It's the latest in a long series of postponements due to the global pandemic.
Theater-lovers will not be able to give their regards to Broadway as scheduled this year. The 74th annual Tony Awards broadcast, originally set for June 7 from Radio City Music Hall in New York, has been postponed. It’s the latest in a long series of postponements due to the global coronavirus pandemic.
Tony Award Productions released the following statement on Wednesday (March 25): “The health and safety of the Broadway community, artists and fans is of the utmost importance to us. We will announce new dates and additional information once Broadway opens again. We are looking forward to celebrating Broadway and our industry when it is safe to do so.”
The Tonys have been broadcast live between May 31 and June 15 every year since 1977. In the Tonys’ first 10 years as a live broadcast (1967-76), it aired in March or April. The Tonys originated in 1947.
Nominations were originally scheduled to be announced on April 28. The announced eligibility cut-off date for Broadway productions opening in the 2019–20 season was April 23. The Tonys did not announce if that eligibility period will be extended.
Eligible musicals this year include Jagged Little Pill (inspired by Alanis Morissette‘s Grammy-winning 1995 album), Moulin Rouge! The Musical (inspired by Baz Luhrmann‘s Oscar-winning 2001 film), The Lighting Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical and Tina—The Tina Turner Musical.
Eligible plays include A Christmas Carol, The Great Society, The Height of the Storm, The Inheritance, Linda Vista, Sea Wall/A Life, Slave Play and The Sound Inside.
Because of differing eligibility periods, Moulin Rouge! The Musical was already recognized by the Grammy Awards. The cast album was Grammy-nominated for best musical theater album, but lost to Hadestown, the cast album from last year’s Tony winner for best musical.
James Corden hosted last year’s Tonys, which were held on June 9. The host of this year’s show has not yet been announced.
The Tonys are presented by the Broadway League and the American Theatre Wing.
Several other award shows have already been rescheduled. These include the Ivor Novello Awards, set for Sept. 2 at JW Marriott/Grosvenor House in London; the 55th Academy of Country Music Awards, set for Sept. 16 (venue TBA); and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, set for Nov. 7 at Public Auditorium, Cleveland.
