Tony Awards

The show on the whole was an enjoyable event. The opening act by the Emcee was confusing, but better understood a few months later. Seeing the in memoriam tributes was a gentle reminder of the passing of time can be painful. Each time I attend this annual celebration of excellence, I get the anxious feeling I have to wait 12 months for it to happen again. The winter of my discontent is during the summer. By September, it starts all over again.

Everyone thinks the Tony Awards is a three hour affair on the first Sunday in June, but it actually lasts much longer. The ceremony began at 7:15 with doors opening as early as 5:15 or so to let the over 2,000 people assemble in their fine array. Drinks were outrageously expensive, but that's beside the point. If you were seated in any of the three balconies and you wanted to see celebrities, then standing outside near the red carpet was a sure bet. Standing in the main lobby, which led to a huge downstairs cocktails and restroom area was also good. There were actually four hosts in a sense: at 7:15, James Monroe Inglehart (Tony winner for Aladdin) and Jessie Mueller (Tony winner for Beautiful) began the ceremony with special Tonys for various artists including a Lifetime Achievement Tony for Tommy Tune. At 8:00 Alan Cumming and Kristen Chenoweth became the official hosts for all the televised portions, and when commercial breaks would come, Inglehart and Mueller would return. Almost all non-acting Tonys were presented during commercial breaks, which is a shame because they deserve air time as well, but with almost ten musical productions on stage, time comes at a premium. All the stars were gracious and only a few spoke egregiously long, but the enormous TV screens made everything visible. It is interesting to watch so many camera crew move around on the stage to catch the numerous angles the TV audience has come to expect, so it was an eye-opening experience in that regard. Many have griped that the hosts paled in comparison to Neil Patrick Harris, but to those of us in the theatre, it was a most enjoyable evening. The most uproar came when Kelli O'Hara finally won a Tony for her performance in The King and I; sixth time was the charm. My only question now is, having seen 22 of the 37 productions this Broadway season on a teacher's salary, I want to find out how does one become a filler for those Tony winners? I think I supported New York theatre quite amply this season! (Just kidding. Being there was fulfilling enough.)

Other than the 1968 World Series, this event was fantastic. The production team was A+. The Show ran perfectly.. Loved the sing a longs with Hugh Jackman!

Attending the Tony Awards was a wonderful experience. Having watched some of the televised portions on the monitor, I came to realize what a poor substitute TV is compared to the real thing. Live theater can't be beat. I attended because of my interest in Billy Elliot and was very pleased with the recognition the show got. I spoke with a friend who had attended a (televised) Miss America pageant in Atlantic City a few years ago. She said that the audience was left in the lurch, so to speak, between takes, making the whole show quite an extended bore. It was as if everything was devoted to the television audience and the live audience was secondary. Not so, at all, with the wonderful Tomy Awards show.

Having attended 3 previous Tony Awards ceremonies and seeing countless others on television, the 2009 event was undoubtedly the best ever. The production was smooth and professionally executed. Following Jane Fonda on Twitter the morning of was quite special, as was the over the top performance by host Neil Patrick Harris. Harris' closing song was just amazing and clearly the highlight of the evening; catch it on YouTube if you did not have an opportunity to see the actual event. Kudos to all involved for a spectacular event.

I love Broadway shows. For a theatre fan this is the ultimate experience. It was the first time I ever attented the Tony awards, or any awards ceremony for that matter. It is an amazing experience not only to see all your favorite shows perform, but to see all the famous celebrities. The opening number was really good. I was happy that Billy Elliot won all those awards. It is a great show.

The 2009 Tony Award show was so much more than I expected. The opening act was unlike any other I have seen. Now imagine seeing that live. I was speechless.

Who knew you could even buy tickets to the awards? I was looking at the nominations and clicked on the "Buy tickets here" button and away to Ticketmaster I went. The show was, well, I can't even find the right word to convey how fabulous it was! Gotta say it was way cooler than watching on TV. We really enjoyed dressing up (black-tie only) and especially liked the entertainment between commercial breaks. I will go again in the future hopefully!

Most people think going to the TONY awards is for the stars only. Ticketmaster tickets are an awesome way of seeing the show live in NY. The stage is huge and with all the lights even the far away seats are good. Great way to get a sampling of Broadways' finest moments on stage all in one night.

