Who Should Host the 2016 Tony Awards?
With the Tony Awards only a few months away (135 days, but who’s counting, right?), we are incredibly anxious to find out who will be this year’s host. After being blown away in years past by previous hosts, including Neil Patrick Harris, Kristen Chenoweth, and Alan Cumming, we are sure that this year’s award ceremony will be yet another spectacular night. But until the announcement is made, we have compiled our top five choices of who we think should host this year’s Tony Awards.
1. Laura Benanti
It really shouldn’t come as a surprise that Laura Benanti is our top pick. Benanti has appeared on Broadway several times, including in The Sound of Music, Into The Woods, and Gypsy, and has also hosted the 59th and 60th annual Drama Desk Awards. From her hysterical “Kiss La Goodbye” sketch with Neil Patrick Harris, Megan Hilty, and Andrew Rannells on the 2013 Tony Awards, to her hilarious twitter account (@LauraBenanti), we know that Benanti would make this truly an unforgettable night.
2. Lin-Manuel Miranda
Let’s face it; Lin-Manuel Miranda is a genius. After the huge success of his most recent musical, Hamilton, Miranda has been the talk of the town. Miranda has a history with the Tony Awards, not only for winning for his 2008 musical In The Heights, but also for working as the lyricist for the opening and closing numbers of the 2013 ceremony. Most recently, Miranda has composed music for Star Wars: The Force Awakens and for Disney’s upcoming movie, Moana. Though it may be a little awkward for him to host, considering Hamilton will most likely be up for every category (and will most likely win every category), we can only imagine how outrageous Miranda’s opening number would be.
3. Neil Patrick Harris
After hosting the ceremony four times, there’s no doubt that Neil Patrick Harris would once again make the Tony Awards an amazing night. Though we aren’t completely sure how he could top his 2013 opening number, we would love to see him back on that stage. Harris has also hosted the Academy Awards and Emmy Awards, along with winning the Tony for lead actor in a musical for his portrayal of Hedwig in Hedwig and the Angry Inch.
4. Lesli Margherita
This Olivier Award winning actress, also referred to as “Queen Lesli,” is one of the funniest women on Broadway. From her critically acclaimed performances in Matilda and Dames at Sea, to her hilarious Broadway.com vlogs, we are sure that Broadway would welcome her as this year’s Tony Awards host with open arms.
5. James Corden
The Late Late Show host has been rumored to be in talks of hosting the Tony Awards over the past couple of years. Corden is no stranger to the theater scene, having won a Tony for One Man, Two Guvnors back in 2012, as well as appearing in the film production of Into The Woods. We are sure that Corden would make the telecast truly a hysterical night for all. Who do you think should host this year’s Tony Awards? Leave a comment below and let us know!
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