Cynthia Erivo Shines in Glitzy Dress for Tony Awards Hosting Debut
RED CARPET ROAR: CYNTHIA ERIVO STEALS THE SHOW AT 78th ANNUAL TONY AWARDS
The glamour and excitement of Broadway's biggest night descended upon New York City as the 78th annual Tony Awards took center stage at Radio City Music Hall on Sunday evening. And, darling, the drama was palpable! Cynthia Erivo, a true triple threat, dazzled in a show-stopping rose gold gown that left everyone green with envy.
The Wicked star, 38, turned heads as she strutted down the red carpet, her extravagant corset and chunky necklace making her look like a million bucks. But what's really got tongues wagging is Erivo's rumored beef with Jesus Christ Superstar producers after she was announced to star in the production at the Hollywood Bowl in August. Insiders claim tensions have been running high behind the scenes, but we're sure it'll all be water under the bridge once those cameras start rolling.
Meanwhile, Harry Potter heartthrob Tom Felton brought his A-game to the red carpet, looking dapper as ever in a sleek suit. And Andrew Lloyd Webber and his wife Madeleine were spotted chatting with the likes of Nicole Scherzinger, who's nominated for Best Leading Actress for her role in Sunset Boulevard. The composer is reportedly rooting for Scherzinger to take home the prize, but we're not so sure – after all, as they say, "the devil wears Prada"... or in this case, a Tony Award.
But enough about the fashion and drama; let's get down to business! This year's Tonys are packed with A-listers vying for top honors. George Clooney is up for his massive hit play Good Night, And Good Luck – an adaptation of the film he directed, co-wrote, and starred in – while acting legend Mia Farrow faces off against Succession's Sarah Snook and Stranger Things' Sadie Sink in the lead actress category.
And what about the music, you ask? Well, it's all about the girls this year! Darren Criss and Jonathan Groff bring some serious star power to the lead actor in a musical category, while Megan Hilty, Nicole Scherzinger, and Broadway legend Audra McDonald are among the top contenders for lead actress in a musical.
But wait, there's more! Bob Odenkirk, known for his film and TV work on Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul, is nominated for Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Play for his turn in Glengarry Glen Ross. And if you thought that was all, just wait until you see the impressive list of presenters taking to the stage tonight! Charli D'Amelio, Michelle Williams, and Hacks' Jean Smart are just a few of the many A-listers lending their support.
And did we mention the tribute to Hamilton? The original cast reunites for a special performance in honor of the iconic musical's 10th anniversary. Lin-Manuel Miranda will be joined by Leslie Odom Jr., Phillipa Soo, Renée Elise Goldsberry, Daveed Diggs, Ariana DeBose, Jonathan Groff, and Christopher Jackson – talk about a star-studded affair!
Now, let's take a look at the nominations. Three musicals lead the pack with 10 nods each: Buena Vista Social Club, Death Becomes Her, and Maybe Happy. The former is inspired by the legendary Cuban ensemble of the same name, while the latter is based on Robert Zemeckis' fantastical black comedy from 1992.
But what about the up-and-comers? Dead Outlaw, John Proctor Is The Villain, Sunset Blvd., and The Hills Of California are all tied for seven Tony nominations. And don't even get us started on the competition in the Best Musical category – just when you thought it was over!
And speaking of EGOTs, Cynthia Erivo is already three-quarters of the way there after winning an Emmy, a Grammy, and a Tony. The Wicked star has been making waves in film and TV as well, earning four Golden Globe nominations, two British Academy Film Awards, and two Screen Actors Guild Awards.
So, who will take home the coveted Tony Award tonight? Stay tuned to find out! And don't forget to tune into thescholarlynote.com for all your up-to-the-minute news and updates from the 78th annual Tony Awards.