Last night was the 70th annual Tony Awards, this year hosted by James Corden.
Although many know him from his various acting/comedic/hosting roles, theatre is actually the medium that first excelled Corden in his career to stardom. Originating the role of Timms in Alan Bennett’s The History Boys, Corden has gone on to star in other theatre roles including the lead in One Man, Two Guvnors. As well as this, he starred as the Baker in the film adaptation of Sondheim’s Into the Woods.
The 7 minute number, which opened the awards ceremony this year, starts with Corden talking about how when he was younger, he always looked forward to trips to the theatre. This is illustrated by an adorable child playing the young James Corden going to the theatre behind him. From there, he goes into a number in which he references all the parts which he dreamed he could play.
This in turn leads to references to many different musicals including Les Miserables, The Lion King, Phantom of the Opera, West Side Story, A Chorus Line, Annie, and many more. As well as this, he encourages young aspiring actors to also dream big, and says that they too could be on that stage one day. The number ends with Corden being joined onstage by all of this years acting nominees in the musical categories of the show.
Alongside the number, James Corden also made an opening speech in which he dedicated the show to the victims of the Orlando shooting, which happened earlier that same day. He stated that, “Theatre is a place where every race, creed, sexuality and gender is equal, is embraced, and is loved.”
Watch the musical opening number of the 70th Annual Tonys below:
