There’s been a lot of discussion this season about the role of understudies and standbys, who kept many shows going when other performers tested positive for the coronavirus. Can you talk about what your intention is for Sunday on that front?
In three of my six Broadway shows, I was an understudy. And I began in this industry in the ensemble. There’s no way in the world that a host like me is going to let this moment go by without acknowledging swings and understudies, but also the myriad groups of people that put in the work to keep this industry going, and that includes stage managers, dance captains, associates, hair and makeup departments, musicians. There’s not a version of the world where I don’t have something up my sleeve. I’m not going to tell you what it is, but what I am going to tell you is if it doesn’t happen, you can hold me accountable.
One of the other important developments this season was the death of Stephen Sondheim. Should we expect to see that acknowledged?
Well, we wouldn’t have the American theater as we know it without him. So while I will not tell you what we are doing, there will be a beautiful moment for the man that is Stephen Sondheim.
Tony Awards: The Best New Musical Nominees
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The 2022 nominees. The race for best new musical at the Tony Awards — traditionally the most financially beneficial prize — is a broad six-way contest this year. Here’s a closer look at each nominee:
How has the pandemic affected you?
I’m one of the few actors who actually had opportunities — I’m painfully aware of that, and I have a bit of survivor’s guilt. But my eyes are very open, and I’ve seen all the challenges that my colleagues have faced. It’s part of why I was really passionate about coming back to host the Tonys.
What’s your sense of how Broadway is doing?
We’re taking steps in the right direction. There is work to be done, though. If you look at this crop of nominees, you look at the shows that were on Broadway this season, there were steps taken toward equity and inclusion. I’m happy to see more faces that look like mine. I’m happy to see that the honorees are more diverse.
What’s the impact of the Academy Award? Have jobs offers been pouring in?
I have had more opportunity, yes, and I am very grateful. I remember very clearly when I didn’t have this kind of opportunity. I remember very clearly when I had to work very hard to change people’s minds about my talent or my capabilities, and quite frankly it wasn’t that long ago. Now I feel like it’s my job to become more discerning. I want to make work that has the capacity to make people feel, and hopefully opens their minds.
Source: | This article originally belongs to Nytimes.com
