On February 20 The Broadway League and the American Theatre Wing named “Wicked” film star and Broadway actor Cynthia Erivo as the host for the June 8 Tony Awards which will be held at Radio City Music Hall.
Erivo issued a statement saying, “I am so proud and excited to take on this glorious honor. I am looking forward to ushering the theater community at large through a night that celebrates the wonderful performances we have witnessed throughout the year. I hope I can rise to the occasion.”
President and CEO of the American Theater Wing Heather Hitchens and president of The Broadway League Jason Laks issued a statement on the Grammy, Tony, Emmy, Golden Globe, and SAG Award winning Erivo saying, “through performances on both stage and screen, Cynthia has extended the magic of musical theater to millions of new fans around the globe — and that is exactly the mission of the Tony Awards. Her talent defies gravity and boundaries, and we are beyond thrilled to welcome her home to Broadway for what will be a joyful and inspiring celebration of the theatrical art form. We hope audiences are ready to leap to their feet, cry tears of joy, and maybe even get up and dance.”
Up for an Academy Award for her role in the smash hit film “Wicked”; Erivo could be the newest EGOT when she takes the stage to host the Tonys in June.
The nominees for the 78th annual Tony Awards will be announced on May 1.