I hesitate telling too many people about the TONY Awards and how great the 2009 show was because I want to be able to get a ticket next year! I attended the 2008 and 2009 shows and both were a great experience, yet 2009 was even packed with more entertainment. Yes, you have to show up early and the doors close at a certain point, it is a live telecast. Yet there is no time for boredom. When the broadcast goes to commercial, TONY attendees are treated to even more live entertainment and classic commercials of past Broadway shows. Whoever produces this, especially the 2009 show, is doing a fantastic job. The tickets aren't cheap, but the price is worth it! I can't wait until next year!

The Tony Awards are all the glitz and glamour that you see on television, magnafied by ten! What could be better than an exciting night in New York City, spent at the beautiful, historic Radio City Music Hall? Only a night spent at NYC's Radio City Music Hall attending the unforgettable Tony Awards!

I have watched the tony awards on TV before and this was my first tony award at radio city. I was so amazed at the fast action and professionalism of the show and the cast. i had seen all the shows nominated and loved the vignettes of each show. they were a great reminder of each show and its stars. I voted on my own sheet ahead of time and compared my votes with who won. That was fun. I loved the entire evening.

From the moment the countdown begins for the show to go live on air you feel the anticipation build for the opening number. In what seems less than an hour, the 3 hour telecast is over and another year is in the books. But this time, you were there to witness the best of the best, live! Broadway and the stage medium is all about near perfection of an art that has no second takes. To witness the participating casts play to the largest house in the city, filled with their peers all while being telecast to a nationwide audience is sharing an experience of a lifetime. Sharing that experience is what live theatre is all about. Without question, some years are blessed with many strong shows that lend well to this nationwide exposure and provide many memorable moments for all who attend and watch. While this may have not been a banner year in this regard, don't try and tell that to the winners. It was there night, Broadways Night!

I have gone to the Tonys for the past 15 years, This by far was one of the best shows. The line up of stars were incredible. Neil Patrick Harris was spectacular, great choice.

In one word.....AWESOME. Neil Patrick Harris was a great host. This was my 10th consecutive Tony awards attendance. I love it every year! Such a difference being there as opposed to watching on TV.

What a fun experience! The music and the excitement were palpable and created a great feeling fo uniqueness. Dancing was great and people were heard on there way out stating what a fantastic time they had. i hope to be able to return in the near future.

Nothing can compare to how amazing the Tonys were!!

Pros: great value for those who haven't had a chance to catch the shows of the season, you get a sampling of everything on broadway. Cons: a lenghty affair. The first hour of technical awards is a little trying. Overall: a fantastic night to remember.

My seat in the 1st mezzanine center was excellent. The show was full of great older familiar music from West Side Story, Hair, Mama Mia, Jersey Boys, as well as from newer, younger shows. It's always fun when iconic stars from decades past are included such as Angela, Liza, Jerome, and Jessica. I wish management would do something about the idiot set with their damn phones. A young woman in front of me was actually playing solitaire (until I counseled her)!

The entertainment was nonstop. For someone like myself who can't afford to see every Tony-eligible show, as well as all the stage shows in NYC, this was an opportunity to see a snippet from all of them, including the few I was able to see.

I have always wanted to attend the Tony Awards but never had. This year, my friend was nominated for best costume design for HAIR. This was the perfect excuse to go. And I am so glad I did. What a show!! I highly recommend that if you have the interest and opportunity, GO! It will be an event you will always remember, regardless of the nominated shows.

The energy was so powerful and there were no lulls or boring moments. A taste of everything!

My first Tony Awards was truly a wonderful experience. My amazement came with all of the audience knowing so much about each of the shows and their producers, directors, choreographers, etc. Not living in New York my show watching is just a couple of times a year. I love every minute of musical theatre. This year's nominated shows were of great variety thus making the Tony's what they were. When the first number ended with the entire show cast on stage together I knew I was in for a treat. Getting to see all of the stars upclose on the big screen as well as through binoculars that the gentleman next to me allowed me to use was superb.

Every broadway lover should go to the Tonys at least once -- its' an amazing experience.

