The annual Tony Award presentations are just a few days away but with the turmoil in Hollywood…and New York…over contract negotiations and strikes it almost didn’t happen.

The Writers Guild is already on strike and has brought numerous productions to a halt and the actors themselves may be next.  The current contract with the actor’s guild SAG-AFTRA ends on June 30; in light of the looming date, the union has “overwhelmingly” voted for a strike authorization – allowing the union to call for a strike if needed.  Less than three percent of the SAG-AFTRA union voted against a strike authorization.

While writers on Broadway are not a part of the Writers Guild of America, the annual awards show is broadcast on television – which is under the WGA.  The WGA refused The Tonys a waiver; but the  Awards will go on as planned…unscripted with the host and presenters will improvising their dialogues.

Ariana DeBose is set to host the Tony Awards from the United Palace Theatre in Washington Heights.

But all will not go on as originally planned; the WGA has called for playwrights, book writers, and actors to boycott the ceremonies; leaving some blank spots when it comes to seating and possible acceptance speeches.

So far, there has been no one confirming that they would not attend the awards.

There are some actors on Broadway that are members of SAG-AFTRA, but Broadway is represented by the Actors Equity Association.  While Broadway will go on even with a SAG-AFTRA strike, Broadway could not promote their productions on television.  But since most of that promotion is done via the late night talk shows, which are already dark due to the writer’s strike; little is lost.

But all is not sunshine and roses on Broadway…  The musical “Here Lies Love” has announced that they will be turning away from the norm and will not use live musicians for their production.  The decision is a violation of the American Federation of Musicians Local 802.  The musical has applied for an exemption and has until June 17 to come to an agreement with the union.  If no agreement has been made, “Here Lies Love” could face picket lines and protests.  The first ever musical to use pre-recorded music is seen as “an attack on professional musicians”.