Author : Brent WarnkenThe Tony Awards are scheduled for Sunday, June 7, 2009, and fans of the stage are all excited to see if their favorite musical and/or play will be the one, or ones, that win The Tony Awards are named after trail-blazing Broadway actress, director and producer Antoinette Perry, who paved the way for the women who would follow her into the world of the theater Antoinette Perry became known as Toni, but later changed the moniker to Tony, when the company Toni Home Permanent Products was introduced
As a pioneer in her field she also contributed to the World War II efforts, as co-founder of the Theatre Wing of Allied Relief, later named the America Theatre Wing The American Theatre Wing operated the Stage Door Canteen, where stars worked as dishwashers, waiters, waitresses and entertainers for the armed forces Funds from the film rights along with a check from Perry provided USO tours of shows to our troops overseas She was also noted for making sure that black actors and actresses received the same treatment and pay as the rest
The Tony Awards were founded following Antoinette’s death from a heart attack on June 28, 1946 They were created by her long-time friend and co-collaborator Brock Pemberton The first ward was handed out at the first event, which was held in 1947 by Pemberton When he handed out the first award Pemberton called it a Tony and the name has remained ever since The excellence and skill that she showed in theatre, set the bar for those who would follow after her, and thus the Toy Awards are today one of the highest achievements in film that any member of the theatre community can aspire to
Tony Awards tickets are now available online and are one of the key events on Broadway this year New productions contending for the awards on Broadway this year are: 33 Variations, which opened on March 9th; Billy Elliot: the Musical, which opened on November 13, 2008; Blithe Spirit, opened March 15; Exit the King, opened March 26; God of Carnage, opened March 22; Guys and Dolls, March 1st; Hair on March 31; Impressionism on March 24th; Irena’s Vow on March 29th; reasons to be pretty open April 2nd; Shrek the Musical open November 8, 2008; and West Side Story on March 19 Currently in previews are: Joe Turner’s Come and Gone, Mary Stuart, Next to Normal, and Rock of Ages
The Tony Awards are one of the must-see events this year, and for fans of the theater you will not want to miss this amazing event When you get your tickets online, you can look forward to seeing your favorite actors and actresses, directors and producers, choreographers, set designers, composers, and many more appearing on stage before your very eyes You will also have the chance to witness the finest of Broadway in all their fashionable glory as they receive their awards Get ready for a night that you will never forget and get your tickets today, while they are still available This article was sponsored by StubHub.com. StubHub sells Tony Awards tickets as well as many other tickets to concerts, theatrical performances, sports and special events.
Read full story