Knit to This
The 2025 Tony Awards
Remember uncomplicated joy?
It’s one of the many evanescent feelings that bubbles up when you watch human beings who are at the peak of their skills celebrate how lucky we are to be alive right now, to quote the sage Miranda. One sure-fire way to be overcome with that specific joy is in live theatre.
Whether you’re in the audience, working backstage, singing, dancing, acting, whatever—you’re all building a live, never-to-be-repeated experience together. All of you. And when everyone feels that connection, that joy being in community, well, there’s nothing quite like it.
Admittedly, not everyone can go to a Broadway show—or to any of the regional and touring shows in larger cities. Professional live theater can be hard to find (or afford, frankly). But the televised Tony Awards—especially this year—come close to capturing that awe.
Cynthia Erivo nailed the host duties; Audra McDonald proved why she is the GOAT; Jonathan Groff and Keanu Reeves shared an intimate moment. And so many more.
The Tonys are a perfect respite from the madness of the world and a reminder that we can do wonderful things together when we decide to. Take a break, pick up your knitting, and lean in to that “hey, kids, let’s put on a show” magic.
(As a lagniappe: this is the Tonys’ opening number that never fails when I need a pick-me-up. I get goosebumps, every dang time.)
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I watch the Tonys every year and this year was the best in several years. It was a delight to see Keanu Reeves being playful instead of serious, Cynthia Erivo did a great job, and everyone was so joyful.
Couldn’t agree more with you! The celebration of talent and inclusiveness was especially poignant this year! The Hamilton reunion was joyful, Cynthia Erivo was brilliant and Audra McDonald took Gypsy to a whole new level. It is always great to see and hear new things via the Tony Awards show.
Bigger is the same for me. I’ve watched that a million times. I saw two of the nominated shows and loved them both.
I worked in a professional musical theatre for years, and I always watch the Tony Awards! It’s the only award show I still watch. This year’s was one of the best (but I do wish we would see more technical awards televised – can’t make a show without them)!
What I’ve always loved about theatre is that it is ephemeral. It goes from being a dream, an idea, a vision, to a reality, and then it is gone. The most magical of art forms.
WOW!
The show made me smile. That is the best thing that can happen right now.
Audra’s performance of ‘Rose’s turn’ was the rawest I’ve ever seen.
The joy of the Tonys is being able to watch live theater. And to see how there truly is a theater community in NYC and elsewhere ( and see how many are in The Gilded Age… if you took a dram every time there was a NY theater actor you’d be soused in 10 minutes … and many sing!)
Oh my, thanks for linking to the 2013 opening!!
That 2013 Opening Act was amazing. Thanks for sharing it.
Absolutely loved watching this year!! The Arts provide an excellent way to express our gratitude, love and support our souls.
Two BRILLIANT clips…thanks so much for sharing them! I will likely never get to a Broadway show, but I sure can enjoy the power of human voices raised in song together! Thank you! And omg that 2013 intro… BRILLIANT on so many levels.