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Jordan Roth and Laura Osnes play Broadway trivia!

See this and so many more behind-the-scenes exclusives during the Stage17.tv #TonyAwards live stream, airing Sunday 6/7 from 5:30pm until the show!

By Ashley Salvagin

It's Tony Awards weekend and if that doesn't get you excited, you're likely reading the wrong blog! Whether you tune in for the fashion, the performances, the opening number, the speeches, or anything in between, for a few hours this Sunday evening, the theatre community will be united by this spectacular event, expected to be seen by millions.  

With such seasoned Broadway pros as Kristen Chenoweth and Alan Cumming co-hosting, the evening is guaranteed to be entertaining and glamorous (to say the least). To get you in the Broadway-Loving-Tony-Awards-Excitement mood, I've curated a list of some favorite Tony Awards moments from past years:

6. Alice Ripley's Acceptance Speech – Tony Awards 2009 

Alice not only drops a JFK quote into her speech (a quick way to get onto my "favorites" list), but she builds on this quote and it's significance to her by describing fine art eloquently while speaking from the heart.

7. “ Defying Gravity" from "Wicked" performed at the 2004 Tony Awards by Idina Menzel and Kristen Chenoweth

Everything about this performance falls into a category of perfection. Take note of a few moments starting at 3:14 showing Kristen glowing with happiness and pride as she looks up at Idina. Kristen is either the best actress in the world, or she is the most generous co-star any actor could dream of working with.

8. “Not The Boy Next Door" from "The Boy From Oz" performed at the 2004 Tony Awards by Hugh Jackman and ensemble

From the moment Hugh Jackman arrives onstage in leopard print and gold metallic pants riding a camel, to his hip circles and surprise interaction with Sarah Jessica Parker, this performance is everything a Tony audience could want.

9. “Hell No" from "The Color Purple" performed by Felicia P. Fields, La Chanze and ensemble

Female empowerment is at the heart of this performance. Watch this one, rejoice that "The Color Purple" will be coming back to Broadway at the end of the year, and try not to get chills.

10. “Willkommen" from "Cabaret" performed at the 1998 Tony Awards by Alan Cumming and ensemble

By Ashley Salvagin

It's Tony Awards weekend and if that doesn't get you excited, you're likely reading the wrong blog! Whether you tune in for the fashion, the performances, the opening number, the speeches, or anything in between, for a few hours this Sunday evening, the theatre community will be united by this spectacular event, expected to be seen by millions. 

With such seasoned Broadway pros as Kristen Chenoweth and Alan Cumming co-hosting, the evening is guaranteed to be entertaining and glamorous (to say the least). To get you in the Broadway-Loving-Tony-Awards-Excitement mood, I've curated a list of some favorite Tony Awards moments from past years:

1.  Neil Patrick Harris' Opening Number – Tony Awards 2013

NPH dazzled audiences everywhere with this brilliant opening number. It's been almost two years since this performance, and the spoken word/rap section starting at 5:43 continues to resonate with me.

2.  Lin-Manuel Miranda's Acceptance Speech – Tony Awards 2008

For those of us experiencing Lin-Manuel Miranda withdrawal between "Hamilton" closing at the Public and opening at the Richard Rodgers Theatre, allow this acceptance speech for "In The Heights" to fill in the void. Lin-Manuel sets himself apart as a theatrical artist, expanding the boundaries of the art form, and bringing down the house while he does it!

3.  Steve Kazee's Acceptance Speech – Tony Awards 2008

Steve Kazee's heartfelt acceptance speech exemplifies the rare bond that theatre makers can be so fortunate to experience when the cast and creative team collectively pour their souls into creating a beautiful new work.

4.  Audra McDonald's Acceptance Speech — Tony Awards 1994

Believe it or not, there was a time before Audra had even one Tony Award to her name. This speech, which is now 21 years old, is an important reminder that everyone starts somewhere, and that (as Audra calls it) "non-traditional casting" can truly provide career-changing opportunities to actors/actresses.

5.  Nina Arianda's Acceptance Speech – Tony Awards 2012

"We have to produce works by and about LGBT people — but not only for LGBT people," Urie said. Quality productions about ever-increasing subject matters will bring new audiences into the theatre, he predicted, which can lead to minds opening in new ways. "Share our differences with the world so that people can learn and enjoy."

Jordan Roth asks Tony nominees: Who would be your dream #TonyAwards co-host?

Don't miss this and so many more behind-the-scenes exclusives during the Stage17 Tonys live stream on Sunday!

We've got Tony Awards EXCLUSIVES coming your way!

First up, Fun Home​!

Don't miss #Stageist Michael Urie​ & friends talking Breakfast at Tiffany's​ on Cocktails & Classics on Logo​TV tonight at 7pm!

Along with our award winning originals, we also curate a number of web series from our friends around the internet!

Don't miss Bitter Party of Five​, a hilarious series about five actors from a failed NBC pilot who get together and decide to make their own web series: a low-budget talk show. With guest stars Laura Benanti​, Chris Colfer​, Allison Janney​ and more!

History is in the making! Stage17, Playbill​ and the Tony Awards present:

The first EVER Tony Awards​ live stream! On the evening of June 7th, full live coverage of the event will be available online, putting viewers right in the middle of the evening's red carpet arrivals, interviews, behind-the-scenes features and more! Hosted by Darren Criss​ and Laura Osnes​, and George Takei​ as the live stream's official fan correspondent!