Tonys 2025 thoughts

I don't really watch awards show very much anymore. At some point I stopped going to the movies, even watching movies at home less. And while I certainly do still watch television, a lot of what I watch isn't really in the conversation when it comes to awards. And I was never enough into music to want to watch the Grammys. But the Tonys? I will forever watch and have opinions on the Tonys. Have I seen any of the nominated shows? I have not. But I still have thoughts.

Things I loved:

• The Hamilton performance. You should all be grateful this blog was dormant when I went through my Hamilton obsession, because let me tell you, it was all-encompassing. A musical about the Founding Fathers from Lin-Manuel Miranda, whose In the Heights I loved? Yes please! The reunion of the OBC was fabulous and brought my affection right back. Lin seemed a bit nervous in his part of "My Shot," but Daveed kicking ass on "Guns and Ships" was delightful. 
• OK, pretty much all the performances. I wish the sound were better so I could've understood Operation Mincemeat a bit more (how I want to see that show!), but overall, I was very impressed all around. This really was a good season, and I know there were shows missing. 
• AUDRA. Holy crap. Was her voice on point? It was not. Was I still completely riveted, to the point that my husband was staring at me oddly? I was. 
• Cole Escola's tribute to Bernadette Peters. I don't have much interest in Oh Mary! (maybe someday), but they seem delightful and looked amazing.
• Having Brian Stokes Mitchell do the voiceovers. I love him so much. His voice is magic. It he isn't on stage singing "This Nearly Was Mine," at least we heard his dulcet tones throughout the night. 
• Sara Bareilles and Cynthia Erivo's duet for In Memoriam. Their voices together were just absolutely lovely. And Cynthia holding Sara after Gavin Creel appeared on the board...tears. Just devastating.
• Cynthia Erivo's bit about Jonathan Groff (though I didn't need the Lincoln joke told in the same segment; it was just unoriginal!).
• Natalie Venetia Belcon's win for Supporting Actress in a musical for Buena Vista Social Club. The show looks fun, and I saw her as Gary Coleman in Avenue Q! 
• Michael Arden's "If there are any queer people watching tonight..." 

Things that were meh: 

• I liked the concept of the opening number; nobody can argue with Cynthia Erivo's voice. But it just...did nothing for me. That's due, in part, to the troubles the broadcast was having with sound; part of my issue is that I don't think I picked up what she was saying. But also, I want a lot of dancing with my Tonys openers. That's just how I roll. Obligatory link to The Best Tonys Opener Ever:
• I thought I'd like the Pirates! performance more than I did. I love David Hyde Pierce and Ramin Karimloo and have heard nothing but good things about Jinx Monsoon. But it just didn't hold my attention. 
• The Death Becomes Her performance was so fun, but I was bummed I didn't get to see Jennifer Simard perform after all I've heard about her. But still...Megan Hilty.
• Cynthia Erivo's bit with Oprah and the car. 

Things I didn't like:

• Nicole Scherzinger's performance/win. And really the concept for the Sunset Blvd. revival. Nothing I've seen about that makes me want to see it; from what I've read, it's extremely polarizing. Her voice? Fab. Holding that note at the end? Impressive. Otherwise? No. Pass.
• Having to miss the first hour of the show because I don't have whatever random streamer was airing them. I want to see those awards! I want to see Harvey Fierstein and Celia Keenan-Bolger honored!
• The inconsistency of people being played off during their acceptance speeches (though I loved the song used for it).