After CBS came under fire for replacing the scrapped Tony Awards broadcast with a Grease sing-along, Broadway fans now have a fitting alternative on Tony night.
Broadway On Demand, a newly-launched Broadway streaming service, announced Wednesday they will air a one-hour event on Sunday, June 7 at 6 PM ET, when the Tony Awards would have aired.
It was also announced Wednesday that theater fans will also be able to watch Show of Shows: Broadway.com Salutes The Tonys on Broadway.com and their YouTube.
Alternative: After CBS came under fire for replacing the scrapped Tony Awards broadcast with a Grease sing-along, Broadway fans now have a fitting alternative on Tony night
The Broadway On Demand event is described as a, ‘never-before-seen event in celebration of the Broadway community, the Tony Awards, and the global impact that Broadway has as a cultural touchstone around the world.
While no performers have been announced yet, the special will be directed by Tony Award nominee Lonny Price and written by Tony nominee Karey Kirkpatrick, Steve Rosen, David Rossmer, Kate Wetherhead and Lauren Yee.
Musical Direction & Supervision will be provided by by Grammy Award winner Jason Howland with Choreography by Sarah O’Gleby.
Impact: The Broadway On Demand event is described as a, ‘never-before-seen event in celebration of the Broadway community, the Tony Awards, and the global impact that Broadway has as a cultural touchstone around the world
The special will also be a fundraiser for both the American Theatre Wing ad The Broadway League, specially The American Theatre Wing’s Education and Professional Development initiatives and The Broadway League Foundation.
‘While the level of need within our community right now is overwhelming, so too is the generosity we continue to see every day,’ said Heather Hitchens, President & CEO of the American Theatre Wing.’
‘We are very grateful for Broadway On Demand for designing this wonderful opportunity for fans to celebrate Broadway and the Tony Awards while supporting the work we are doing to help those affected by this crisis,’ she concluded.
Fundraiser: The special will also be a fundraiser for both the American Theatre Wing ad The Broadway League, specially The American Theatre Wing’s Education and Professional Development initiatives and The Broadway League Foundation
Charlotte St. Martin, President of the Broadway League, added that ‘providing educational and training opportunities to those who otherwise might not have access feels more vital than ever before,’ in these current times.
‘Helping the next generation of artists flourish is the best way I can think of to remain optimistic about the future of Broadway!’ she added.
Sean Cercone, Broadway On Demand President and CEO, added, ‘There’s never been a more important moment for the theatre community to gather, celebrate and share our collective passion for the craft.’
League: Charlotte St. Martin, President of the Broadway League, added that ‘providing educational and training opportunities to those who otherwise might not have access feels more vital than ever before,’ in these current times
Next generation: ‘Helping the next generation of artists flourish is the best way I can think of to remain optimistic about the future of Broadway!’ she added
The second special, Show of Shows: Broadway.com Salutes the Tonys, will also serve as a benefit for both the American Theatre Wing and the Broadway League.
Show of Shows: Broadway.com Salutes the Tonys will be directed by Paul Wontorek (Take Me to the World), with Charlie Rosen serving as music supervisor, producer and orchestrator.
Performers for Show of Shows: Broadway.com Salutes the Tonys have also not been announced at this time.
Benefit: The second special, Show of Shows: Broadway.com Salutes the Tonys, will also serve as a benefit for both the American Theatre Wing and the Broadway League
Show: Show of Shows: Broadway.com Salutes the Tonys will be directed by Paul Wontorek (Take Me to the World), with Charlie Rosen serving as music supervisor, producer and orchestrator