Ep 1. The 39th Annual Tony Awards
- June 2, 1985
The 39th Annual Tony Awards, which took place on June 2, 1985 at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre in New York City, was hosted by Angela Lansbury and Robert Preston. The first episode of the Tony Awards season of 1985 captured the excitement and glamour of the biggest night in the theatre world as the crème de la crème from the Broadway and Off-Broadway productions of the season gathered to celebrate their achievements.
The show was held in honor of the outstanding performances, the artistic excellence, and the technical mastery that made the 1984-1985 theatre season a landmark one. The awards ceremony featured performances from several of the season's most acclaimed productions, including "Big River," "The Rink," and "Grind."
The show also featured an impressive array of celebrity presenters, including Elizabeth Taylor, Gregory Hines, Liza Minnelli, and Raul Julia. The show's presenters added to the excitement of the evening, presenting awards to the deserving recipients in an entertaining and engaging way.
The highlight of the night was the presentation of the coveted Tony Awards, which recognized the best in Broadway theatre across a variety of categories. The awards for Best Play and Best Musical were hotly contested categories, with a number of strong contenders vying for the top prize. Other awards presented on the night included Best Performance by a Leading Actor and Actress in a Play and Musical, Best Direction of a Play and Musical, and Best Choreography.
Throughout the evening, the audience was treated to behind-the-scenes footage and interviews with the nominees and winners as they made their way to the stage to collect their awards. The show also featured heartfelt speeches from the winners, many of whom expressed their gratitude to those who had supported them throughout their careers.
Overall, the first episode of the Tony Awards season of 1985 was a fantastic celebration of the best that Broadway and Off-Broadway has to offer. With memorable performances, impressive production values, and a star-studded cast of presenters, the night was an unforgettable celebration of the theatre and the people who create it.
