Ep 1. The 33rd Annual Tony Awards
- June 3, 1979
The 33rd Annual Tony Awards aired on June 3, 1979, and was hosted by Broadway legend Angela Lansbury. The awards ceremony was held at the historic Imperial Theatre in New York City and celebrated the best productions and performances on Broadway from the 1978-1979 season.
The show opened with a rousing musical number featuring the entire cast of Broadway's hit show "Ain't Misbehavin'," led by Nell Carter. The energy and excitement of the opening number set the tone for the entire evening, which was filled with unforgettable performances and emotional acceptance speeches.
Throughout the night, awards were presented in categories including Best Play, Best Musical, Best Revival, Best Original Score, and Best Performance by a Leading Actor/Actress in a Play or Musical. The nominees were a who's who of Broadway icons, including Mary Martin, Elizabeth Ashley, and Kevin Kline.
One of the standout performances of the evening was a medley from the Best Musical nominee "Ballroom," featuring Tony-winning performer Dorothy Loudon. The high-energy dance numbers had the audience on their feet, and Loudon's vocals were nothing short of electrifying.
There were also several emotional moments during the ceremony, including when Sandy Duncan won Best Actress in a Musical for her role in "Peter Pan." Duncan delivered a tearful acceptance speech and paid tribute to her friend and mentor, legendary choreographer Bob Fosse, who had recently passed away.
Another emotional moment came when playwright and activist Larry Kramer accepted the Special Tony Award for his play "The Normal Heart," which told the story of the early days of the AIDS crisis. Kramer's powerful acceptance speech called attention to the urgent need for action and funding to combat the disease, which was still relatively unknown at the time.
The ceremony also included several moving tributes to Broadway legends who had passed away since the last Tony Awards ceremony, including Ethel Merman and George Abbott. These poignant moments served as a reminder of the tremendous impact that these artists had on the world of theatre.
Overall, the 33rd Annual Tony Awards was a celebration of the power and magic of live theatre. It showcased the diversity and range of talent on Broadway, and reminded viewers why theatre continues to captivate audiences around the world.
