The Tony Awards will defy gravity with “Depraved ”star Cynthia Erivo named as host

The Tony Awards are going inexperienced for his or her 78th annual celebration.

On Wednesday, the Broadway League and the American Theatre Wing introduced that Wicked star Cynthia Erivo will function host for this yr's June eighth ceremony. Erivo is taking up for Ariana DeBose who hosted the earlier three ceremonies, together with 2023's writer-free Tony Awards throughout the WGA strike.

“I’m so proud and excited to tackle this superb honor,” mentioned Erivo in a press release. “I’m wanting ahead to ushering the theatre group at giant via an evening that celebrates the fantastic performances we have now witnessed all year long. I hope I can rise to the event.”

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Erivo isn’t any stranger to the Tonys; she gained again in 2016 for Greatest Actress in a Musical for her work as Celie within the critically acclaimed revival of The Shade Purple.

In reality, Erivo is simply an Oscar away from the coveted EGOT, nominated for an Oscar for Greatest Actress this yr for her portrayal of Elphaba within the big-screen adaptation of Depraved.

Her character might sing that it's too late for second possibilities, however in its personal means, this internet hosting gig is a second probability for Depraved, which famously misplaced the Tony Award for Greatest Musical to Avenue Q (although authentic Broadway star Idina Menzel did take dwelling some {hardware} for Greatest Actress).

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“By performances on each stage and display, Cynthia has prolonged the magic of musical theater to thousands and thousands of recent followers across the globe — and that’s precisely the mission of the Tony Awards,” mentioned Heather Hitchens, President & CEO of the American Theater Wing and Jason Laks, President of The Broadway League. “Her expertise defies gravity and bounds, and we’re past thrilled to welcome her dwelling to Broadway for what might be a joyful and galvanizing celebration of the theatrical artwork type. We hope audiences are able to leap to their ft, cry tears of pleasure, and perhaps even stand up and dance.”

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Traditionally, the host of awards exhibits are sometimes counted on for humor and moments of levity in between the winners' speeches and performances from nominated exhibits. Erivo just isn’t sometimes recognized for comedic work (her resume veers to the dramatic in initiatives reminiscent of Genius: Aretha, Harriet, and Widows). However audiences might be assured that she'll ship memorable musical performances, and maybe the present will take a distinct strategy with its emcee this yr.

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"Cynthia is a outstanding expertise and together with her deep roots within the theater group, we’re honored to have her host this yr’s Tony Awards on CBS” mentioned Mackenzie Mitchell, Vice President, Specials, CBS in a press release. “There isn’t a doubt together with her innate creativity and charming presence, she’s going to ship an unforgettable night highlighting the extraordinary achievements of this Broadway season.”

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Nominations for this yr's awards might be introduced on Might 1, and they’re prone to embody buzzy productions such because the Nicole Scherzinger-led Sundown Boulevard and Audra McDonald Gypsy.

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