2021 Tony Awards Kick Off With ‘Hairspray’ Reunion, Audra McDonald And Masked Stars

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The 2021 Tony Awards kicked off Sunday night time with an epic throwback.

Actors Kerry Butler, Chester Gregory, Darlene Adore, Matthew Morrison and Marissa Jaret Winokur started the truncated, considerably-delayed ceremony with a performance of “You Can not Halt the Beat” from the smash musical “Hairspray.”

It was a fitting tune option. When “Hairspray” opened in 2002, it was interpreted as a celebratory rebound for Broadway next the Sept. 11 attacks, soon after which performances were suspended for two days.

Nineteen a long time later on, all 41 of the Terrific White Way’s theaters are when once more reopening ― this time soon after an unparalleled 18-thirty day period closure owing to the COVID-19 pandemic.



Darlene Really like, Matthew Morrison, Marissa Jaret Winokur, Chester Gregory and Kerry Butler execute “You Are unable to Stop the Beat” from “Hairspray.” 

The Tonys, held at New York’s Winter season Back garden Theater, appeared significantly distinct than past week’s Emmy Awards and other current ceremonies.

Not only were all of the night’s attendees expected to be completely vaccinated, they also had to don deal with masks all through the ceremony except they ended up executing or presenting.

Audra McDonald hosted the 2021 Tony Awards in New York Sunday night.



Audra McDonald hosted the 2021 Tony Awards in New York Sunday night.

In her opening remarks, host Audra McDonald quipped that it was great to see “half of everyone’s faces.”

McDonald, a 6-time Tony winner, explained she hoped to see Broadway artists perform to make reside theater additional equitable following getting knocked out by COVID-19 for 560 nights ― a reference to the ongoing thrust to function far more creators and performers of shade on New York’s stages.

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