I was amazed I could even purchase a ticket. I bought one...went by myself..and discovered three other people next to me who did the same thing. I thought this would be a one time event in my lifetime. I shall make an effort to make it to NYC each year for the TONY Awards...for the rest of my life.

While this was the first Tony Awards I have attended in person, I was glad this was the ONE I was able to see live. There was never a moment where the show lagged. Neil Patrick Harris was a tremendous host. I was impressed with Neil throughout the show, but most especially at the end when he did an impromptu song about all of the award winners. How could someone not enjoy an event which featured legends like Jane Fonda, Dolly Parton, Liza Minelli, Lucy Arnaz, Stocker Channing, and Angela Lansbury? The opening number was the best I had seen in a long time. And, the performances from the musicals 'HAIR', and my favorite, 'JERSEY BOYS' were just spectacular. I was so glad that I got to expenience my first Tony Awards in such a big and unforgettable way.

One of the best nights of my life. I had a blast! So much fun. Definitely worth the price of the ticket. If you love theatre, like I do, then this is a "must do" event - at least once in your life (though now that I've seen it live, I'll probably want to return each year!!!).

The 2009 Tony Awards were GREAT. Buying tickets was incredibly easy- easier than I imagined. I felt very secure with my tickets, and my seat location prior to attending the event. I would very much recommend this event to people in the future, and I plan on attending again. Thanks Ticketmaster!

The show was amazing. The openning number was to die for. And my seats.....spectacular!

I have been watched TONY more than 20years on TV, in Japan. I dreamed to watch it at Radio City Music Hall! So my dream comes true! It was so excited. One things, I disappointed. During commercial time is boring. It is TV program, but it might the festival of Theatres. Please TV director mind it.

amazing event, great venue, hugh was perfect, well-organized entry/exit, classy

Hugh Jackman was an awesome host. Seeing all the shows perform in one place was great! It was wonderful to be a part of Broadway's biggest night!

Usually a fantastic show and the last time Hugh Hackman was host it was something very special. Not this time. Hugh Jsvkmsn was a bore and the shoe lacked the pizazz it always has.

What a show! What a venue! What a delight! Hug Jackman and a cast of Stars were unforgettable.

My only issue for the event was the total lack of information available about what entrance would be available to ticket holders and how to get there. Once the barricades went up, there was no way to get within 2 blocks of Radio City by taxi. We had to be dropped off 2 blocks south in black tie attire. It would've been nice to have anyone answer a box office phone, a prerecorded message, or just an update on the website to advise this.

Awesome evening at Radio City Music Hall in New York City. So glad we went!

This unique event allows you to peak into Broadway's awards show while playing an extra in a Nationwide Television Broadcast. The public seating in the three mezzanines permits excellent viewing of the stage and down into the orchestra seating where everyone in the business is seated. From the opening number to the closing credits you are treated to the best that Broadway had to offer over the past year. If you have ever watched the show on TV you really do want to see it in person at least once. It is a show and an experience that you will never forget.

Tony Awards and Neil Patrick Harris, could there be any better match up for a good time? I found my sense of humor and celebrated with the recipients.

OMG! NPH needs to host every award show! The show exceeded my expectations. It was definitely worth the wait for it to be back at Radio City. I'm still talking about it days later and watching the opening number over and over.

Always love the Tony Awards live at Radio City! The energy and talent in the worlds most awesome theater was electrifying!

everything was fantastic inform me early for next year

What can an ordinary person say who spends over 500 bucks for a ticket? It was worth more? Were there glitches? Of course. IT'S A LIVE SHOW. So what. That being said, I liked the idea of the former shows being represented as presenters...but guy and girl were a bit repetitious. Would have been fun to see more than just Newsies boys and them. NPH? He is a cultural phenom at this point in time. What a treat. Names on the screens of producers would have been a nice touch for the audience.

Stood in line with nominees. How crazy is that? Only in New York. Apparently after the Tonies moved from a Broadway theater to Radio City Music Hall they made tickets available to the general public. Probably next year I will buy sooner and get a less expensive ticket, but it's a great excuse to get dressed up (short dresses are fine) and be with theater lovers from teen-agers up to every age! And you can't beat the show! The young people are our future in theater so it was lovely to see so many of them brought there by their parents or teachers and be so well behaved, knowing this was very special! All in all, a wonderful evening on many levels!

