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This year is the 72nd Tony Awards Show. Let’s get pumped for the show by checking out some of the best Tony Awards performances from Broadway’s most successful shows. There are an infinite amount of amazing performances, but we’ve got you covered with some of the best.
42nd Street, “Lullaby of Broadway” (1980)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3G0x63gt0CQ
With its ornate dance sequences, 42nd Street is a classic Broadway musical. This number features simple choreography in comparison with the rest of the show, but it’s bound to lull you into the lullaby of Broadway.
The Book of Mormon, “I Believe” (2011)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xlbDHejQFV4
Andrew Rannells glows as an eager missionary for the Church of the Latter Day Saints in this solo. Many watchers of the Tonys wondered why The Book of Mormon hadn’t chosen a bigger production number for the Tonys, but this number perfectly captures the satirical spirit of the show. You can still find The Book of Mormon on Broadway today and it doesn’t look like it is going away any time soon.
Chicago, “All That Jazz”/”Hot Honey Rag” (1997)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D_eDzhYDK8M
Chicago was successfully revived in this Tony Season (and is still on Broadway today). This number perfectly displays choreographical elements of Bob Fosse with choreographer Ann Reinking’s twist. This number includes a 90-second synchronized duet that Fossee created himself. With classic and new elements this number surely impressed its audience.
Hairspray, “You Can’t Stop the Beat” (2003)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B9smuMQMDJc
You may know of Hairspray from the movie that came out in 2007 but it started as a Broadway musical. This is the peppy finale of the musical and is sure to get you moving and grooving. Each of the show’s five major characters gets their own verse of the song and includes zippy choreography. This song was a perfect performance–which can still be enjoyed.
Cats, “Jellicle Songs for Jellicle Cats”/”Memory (1983)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gkNs5X-Sd3k
However controversial the musical Cats can be among theater geeks, you cannot deny that this performance was an impressive one. You almost cannot forget how strange of a show it was when it first opened, without a clear plot and with actors in tons of feline stage makeup. This performance features the opening number from the show, along with the song “Memory” from the musical–still a beloved song by many.
You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown, “That’s My New Philosophy” (1999)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=060nwhVzzlw
In this performance by Kristin Chenoweth, you can see why she won her first Tony Award during this awards season. With her aminated cartoonish performance she did not disappoint with this performance.
In the Heights, “96,000” (2008)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B2Rd7Cpx-Ss
The streets of Washington Heights came to life in this 2008 Best Musical (you may know the writer as Lin Manuel Miranda who wrote the hit musical of the 2017 season, Hamilton). This performance lit up the Tonys stage with its hip-hop and beautiful set this performance did not disappoint.
Wicked, “Defying Gravity” (2004)
A classic song from the classic musical Wicked, “Defying Gravity” is an inspirational number for plenty. And with Idina Menzel flying the Tonys stage, you cannot help but be impressed, excited, and inspired!
Gypsy, “Rose’s Turn” (2003)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gCU2Wd4crr0
Broadway legend Bernadette Peters took some flak for trouble at the start of her performances as Mama Rose in Gypsy. But she rose above all that and delivered a magnificent performance. The song itself is a mix of emotions–from a nervous breakdown to a sexy struct to hurt to anger and then to self-embrace. This number stands out for all of those reasons.
Dreamgirls, “It’s All Over”/”And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going” (1982)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LMr71pu49TU
It is impossible to watch this performance by Jennifer Holliday without being left in awe. The slow movements in the direction of the song are intense from beginning to end. Your breath will be taken away.
We cannot wait to see the amazing performances that this year’s Tony Awards show has to offer us! Apparently, Bruce Springsteen is going to be making a rare television appearance to perform in lieu of his own Broadway show. We cannot wait to see what he and the other performers have in store for us this year!
