Host James Corden opened the Tony awards with an appropriately solemn statement addressing the tragic events in Orlando, assuring those affected that “your tragedy is our tragedy.” The Tony Awards had announced on its Twitter feed earlier that tonight’s ceremony would be dedicated to those in mourning after the shooting at Pulse nightclub, and attendees were given silver ribbons to express solidarity with the victims.
And then Corden commenced the night with an opening number to rival Hamilton’s own. Cast members Leslie Odom, Jr., Anthony Ramos, Daveed Diggs, and Okieriete Onaodowan (two of whom are up for an award tonight) aided Corden in his very own “Alexander Hamilton” moment, including a very funny instant where Corden dangled the award in front of them before chastising them “just you wait.” The musical has an incredible 16 nominations and stands to break another record tonight, with a chance at surpassing The Producers for most wins (12).