After much deliberation - it's not cheap we decide to go for it, just chance we're in NY, and chance I find you can buy tickets. The glamour of the whole occasion and star spotting whilst looking like your meant to be there-no cameras-is just one of those lifetime, never to be forgotten experiences. If you ever get chance and love the theatre, go for it!!

It was a dream come true for my son and I to be in the audience at the Tony Awards! We want to attend every year! The show was fast-paced and exciting, with just the right blend of entertainment by selected Broadway artists and from many of this year's fabulous Broadway shows, (musical , comedy and drama). They also provided great entertainment before the televised portion and during the commercial breaks that the television audience did not get to see (this made us feel like real "insiders"). We really felt a part of this wonderful Broadway community! Well done, and thanks for the memories! A shout out to Montego Glover and the cast of Memphis - congrats on your Tony for Best Musical, we LOVED the show!

the tony's were great. sean hayes was a great host, maybe not as great as Neil or Hugh, but so talented. who knew he was a pianist!?!?! radio city music hall is a beautiful setting for any event. luckily we were seated in the first mezzanine. we could actually see the stars from our seats. we would go again if in NYC in June.

We were not only seeing the stars on the stage, but we were surrounded by them in Radio City. We sat next to Producers of American Idiot...and we knew two of the nominees as well. It was just a fabulous year for us to be at the Tony Awards. It was a thrill to be dressed to the '9s' and get compliments from folks that probably dress this way a little more often than we do. The people there were all pleasant and we were just thrilled to experience every minute of the evening!

We took our daughters to the Tonys as a graduation present. It was absolutely unforgettable. We were in the 2nd mezz at Radio City, but even way up there, the seats were very good. I don't think I've ever seen so many stars in one night. It was a bucket list item, but we may have to do again!

It was an impressive show with lots of great music and singing as expected. Celebrity spotting galore! You almost got used to the commercial breaks every 15 minutes or so.The only thing I missed was a Grand Finale and a good-bye AFTER the cameras had shut down.

unbelievable event! so glad I went. love it, love it, love it.!

So as someone who really wasn't looking forward to this years Tony's I have to say that I really had a great time. I have to admit that even I was blown away by the opening number and Green Day's performance. Definitely thought it was a welcome departure and a pretty bold way to opening the show. Let me add kudos to Sean Hayes for being very funny and doing really great job hosting as well. And finally out of all the incredible performances of the evening, I just have to say Lea Michele was truely amazing...

The Tony Awards have always been one of my favorite things to watch on tv, but this year, my parents got me a ticket to see them live in New York for my graduation/18th birthday gift! I was breathless from the moment I walked in! The set itself was fantastic, not to metion huge just like the stars that were there. To drop just a few names, Will Smith, Sean Hase, Daniel Ratcliff, Denzel Washington, the amazing Kristin Chenoweth, and so many more! Not only would I recommend this to a friend, but I plan to go back very, very soon! This was a life changing experience!

Sean Hayes was an excellent choice for hosting the Tonys. He is talented and fun! While it was Broadway's night, the long list of star power from film and television provided another level of interest and entertainment. The evening was long but moved quickly. I am particularly happy that "Memphis" and "La Cage aux Folles" were winners for Musical and Musical Revival. It was a joy to see Kelsey Grammer, Douglas Hodge and Robin De Jesus in La Cage - congratulations to the entire fabulous cast. Loved, loved, loved "Memphis" but saw it was Chad Kimball's understudy.

The Tony Awards are amazing. To see it in person is such a thrill. What you don't see on TV is entertaining and fun. It is something you should experience at least once in your lifetime. It is truly amazing and very awesome.

The evening just flew by. Great host, fun during commercial breaks and enjoyed the musical numbers. Still not sure, how "Glee" got into the Tonys?

Loved it! It was an amazing night I'll never forget it. Totally worth it to come all the way down from Argentina.

Fabulous!! Well worth the money - it was an experience I will never forget. Well done, American Theater Wing!

