Who should host the Tony Awards? (Suggestions welcome)
Hosting an awards show is an art unto itself. The challenge becomes exponentially greater when the broadcast in question is the low-ratings-plagued Tony Awards.
How best to attract viewers? Hire a celebrity, of course. But the key is to pick the right one -- ideally, someone who has mass appeal but who also possesses the stage cred so as not to offend theater purists. They should have tons of charisma and be able to sing and dance. Good comic timing doesn't hurt either.
Not many stars fit the bill. Two years ago, Hugh Jackman pulled it off to near perfection (and even won an Emmy for his efforts). We're sure that no one would complain if he returned as emcee this year, but given that he already hosted the Oscars in February, it's not a sure bet.
Which brings us to our central question: Who should host the Tony Awards this year?
Michael Riedel at the New York Post had the inspired idea of hiring Dolly Parton for the job. The country diva could certainly inject some much-needed naughty fun into the three-hour slugathon. But will she be in the mood considering that her show "9 to 5" was snubbed in the best musical category?
Culture Monster has thought long and hard about who should serve as host. (Well, for a few hours at least.)
Without further ado, here is our wish list of Tony hosts ...
Will Ferrell (in character as George W. Bush): The "Saturday Night Live" alum has loads of experience performing live and on TV at the same time. Plus, his show "You're Welcome America" (in which he plays the former president) received a Tony nomination for best special event. Seems like a no-brainer to us.
Neil Patrick Harris: Charming, witty and respected by the theater community. And he's famous with the young-uns thanks to his Internet hit "Dr. Horrible."
Jack Black: Not technically a Broadway actor, granted. But he did star in "Prop. 8 -- the Musical" on the Internet. Surely that counts for something.
Nathan Lane: Yes, we know, he's hosted four times already, but he's a sure bet that the evening will be fun and sarcastic, though not necessarily surprising.
Jane Fonda: Why not? If it's class Tony wants, she's got it in spades. Plus, she's nominated this year, so we know she'll be there.
Cheyenne Jackson: He's not a bona-fide celebrity ... yet. But we think he's got what it takes to make the perfect Tony host -- looks, talent and musical theater chops. Did we mention looks?
Jeremy Piven: OK, so maybe his abrupt departure from "Speed-the-Plow" drew negative reviews. But the guy is funny. And this would be a chance for Broadway and the "Entourage" star to kiss and make up.
Michelle Obama: Our first lady has demonstrated her interest in the arts by taking the family to the ballet. Who better than her to show the nation that theater is still important? At the very least, a presenter.
Got someone you'd like to see host the Tonys? All suggestions are encouraged. The Tony Awards will air Sunday, June 7, at 8 p.m. on CBS.
-- David Ng
More Tonys coverage:
'Billy Elliot' and 'Next to Normal' top 2009 Tony nominations
L.A.'s 'Rock of Ages' rocks Tony nominations
Tony Awards snub '9 to 5,' 'The Seagull' and 'Desire Under the Elms'
The Tonys: Musical fluff prevails while revivals trump new plays
Broadway artists react to their Tony nominations
Top photo: Will Ferrell as George W. Bush in the recent Broadway production of "You're Welcome America." Credit: Robert J. Saferstein / Associated Press.
Bottom photo: Jack Black. Credit: Dan Steinberg / Associated Press.
I second Cheyenne Jackson
Posted by: Mike | May 07, 2009 at 07:38 AM
He didn't host 2 years ago. He hosted 2003, 2004 & 2005 and won the emmy for the 2004 job. He's still the best at what he does and what he does is very nice!
Posted by: Burgess | May 07, 2009 at 08:48 AM
I think they should ask Daniel Radcliffe to be host, to make up for the unbelievable oversight of not nominating him for a Tony.
Posted by: Barbara | May 07, 2009 at 05:12 PM
After being snubbed by the Tonys, Daniel Radcliffe should be invited to host. Anyone who's seen him onstage or in interviews knows how charismatic, charming, and funny he is. And he can sing!
Posted by: LB | May 07, 2009 at 05:57 PM
I agree that Daniel Radcliffe would make the perfect host. He is so energetic ,witty, smart and truely has a love for Broadway. He would be a breathe of fresh air to the show. And considering he was snubbed for a nomination for his amazing performance in Equus it is the least they could do.
Posted by: Amy A. | May 07, 2009 at 07:06 PM
Daniel Radcliffe. Like others have said, the fact he was overlooked for a nomination based on his stellar performance in Equus almost demands that he get some recognition from the Tonys. But aside from that, Dan is articulate, charming, charismatic, funny and has a beautiful singing voice. His stage presence is undeniable and I think he has the star power to dramatically improve ratings. Dan gave so much to Broadway while he was here ... he didn't miss a single show, performing while he was sick and even when his family went home for his grandmother's funeral, plus he lead the cast of Equus in raising OVER $200,000 for Broadway Cares. I can't think of a better person to be asked to host this year's Tonys!
Posted by: Carol | May 08, 2009 at 07:40 AM
I would LOVE Cheyenne Jackson to host. But what about Dolly Parton? She's nominated, and she would be a total hoot. And any excuse to get her to sing 9 to 5 and be sarcastic of the 9 to 5 snubs.
Posted by: Vance | May 08, 2009 at 08:24 AM
Oh, or NPH too. That would be Legen-song and dance routine - dary
Posted by: Vance | May 08, 2009 at 08:25 AM
Dan Radcliffe. Go on, Tony people, ask him. It's the very least you can do, since you didn't see fit to give him the nomination you know he deserved.
Posted by: Star | May 08, 2009 at 12:10 PM
I have to agree with Carol's nomination of Dan Radcliffe and for the very reasons she specified.
While it would be a huge undertaking for him to carry the entire show as host there is no doub in my mind that he could do it and do it well.
Please consider him seriously as a possible host, or even co-host.
It was an utter slap in the face to Dan and his fans when he was passed by for a Tony nomination. Being asked to host won't replace a Tony award nomination (or the Tony that should be his) but it would be a nod to his great efforts to bring audiences to Broadway in a down turned economy and the fund raising he worked his butt off to do and do exceedingly well.
Posted by: Louise | May 08, 2009 at 12:47 PM
Hugh Jackman would be the perfect host for the tony awadrs!
Posted by: Robert Walker | June 01, 2009 at 12:31 PM