A Few Reminders

Michael Phillips’ article lambasting the Tony Awards presentation was unjustified (“Tony Awards Telecast Leaves Chorus Line of Puzzlement,” June 8). Rosie O’Donnell does a wonderful job as the regular host, but the change of format of this year’s show was not the debacle he made it out to be. I enjoyed the presentations and the production highlights performed throughout the telecast. Fortunately I had seen many of the plays nominated this year and was delighted to see the casts again and be reminded of the costumes, choreography, and the music.

Unlike Phillips, I felt that the idea of gathering the presenters onstage in the beginning of the show was not only a unique and dynamic way of introducing those involved (as opposed to rolling the list of names down the TV screen) in the program, but was also in keeping with the spirit of the occasion. It was like watching an ensemble cast being called up for an encore.

And Phillips’ labeling of Carol Burnett and Julie Andrews’ reminder to the audience to “Go see a show!” as disguised desperation was ridiculous. People do need to be reminded to see live theater.

COLLEEN T. SAMPLE

Los Angeles

*

Phillips writes: “This year, standing behind podiums, Dennehy, Spacey and others. . . .” The podium is the stand or platform that one stands on. The lectern or desk or speaker’s table is what one stands behind or next to.

Podium for feet, lectern for notes. Please pass the word!

ROBERT E. GREEN

Sherman Oaks