It was a fantastic event. I left the event with a good, lingering next day and long lasting memory. It was well organized and presented. I never attended an award for entertainment event before. Experiencing it live was very rewarding - seeing so many people are looking their best and enjoying the time. I saw most of the shows: plays and musicals that were nominated and noted that evening and relived the great moments of those shows again. It was disappointing that nothing with an exception of bottled water was offered during the breaks. I thought having celebratory glass of bubbles would be very appropriate. Some breaks were not so entertaining. Those interruptions were sobering minutes from the magic reated in between

The event was amazing. The seats in the third balcony had a great view. I don not think there is a bad seat in Radio City Music Hall. Going to the Tony's is like seeing every musical on Broadway. It was a blast.

A once in a lifetime awesome experience!!! To be surrounded by everything was amazing and radio city is top notch

What can you say about being at an event that embodies the pinnacle of the Broadway theater scene? The second you walk in the lobby of Radio City you can feel the energy and excitement of being a part of a first class event. As the evening progressed, it became evident that walking past A-list Hollywood and Broadway Celebrities was just part of the scene. Needless to say, the show itself was phenomenal. Though the tickets are pricey, the experience was worth every penny!

The theater atmosphere is absolutely amazing and contagious. This is a must go to event in that everybody should attend it atleast in some point in their lives. You feel like you are part of something greater than yourself for the night. Also, it's really fun dressing up and seeing everybody looking their best.

Excellent! Highly recommend! Great seats, great price!

It was an amazing night of Celebration of Life and dreams come true. This experience will be indelibly imprinted in my spirit.

I can't say enough about how truly magical our night at the Tony Awards was. I took my daughter for her Sweet 16 birthday gift and she said it was the most amazing theatre experience she had ever had. It is well worth the price of the ticket in that you will see the best part of the best shows that Broadway has to offer ... live, on stage, all in one night! The Tonys last for four hours but don't let that scare you, the live audience is entertained every minute of the way (even during the commercial breaks). Tickets go on sale through Ticket Master and the Tony webite on the morning they announce the Tony nominees, which is usually the first week of May.

This was my second year attending the Tony Awards at Radio City Music Hall. It was amazing! The amount of entertainment (and talent) that graced the stage was (were) amazing and even from my third mezzanine seat it was the best show in town! I hope to make this an annual event.

I had the most fabulous time at the 2009 Tony's. The evening was spectacular with seeing all of the various cast perform from the nominated shows. It was over 3 hours long but felt like it was only 5 minutes. It was wonderful to cheer on my favorite entertainer, Elton John. And I was extremely thrilled that Billy Elliot won so many Tony's that evening. Well deserved, for sure. I have been fortunute to see many shows as I live in New York and I would recommend parents in particular to take their children to see as many Broadway shows as possible. Even if you're not a theatre goer I highly recomment going to see The Tony's if you have the opportunity.

It was simply the best experience of my life! Broadway stars, movie stars, tv stars, singing, dancing, what more in life can you ask for?

I thought our trip to the Tony's was just terrific--I'm the only non-industry person in our area who's ever gone. To get a taste of each of the plays over the course of the evening was amazing. I highly recommend going to anyone who loves the theater!

All of the "Awards Shows", including the Academy Awards Ceremony, need to take a lesson from the Tony Awards show this last June. It was, without a doubt the best show ever. There was never a dragging moment, and one after the other of musical numbers from each of the eight best-nominated musicals.

The 2009 Tony Awards ceremony was a fantastic experience yet again! My husband and I have been going to the Tonys since 2007 and it is the highlight of our year. Not only is it a showcase of some of the best stage talent in the world, it's a great opportunity to get dressed up and strut our stuff! Highlights of the awards show were definitely Neil Patrick Harris as host (especially the song he sang at the end of the show and the "magic" tricks he performed during the commercial breaks), and the boys from Billy Elliot winning and sharing the honor of a Tony award. There is always a palpable sense of excitement right before the show goes on the air and it is so wonderful to be in a room full of people who absolutely love live theater. We cannot wait to go back again next year!

I really enjoyed the show. Everything was perfect and I am happy to share the most amazing moment to Billy Elliot the Musical. I recommend it to every theater fan!

