The 2013 Tony Awards telecast was a smashing success, if for no other reason than making me excited to see another Broadway show! This awards show consistently showcases the art form that it was created to honor.

From the opening number, all the way through to the closing, I was enthralled, entertained and inspired.  Neil Patrick Harris, once again, was the epitome of class, humor and respect.  His love and appreciation for the theatre community is evident and helps make him the ideal Tony Awards host.  He’s funny without being cruel, entertaining without being too serious and above all – he’s a Broadway fan like the rest of us!

The performances this year did not disappoint.  I’ve only had the pleasure of seeing one show (Rodger’s + Hammerstein’s Cinderella), so I was excited to see the other shows perform.  Now, I’m looking forward to seeing them all and kicking myself for not seeing ones that have already left Broadway (Bring It On: The Musical and The Mystery of Edwin Drood).

As a musical fan, I found the playsicals bit hysterical!  Mashing up the titles of plays and musicals – some truly funny combinations that I’m surprised we haven’t heard before. I actually laughed the loudest during that section.  So classically funny without resorting to cruelty.  Simply brilliant!!

My favorite number of the evening was the “Television Sucks” medley.  It’s the perfect example of why the Tonys are the best award show of the year.  They blend humility, humor and appreciation for their industry while also not taking themselves too seriously.  In this case, poking fun at leaving theatre for TV while also showing support for the Broadway artists whose shows were cancelled.  Anyone else want to see a sitcom starring Andrew Rannells, Megan Hilty and Laura Benanti?  I do!!

Having only seen one of the shows, I can’t comment on whether the “right” winners took home the award.  That’s what makes the Broadway community so wonderful – so much talent and only so many awards to hand out! There were some nominees whose work I’m familiar with from other shows that I was rooting for, but I don’t doubt their turn will come.  I’m going to mention a few of them, only because I have great respect for their talents:  Annaleigh Ashford, Laura Osnes, Santino Fontana, Will Chase, Stephanie J. Block.

Overall, the Tony Award telecast brought us laughter, entertainment and a taste of the excellence of the Broadway community.  I can’t wait to return to NYC and find out what new shows are preparing for the next season!

For an entire list of the winners, visit the Tony Awards official website!