A Dazzling Night at the 2024 Tony Awards with Host Ariana DeBose
Ariana DeBose brought the Lincoln Center’s David H. Koch Theater in New York City to life in her third consecutive role as host for the Tony Awards on June 16, 2024. DeBose, an Oscar-winning dynamo, did not just host; she electrified the evening with a sparkling performance that set the stage alight with vibrancy and flair.
The evening began with an explosive number choreographed by both DeBose and Julius Anthony Rubio. The spectacle unfolded with performers swirling newspapers in the air, headlined with DeBose’s triumphant return as host. Cloaked in glittering gold, her performance, alongside an enthusiastic ensemble, radiated the joy and spirit of Broadway, declaring, “This party’s for you!” Culminating her act with a daring leap backwards, DeBose set an unmatched pace for the night.
With a sudden transition from the dynamic opening, DeBose emerged in a Bob Mackie vintage delight, ready to address the audience. Her opening monologue wasn’t just full of heartfelt welcomes; it was a reminder of theatre’s enduring power to reflect, challenge, and unite us. “Art,” she noted, “provides context for the very real situations we face,” underscoring the night’s escape from digital screens and virtual realms.
The announcement of DeBose’s role as the emcee came as no surprise earlier in March, given her previous successes in enlivening Broadway’s grandest celebration. Her excitement was palpable as she looked forward to another opportunity to honor the year’s theatrical triumphs before a live audience.
The night was as much about honoring individual achievements as celebrating the collective artistry of theater. Notably, ‘Stereophonic’ emerged as a front-runner among plays, weaving the tale of a 1970s California rock band on the verge of fame, complemented by an original score from Arcade Fire’s Will Butler. It was acknowledged across several categories, including best play and best direction.
Meanwhile, the musical ‘Hell’s Kitchen’ drew from the life and music of Alicia Keys, garnering nominations for best musical and best choreography, among others. It underscored the evening’s diverse range of stories that span times, cultures, and genres.
The ceremony also shone a spotlight on nominations for stars from television and film, underlining the Tony Awards’ expansive recognition of talent. Notables like Sarah Paulson, Eddie Redmayne, and Rachel McAdams added a dash of Hollywood to the Broadway glitter, spotlighting the seamless interplay between screen and stage performances.
DeBose has a history of memorable awards show openings, notably her rap tribute to female nominees at the previous year’s BAFTAs. However, her commitment to uplifting the theater community has been most evident during her tenure at the Tony Awards, where her innovative and fearless performances have left an indelible mark.
As the night unfolded live on CBS and Paramount+, the 77th Tony Awards not only celebrated the year’s best in theater but also the unifying power of art as championed by a host whose passion for the stage is truly infectious.
