Ariana DeBose will host the Tony Awards for the third year in a row.
Broadway’s biggest night will take place on June 16 in New York City at the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center. This is the fifth change in location for the Tony ceremony in five years, which in recent years has been held at the United Palace in Washington Heights, Broadway’s Winter Garden Theater and Radio City Music Hall. The ceremony begins at 8pm ET and will be broadcast live on CBS, as well as the Paramount+ streaming service.
DeBose received an Emmy nomination for hosting last year’s Tony Awards, which went unscripted in solidarity with the WGA strike. Instead of an eloquent monologue, she opened the show with a dazzling dance sequence that included her leaping off the stairs of United’s palace — and into the arms of a powerful dancer.
She will once again highlight her cute and hot moves in her role as manager. This year, she will serve as producer and choreographer of the opening ceremony.
“I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to host Tony’s again at Lincoln Center,” DeBose said in a statement. “I’m excited to collaborate with the team to create an amazing celebration of this season’s achievements on Broadway for our community and for everyone at home.”
DeBose, an Oscar winner for “West Side Story,” earned her own Tony nomination in 2018 for “Summer: The Donna Summer Musical.” Her other theatrical credits include “Hamilton,” “Bring It On: The Musical,” “A Bronx Tale,” and “Pippin.”
“Ariana’s unique sense of artistry, creativity and talent continues to elevate the show and captivate nominees and viewers alike,” said Heather Hitchens, President and CEO of the American Theater Wing, and Jason Lacks, Interim President of the Broadway League.
The 77th Tony Awards will honor musicals and plays from the 2023-2024 season. Some of the eligible new shows and revivals include Back to the Future, Water for Elephants, Merrily as We Roll Along, Gutenberg! The Musical, Suitable, Pearly Victorious, and Public Enemy Nominations will be announced on April 30.
“The third time will definitely be a charm for a host as charming and insanely talented as Ariana DeBose,” said Glenn Weiss and Ricky Kershner, who will produce the TV show.