For the third year running, the 'West Side Story' actress, who serves as the host of the prestigious Broadway awards ceremony, kicks off the event with a mesmerizing dance number.
- June 17, 2024
AceShowbiz - Ariana Debose kicked off the 2024 Tony Awards with a bang. On June 16, the 33-year-old Oscar winner opened the 77th Tony Awards at the David H. Koch Theater in New York City with a high-energy dance number she co-choreographed with Julius Anthony Rubio.
Accompanied by an ensemble of performers, DeBose honored theater makers and their art, declaring, "This party's for you!" She concluded the performance with a dramatic backward fall off a platform.
In her opening monologue, DeBose invoked the transformative power of theater. "The theater is a safe place for us all," she said. "And in the most trying of times, art is imperative. Because art reflects society and provides context for the very real situations that we find ourselves in today."
This year's Tonys mark DeBose's third consecutive time hosting the awards. She previously led the 2022 and 2023 ceremonies. This year, she also served as a producer, vowing that the show would be "live, right in front of you," without any virtual enhancements.
The ceremony recognized the outstanding achievements on Broadway during the past season. "Stereophonic" and "Hell's Kitchen" were among the most nominated productions. Major stars were also in contention, including Sarah Paulson, Jeremy Strong, Eddie Redmayne and Daniel Radcliffe.
DeBose's infectious energy and passionate speech set the tone for an unforgettable evening that celebrated the resilience and artistry of Broadway theater makers.
