The creators of the Tony Awards are figuring out what audiences want in an telecast, and what they want — it seems — is Neil Patrick Harris, big-name celebrities, absurdly huge dance numbers, and maybe Mike Tyson.
This year’s Tony Awards drew in 7.24 million viewers. While that’s still a few points down from the Oscars, it’s 20% higher than last year and the largest viewership the Broadway awards have had since 2009. The evening featured Neil Patrick Harris hosting for his fourth time (and third time in a row), proving that if you give people the opportunity to see Mr. NPH dance, rap, and jump through hoops enough times, eventually they won’t be able to resist.
Highlights from the 2013 Tonys included Cyndi Lauper and Harvey Fierstein’s Kinky Boots winning for Best Musical, Pippin winning for Best Revival of a Musical, and Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? winning for Best Revival of a Play.
