There’s been a lot of discussion this season about the role of understudies and standbys, who kept many shows going when other performers tested positive for the coronavirus. Can you talk about what your intention is for Sunday on that front?
In three of my six Broadway shows, I was an understudy. And I began in this industry in the ensemble. There’s no way in the world that a host like me is going to let this moment go by without acknowledging swings and understudies, but also the myriad groups of people that put in the work to keep this industry going, and that includes stage managers, dance captains, associates, hair and makeup departments, musicians. There’s not a version of the world where I don’t have something up my sleeve. I’m not going to tell you what it is, but what I am going to tell you is if it doesn’t happen, you can hold me accountable.
One of the other important developments this season was the death of Stephen Sondheim. Should we expect to see that acknowledged?
Well, we wouldn’t have the American theater as we know it without him. So while I will not tell you what we are doing, there will be a beautiful moment for the man that is Stephen Sondheim.
Tony Awards: The Best New Musical Nominees
Card 1 of 7
The 2022 nominees. The race for best new musical at the Tony Awards — traditionally the most financially beneficial prize — is a broad six-way contest this year. Here’s a closer look at each nominee:
“Mr. Saturday Night” Based on a 1992 movie, this musical features Billy Crystal returning to the role of Buddy Young Jr., a has-been comic who is hungering for a comeback and reconnecting with family.
“Paradise Square” In a show that explores shifting race relations, the love between Black and Irish New Yorkers in a Manhattan bar is threatened during the Civil War draft riots of 1863.
“Six: The Musical” This British pop musical about the wives of Henry VIII mixes 16th-century marital politics with 21st-century selfies and shade in a sing-off among six sassy divas.
“A Strange Loop” In this Pulitzer Prize-winning meta musical, a Black queer man who works as an usher on Broadway battles his demons and doubts while trying to write his own show.
How has the pandemic affected you?
I’m one of the few actors who actually had opportunities — I’m painfully aware of that, and I have a bit of survivor’s guilt. But my eyes are very open, and I’ve seen all the challenges that my colleagues have faced. It’s part of why I was really passionate about coming back to host the Tonys.
What’s your sense of how Broadway is doing?
We’re taking steps in the right direction. There is work to be done, though. If you look at this crop of nominees, you look at the shows that were on Broadway this season, there were steps taken toward equity and inclusion. I’m happy to see more faces that look like mine. I’m happy to see that the honorees are more diverse.
Article source: https://www.nytimes.com/2022/06/09/theater/ariana-debose-tony-awards.html
Speak Your Mind
You must be logged in to post a comment.