Last weekend was a bad weekend all around. The depressing weight of the murder of Christina Grimmie and the Orlando shooting was enough to make me feel a bit mad at the world. Sure, I know the world is far from a perfect place, but the dark side showed its ugly head and while I was heartened at the immense amount of unity I saw online, I found myself wondering, “What’s going to happen next?”
Sunday night was the Tony Awards, the annual awards show showcasing the best of Broadway musicals and plays. I had been looking forward to watching it for months, ever since I found out James Corden would be the host and knew it would be a funny and enjoyable experience. I was not disappointed in my first Tonys and was even more pleased at how it was a celebration of accomplishment and life while at the same time not denying the sorrow encompassing the world. Corden’s opening remarks were simple but powerful. His message was “hate will never win," and he promised that all those affected by these tragedies were not alone in their suffering. Nearly every person in attendance was wearing a silver ribbon on their fancy coats and dresses. It was simple and elegant and warmed me. This was not just a few hours of performances, showing the best of the best for those watching. It was, to me, a stand against all that was wrong with the world using some of the best the world has to offer.
One cannot talk about the Tonys without mentioned the Best Musical, “Hamilton." Winning 11 out of 13 possible awards and already securing a record-breaking 16 nominations, “Hamilton” is arguably the most popular and groundbreaking musical of this decade. The cast of “Hamilton” performed its song without the prop muskets they usually use for that battle scene out of respect for Orlando. Though the song was picked out likely weeks in advance, some of the lyrics hit close to home. The final minute was the same phrase repeated over and over: “The world turned upside down." And that was a poetic way to describe the recent events.
The sense of community was very obvious. Corden’s opening act was a rundown of many of the most popular shows and songs, and other short songs were performed by the different casts and sprinkled throughout. (I never realized I wanted to see Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber playing a tambourine until I did.) I love theater. I think this show proved exactly why. It brings people together, no matter who they are. It encourages unity and entertainment and opportunity. It is a hub of diversity and a way to bring new ideas to life and challenge the boundaries of that which is considered normal. And this example of a powerful community is exactly what the world needs going forward after all the tragedies that continue to bombard us.
Though the world was feeling weighed down, it was able to laugh and be entertained for a few hours. Thank you, Broadway.
