Spongebob was actually fantastic on Broadway- I've seen it twice.
Springstein's performance was for big fans, I think. Others didn't really seem to get it. I thought it was really weird that he got his award presented live while Chita Rivera and ALW had theirs s on the pre broadcast. I get it was to draw in viewers but they SO DESERVED IT over him.
Mean Girls sounded awful live; and I just watched it back, it sounded awful on TV too. I doubt it sold many tickets but the show is already weirdly popular.
DeNiro's comment was well received by the audience. He received thunderous applause and a standing ovation. Whether or not it was appropriate for the occasion is certainly something that can be debated; but overall, this particular crowd appeared to agree.
The thing that struck me as so hauntingly sad was the Stoneman High kids singing. As a high schooler, I literally COULD NOT have fathomed a circumstance that would get me on the Tony awards, right?? So it's just so unbelievable tragic that they got to experience this incredible thing- but only because they've had to experience such incredible pain.
It also struck me, today; a day after the anniversary of Pulse, that the 2016 Tonys were pretty much an ongoing tribute to the victims of that terrorism. Same thing for this Tonys, and alongside all of the fun and joy of attending, I couldn't stop thinking- who will we be mourning next year?
That being said, I absolutley LOVED almost all of the speeches this year. Love or hate Band's Visit ( I loved it), it's hard to deny that those moments of celebration of their culture and diversity finally being represented on Broadway was lovely.
I had a great time attending. I hope I can go again next year!!