Photos: Tony Awards 2014: Best & worst moments
Host Hugh Jackman opened the Tonys with an homage to Bobby Van’s endlessly hopping “Take Me to Broadway” number from the 1953 film “Small Town Girl.” The bit proved to be a Rorschach test with audiences, half saying, “How charming!” and the other half saying, “Why is he hopping? Stop it!” (Evan Agostini / Invision / AP)
A look at the highlights and lowlights of the 2014 Tony Awards.
Jackman made sure to work in a bit of cross-promotion in his opening monologue, telling the audience they could tune in to see “Wolverine in tap shoes.” He added. “You don’t see this at Comic-Con.” (Theo Wargo / Getty Images for Tony Awards Productions)
As the first winner, “Twelfth Night” actor Mark Rylance immediately classed up the place with a charming acceptance speech paying tribute to American actor-director Sam Wanamaker, who was blacklisted in Hollywood and founded the modern Globe Theatre in London. And the band didn’t play him off. (Evan Agostini / Invision / AP)
Jonathan Groff couldn’t help himself with his introduction of Idina Menzel performing “Always Starting Over” from “If/Then.” Groff used the same words John Travolta used when he botched her name spectacularly at the Oscars. But Groff got the name right. Rest, Adele Dazeem. Rest. (Theo Wargo / Getty Images for Tony Awards Productions)
The performance of “Gonna Fly Now” from “Rocky the Musical” featured Rocky and Apollo Creed in their prizefight on a rotating boxing ring. We know this is just an added theatrical effect, but hey, boxing officials: spinning boxing rings. Think about it! (Mark Kennedy / AP)
James Monroe Iglehart won an unexpected Tony for his performance as the Genie in “Aladdin.” He also ended his speech in an unexpected way, with a full-throated praise shout. Here’s hoping the praise shout will be part of all future acceptance speeches. (Theo Wargo / Getty Images for Tony Awards Productions)
Alan Cumming (a.k.a. Nightcrawler in “X2”) half-naked with glittery nipples, dancing with men and women in their underwear, did a number from “Cabaret.” To be filed under “Things we should see at Comic-Con.” (Theo Wargo / Getty Images for Tony Awards Productions)
Audra McDonald made Tonys history with her sixth award for actress in a play, for “Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill.” She has also won all four of the top acting Tonys. Appropriately, McDonald’s acceptance speech was as emotional and stirring as the moment required. (Theo Wargo / Getty Images for Tony Awards Productions)
Bryan Cranston won a Tony for playing LBJ, and he managed to get through the acceptance speech without one reference to Walter White or “Breaking Bad.” LBJ may be great, but come on, is he the One Who Knocks? (Theo Wargo / Getty Images for Tony Awards Productions)
Neil Patrick Harris knows how to work an audience, especially during his “Hedwig” performance, in which he gave Sting a lap dance, licked Samuel L. Jackson’s glasses and thrust his crotch in Mark Rylance’s face. Jackman may be host, but Harris owns this show. (Theo Wargo / Getty Images for Tony Awards Productions)
Everything was going fine, until they got to the part of the evening when Hugh Jackman attempted to rap “Rock Island” from “The Music Man” with a little help from T.I. and LL Cool J. It was as painful as could be imagined. But at least Jackman got his rap name from the bit: “Biggie Tap Shoes.” (Theo Wargo / Getty Images for Tony Awards Productions)
“A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder” star Jefferson Mays did more to sell his musical with his multi-character/costume introduction of the show than the production’s eventual win for best musical. Mays was a woman, then a priest, then a gentleman, all before our eyes. (Theo Wargo / Getty Images for Tony Awards Productions)
Jessie Mueller, left, had one hell of a night: Duetting with Carole King, right, the woman she plays on Broadway, having an impromptu dance off with Jackman, and then winning her first Tony, for “Beautiful.” Jessie Mueller won the night. (Theo Wargo / Getty Images for Tony Awards Productions)
