Ep 1. The 35th Annual Tony Awards
- June 7, 1981
The 35th Annual Tony Awards aired on June 7, 1981 and was hosted by the legendary actor and singer, Sammy Davis Jr. The show was broadcast live from the Shubert Theatre in New York City and celebrated the best of the Broadway season of 1980-1981.
The opening number featured Davis leading a group of dancers in a high-energy performance of "There's No Business Like Show Business." The number showcased the glitz and glamour of Broadway, with elaborate costumes and set pieces. Davis proved to be a charismatic and engaging host throughout the evening, bringing his own unique energy to the proceedings.
The awards themselves were presented by a variety of celebrities, including Cicely Tyson, James Earl Jones, and Ed Asner. One of the standout moments of the evening was when Betty Comden and Adolph Green were presented with a special Tony Award for their contributions to musical theatre. The legendary duo had collaborated on classic shows such as "On the Town", "Wonderful Town", and "Singin' in the Rain."
Many of the performances from the nominated shows were highlights of the evening. "42nd Street" performed a production number that showcased the show's tap-dancing ensemble. "Dreamgirls" brought the house down with a powerful rendition of "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going." Jennifer Holliday's performance was one of the most talked-about of the evening, and she later won the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical for her role in the show.
Another standout performance came from the play "Amadeus," which won the Tony Award for Best Play. Ian McKellen and Tim Curry performed a scene from the play, in which McKellen portrayed composer Antonio Salieri and Curry portrayed the infamous Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. The scene was a masterclass in acting, with both actors delivering powerful and emotional performances.
Other winners of the evening included "The Pirates of Penzance" for Best Revival, and "The Elephant Man" for Best Actor (Philip Anglim) and Best Featured Actress (Carole Shelley).
Throughout the ceremony, there was a sense of excitement and celebration of the theatre community. Many of the speeches given by the winners were heartfelt and emotional, with several expressing gratitude for the opportunity to work in such a vibrant and creative industry.
Overall, The 35th Annual Tony Awards was a night to remember. With Sammy Davis Jr. at the helm, the show was a festive celebration of the best of Broadway, with outstanding performances, memorable speeches, and a sense of joy and camaraderie that exemplified the theatre community.
