Of course, we tune into the Tony’s to honor Broadway’s greatest accomplishments and most brilliant performances throughout the year. That being said, I’m sure many of you agree with me when I say the host of the night is also a vital factor in the outcome of the show. We rely on the host for impeccable comedic timing, original monologues and the ability to roll with the punches in a live production where anything can happen. Shortly before he hosted the Tony Awards for the first time in 2009, Neil Patrick Harris appeared on the Late Show with David Letterman to present Letterman’s classically witty “Top Ten” list (watch here). The list was titled: “Top Ten Signs You’ve Hired a Bad Tony’s Host” and was laden with clever jokes and sarcasm that only a true Broadway fan could appreciate. A few of my favorites from the list are:
10. Spends first 20 minutes tangled in the curtain
5. Thinks the two gangs in West Side Story are the Jets and the 49ers
3. Quits after 10 minutes, citing “Mercury Poisoning from Sushi”
As you may know, the latter in the list is poking fun at actor, Jeremy Piven, who subjected himself to ridicule when he abruptly departed the production of Speed-the-Plow after claiming he had gotten mercury poisoning from eating too much sushi. Fans anxiously wait for Harris to return as host of Tony’s that are quickly approaching.
In anticipation of this year’s show, we’d like to hear some of your most clever “Top Ten” list ideas. You can add to the list I mentioned, or create one of your own. Be sure to watch the Tony’s on June 12th to make sure Harris doesn’t show any signs that they’ve hired a bad Tony’s host!
