“This is Broadway’s biggest night. Why not give the people at home even more of a Broadway experience?” the Academy Award winner and Tony nominee shared with The Associated Press on Thursday. “Our show will flow in a manner similar to a live Broadway production. We aim to provide viewers with a complete Broadway experience.”
Expect to witness smooth transitions between scenes, with cast members assisting in the movement of props and sets visibly changing on stage. Unlike previous years, there will be no breaks between production numbers and awards presentations to hide these transitions.
So, does this mean viewers might see Jessica Lange — nominated for best leading actress in a play for her performance in “Mother Play” — helping to move furniture on stage? “I’m not sure if Ms. Lange will be handling furniture. I just hope she enjoys herself,” DeBose remarked humorously.
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The main telecast, lasting three hours, will broadcast on CBS and stream on Paramount+, with a pre-show available on Pluto TV featuring the presentation of certain technical awards.
DeBose serves as a producer this year and is collaborating with her creative partner, Julius Anthony Rubio, on choreographing the opening number.
“I intentionally took on this role to explore something new. I communicate through dance better than I do through English,” she explained. “So, I thought, ‘Why not?’ I’m embracing my Debbie Allen era.”
To prepare for her role, DeBose attended every new Broadway show of the season, totaling 36 performances: “I feel a responsibility to familiarize myself with the season in order to contribute to the show we are creating.”
Previous hosts of the Tony Awards who have hosted multiple times include Angela Lansbury, Hugh Jackman, Neil Patrick Harris, and James Corden.
