The Tony Awards went on Sunday night after recognizing the tragedy hours before in which 50 people were killed and 53 injured at a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida, the biggest mass shooting in U.S. history.
A message on the
Tony Awards website announced the show was being dedicated to the people there:
"Our hearts are heavy for the unimaginable tragedy that happened last night in Orlando. Our thoughts are with the families and friends of those affected. The Tony Awards dedicate tonight's ceremony to them."
Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs, and Kathy Ramsberger, president of Orlando's Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, appeared in a video Sunday thanking the Tony Awards.
There were obvious and subtle tributes to Orlando throughout the show. Tony Awards' host James Cordon opened with moving tribute to the city, noted The Hollywood Reporter.
The actors from the hit play "Hamilton," which won 11 Tony Awards, performed "The Battle of Yorktown" from the popular show without its prop muskets, according to
Market Watch.
"Hamilton" creator Lin-Manuel Miranda appeared to address the shooting more directly in his acceptance speech after winning the Tony for best score. He read a sonnet that included the line: "Love is love is love is love, it can't be killed or swept aside."
Laura Benanti, who was nominated for a best leading actress in a musical Tony for "She Loves Me," added her voice with a Twitter post before the awards show.
Other stars joined Benanti on social media.
Juan-Jose Gonzalez, of BroadwayWorld Spain, praised the Tony Awards for going on with the show and honoring Orlando, reported
Variety.
"The show must go on, but they also must be aware of reality," Gonzalez said. "Theater cannot be outside of what happens in the world."
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