Such Great Inspiration!

The Tonys were last night and they did a great job, showcasing NY theatre for the whole country to see. There were some inspirational performances. I loved all the musical presentations, and I'm so glad they showed some scenes from the dramatic pieces as well, because those are often overlooked.

Frank Langella is a marvel! Watching him and Christopher Plummer (who was nominated for Inherit the Wind) is like taking a master class. What phenomenal actors! And I loved Mr. Langella's acceptance speech:

"There's a line in Frost/Nixon which says, 'Success in America is unlike success anywhere else. That feeling when you are up is indescribable....' The line then goes on to say, "But there's another feeling -- when it's gone, to somewhere else, to someone else." And I know that feeling. Everyone in this room knows it. I suppose we can't stop people from putting us into competition with one another and once we are here, I suppose we all want to win. But I think we must honor the common bond in us, the struggle, the striving for success, because that's a race you simply can't lose. I am very proud and very honored to live and work among you splendid people, thank you. Thank you for giving me that indescribable feeling. I wish it for you all."

And Christine Ebersole's salute to "the Edies -- may they live in our hearts forever because those who take the journey, when they come and see Grey Gardens, help us get in touch with our humanity and our innate goodness."

Spring Awakening composer Duncan Sheik affirmed that "musical theatre rocks!" and writer Steven Sater asserted that "dreams really do come true." We singer/actors are so thankful for composers and writers like these two who push boundaries and give us all such wonderful playgrounds to explore in.

Lastly, my favorite speech was from Jay Johnson whom I've loved since I was a kid and would sneak peeks at the comedy TV series, SOAP. Jay won for his one man show, The Two and Only:

"To everybody that ever had a dream, always believe."

http://www.tonyawards.com/en_US/nominees/winners.html

Congrats to all of the Tony Award Winners and nominees. Not only did you entertain brilliantly this year, but you moved people to expand their horizons, and you inspired artists like me to keep on growing. Bravo!