Super Tony Awards claims Broadway is ‘not just for gays anymore’ [video]

By JD Uy on June 13, 2011

Sunday night’s broadcast of the Tony Awards proved to be an extra special addition for Gay Pride month. It will arguably be remembered as one of the theatrical ceremony’s best moments and most inclusive evenings of gay entertainment. The show opened with a musical number by Neil Patrick Harris, who tried to show viewers Broadway’s diversity by singing ”It’s Not Just for Gays Anymore” and pointing out all the straight people in the audience.

A woolly-faced Robin Williams joked that, “This is an incredible room. The only beard here is on my face. What a nice night.” And Chris Rock said, ”You know, if you would have told me two years ago that I would miss the best basketball game ever…to hang out with Nathan Lane, I would have said you’re crazy! But that’s what happened.”

”The Normal Heart” won several awards, including Best Revival of a Play. Producer Daryl Roth said during her acceptance speech that the freedom to love, live and marry are still urgent issues, then thanked playwright Larry Kramer for the “ultimate love story.” Kramer followed her, saying:

“To gay people everywhere, whom I love so, ‘The Normal Heart’ is our history. I could not have written it, had not so many of us so needlessly died. Learn from it and carry on the fight. Let them know that we are a very special people, an exceptional people, and that our day will come.”

Some other gay highlights included Martha Wash and Paul Shaffer performing “It’s Raining Men” for the live musical version of “Priscilla, Queen of the Desert.” Matt Stone and Trey Parker‘s “The Book of Mormon” (which includes a gay story line) won numerous awards including Best Musical. The show’s co-director Casey Nicholaw thanked his partner. Best Play was won by “War Horse” which features nine ingenious, life-size puppets created by Adrian Kohler and Basil Jones. Those two South African puppeteers were described by 60 Minutes as “partners in life and for the last 30 years.”

Catch some of the other great performances at CBS’ website, the official Tony’s website, or on YouTube.

Support Metro Weekly’s Journalism

These are challenging times for news organizations. And yet it’s crucial we stay active and provide vital resources and information to both our local readers and the world. So won’t you please take a moment and consider supporting Metro Weekly with a membership? For as little as $5 a month, you can help ensure Metro Weekly magazine and MetroWeekly.com remain free, viable resources as we provide the best, most diverse, culturally-resonant LGBTQ coverage in both the D.C. region and around the world. Memberships come with exclusive perks and discounts, your own personal digital delivery of each week’s magazine (and an archive), access to our Member's Lounge when it launches this fall, and exclusive members-only items like Metro Weekly Membership Mugs and Tote Bags! Check out all our membership levels here and please join us today!