Darren Criss and Renée Elise Goldsberry are set to co-host this year’s highly anticipated Tony Awards preshow, titled The Tony Awards: Act One. This event will be live-streamed on Pluto TV on Sunday, June 8, from 6:40 to 8 p.m. ET. As fans and theater enthusiasts gear up for this prestigious event, the excitement surrounding the hosts adds an extra layer of anticipation.
Renée Elise Goldsberry, a Tony award winner, gained acclaim for her role in Hamilton, where she won the award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical in 2016. Since then, she has graced the stage in various productions, including her recent work in All In: Comedy About Love. Notably, Goldsberry will also release her debut album, Who I Really Am, next month, further showcasing her multifaceted talents. Her extensive experience in theater makes her a perfect choice for co-hosting the preshow, allowing her to engage deeply with this vibrant community.
On the other hand, Darren Criss is also making waves this year with his first Tony Award nomination, honored in the leading role category for his performance in the original musical Maybe Happy Ending. This nomination places him in high company, competing against notable talents such as Andrew Durand, Tom Francis, Jonathan Groff, James Monroe Iglehart, and Jeremy Jordan. Criss’ impressive Broadway resume includes roles in productions like How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, Hedwig and the Angry Inch, American Buffalo, and the iconic off-Broadway musical Little Shop of Horrors. His candidness and charisma promise to bring a delightful energy to the preshow.
The excitement doesn’t stop there. Immediately following the preshow, the 78th annual Tony Awards ceremony will commence, airing on CBS with Cynthia Erivo as the host. Erivo brings a unique presence to the event, continuing the tradition of celebrating talent and creativity in the theater world. This year, the prestigious ceremony returns to Radio City Music Hall in New York City, a noteworthy change from its recent location at Lincoln Center’s David H. Koch Theater.
Since its first airing in 1978, the Tony Awards have been a cornerstone in the celebration of Broadway and theatrical achievements. The ceremony is produced by a collaboration between the American Theatre Wing, The Broadway League, and White Cherry Entertainment, with Ricky Kirshner and Glenn Weiss serving as executive producers and showrunners. This partnership continues to ensure that the awards maintain a high production quality while honoring the incredible talent in the theater community.
As we approach June, Criss and Goldsberry’s involvement in the preshow solidifies the Tony Awards as an unmissable event, shining a spotlight on the creativity and hard work that defines the Broadway scene. Their unique contributions promise to resonate with fans and attendees alike, creating an engaging atmosphere filled with enthusiasm and celebration.
The award season has always been more than just a recognition of talent—it’s a time when the community comes together to celebrate shared experiences, creativity, and expression. This year’s co-hosts embody those very values, making the preshow a must-watch event. Both Goldsberry and Criss bring their own unique journeys to the table, enriching the narrative of the awards and reminding us of the power of storytelling through performance.
Whether you’re a lifelong Broadway enthusiast or a newcomer curious about the theater world, the Tony Awards preshow is poised to be a thrilling and heartfelt celebration. With exclusive insights, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and the unparalleled excitement of live performance, The Tony Awards: Act One will undoubtedly set the stage for an unforgettable night.
As the ceremony approaches, theater lovers everywhere are eagerly awaiting not only the winners but the vibrant stories that emerge from the Broadway community. The anticipation is palpable, and the collective excitement will culminate in a night where art, talent, and dedication are rightfully honored. It’s an opportunity to reflect on the past year in theatre while looking forward to the limitless possibilities that await.
In the end, Darren Criss and Renée Elise Goldsberry are more than just hosts; they are representatives of an extraordinary community that thrives on creativity, connection, and collaboration. Their dynamic co-hosting promises to showcase the individuality and collective spirit of Broadway, reminding us all why we love theater in the first place.
So mark your calendars for June 8—whether you tune in to watch the preshow on Pluto TV or the main ceremony on CBS, you won’t want to miss this celebration of talent and artistry. The Tony Awards are an annual highlight that reminds us of the magic of theater, and this year, with Criss and Goldsberry at the forefront, it’s sure to be an event for the ages.