Being at the Tonys in person is amazing and this year was no exception. A week out and I'm still beaming. Exciting, entertaining and emotional.

The 2015 Tony Awards show was memorable in so many ways. Two hosts that lite up the stage with their talents, Broadway casts performing tunes from their shows, stars everywhere. Where did it go wrong? The sound system didn't allow the audience to hear parts of the show so we were not always able to know what was happening. Also, the large screens did not show close-ups of the presenters/winners. I hope the audio/visual crew corrects these problems before the 2016 award show.

It was absolutely incredible being in Radio City Music Hall to see the Tony Awards. The whole place was electric and the performances were phenomenal. I just kept wishing that NPH or Hugh J would come out and save it. I love Kristen and Alan C, but they need a script - desperately. Hosting was just not their thing. I can't wait to play the game on the internet next year to try and buy tickets again.

For those who have always watched and wondered what it would be like to attend, let me assure you that it will almost certainly exceed your expectations. Yes, $300 and $500 ticket prices seem high, but not much greater than seeing 2 shows in premium seats and at this event if you are in the building you are in a premium seat. Tickets sell very quickly to this event so access the site and seek your seats the moment ticket sales open. You can do it and avoid paying secondary market prices. Go, you will wonder why you waited to attend!

This was my 3rd time at the Tony Awards. I really enjoyed it overall;however, I would have liked a better opening musical number since the opening numbers have seemed to decline in the past year or so after Neil Patrick Harris stopped MCing the Tonys.

Although Hugh Jackman did not host or perform, Alan and Kristen did an amazing job!!! It was such a thrill to be there live!! It is a bucket list item for any theatre lover!!

The event was perfect for those in the audience. A real thrill to see the performers and the tuxedo clad attendees.

I was so thrilled to get a chance to be at the TONY Awards in-person at Radio City Music Hall this year - one of my favorite places to be! I was not pleased with the lack of attention/respect from several attendees who talked and checked their I-phones DURING the performances and commentaries. It was distracting, and made me sad. Enjoy the creativity, music, presenters, and the time and effort that it takes to "perform" and co-ordinate such a wonderful event!

This show is Amazing , Brilliant , worth it , a must go...... Hug jackman was a great entertainerb during the adds, singing and dancing, jocking. Well it was a fantastic night out....

The combination of NYC, Radio City Music Hall, and Hugh Jackman make this an amazing experience. And, the performances of the current and future Broadway shows were just fabulous! Such a great night! One to remember for sure!

I have been to several plus Tony Awards shows, but the ones hosted by Hugh Jackman have been exceptional. I attend to celebrate the final decision and the host is secondary in my decision to attend, Keep the hosting options open for next year.

Not a bad seat in the house! I took my sister to the Tony Awards. Such an amazing experience to share with her.

An unforgettable night. A reminder that lifetime dreams can come true!!

My husband and I are avid theater fans and always enjoy attending the Tony awards. This year, once again, proved why we need Hugh Jackman as our host. He is the ultimate performer! Of course, we wouldn't mind Neal Patrick Harris as an alternative host ........ The staging of so many scenes from shows, especially upcoming later on Broadway, was amazing. The entire event moved at a very lively pace. This was the strongest Tony show I can recall in many years. Never leave Radio City because it is truly the home of the Tony's!

Overall, an amazing experience...just wish we were able to get better seats. Even though I was on the website the moment they went on sale, we were way up in the 3rd mezzanine.

I went to the Tony Awards both this and last year. I enjoyed them both and will admit that the musical numbers this year were overshadowed by that of last year,especially the opening. However, despite that, I would have to say that this year was slightly more enjoyable than last since Hugh Jackman was able to connect to the audience well. For example, Hugh Jackman came up to the 2nd mezzanine during break and started singing with us, something that Neil did not do. This was one of the many ways that Hugh Jackman connected with us better than Neil did. Both were great hosts, but while Neil is able to pull off more flashy performances, Hugh is able to paint himself as the common man and create that connection with the audience,which I think is quintessential for the theater experience.

How could the Tony Awards be anything but amazing with the one and only performance that rocked the audience to their heart and soul - 'Always Starting Over' by Idina Menzel.