15 Behind-the-Scenes Instagrams from the 2016 Tony Awards
The 70th Annual Tony Awards was an evening full of music, laughter, and love — all of which were much needed after the tragic events that transpired earlier Sunday morning. James Corden hosted the ceremony and began with a monologue to dedicate the awards to the victims of the Orlando terror attack. James began the night by saying, “Hate will never win. We have to make sure of that. Tonight's show stands as a symbol of that principle."
If anything, tonight’s theme was about love. This was especially evident during Lin-Manuel Miranda’s speech where he recited a beautiful sonnet, declaring that “love is love is love is love is love is love is love is love.” The performers continued to prove that theatre is important as a vehicle for social conversation, and that love and acceptance is embodied in the root of the theatre community.
Here are 15 of the best Instagram posts from the Tony Awards.
Photo: Courtesy of Instagram/@daveeddiggs1/16Daveed Diggs
Daveed Diggs, who won the Tony for Best Actor In A Featured Role In A Musical for his performance in Hamilton, posted this picture with the caption, “Snapped this before the madness began.” Hamilton is Diggs’ first Broadway production, so it’s safe to say that he certainly did not throw away his shot.
Photo: Courtesy of Instagram/@sarabareilles2/16Sara Bareilles
Singer/songwriter Sara Bareilles posted this fun picture from a Tony’s rehearsal as she posed next to Oprah’s placeholder. “Casual day,” she wrote in her caption. Bareilles was nominated for Best Original Score for the musical Waitress, and sang with the cast in a completely moving performance.
Photo: Courtesy of Instagram/@officialjdunn3/16Jourdan Dunn
We really can’t get enough of Jourdan Dunn’s pink gown. The British model is proving that any location can be a catwalk if you want it to be. We love how the skirt of her dress flounces and twirls, totally channeling Cinderella.
Photo: Courtesy of Instagram/@hopebrooks4/16Hope Easterbrook and the cast of Hamilton
Hope Easterbrook, one of the ensemble members of Hamilton, posted this fierce photo of some of the cast gathering around Lin-Manuel Miranda. Her caption? “Y’all ain’t ready for tonight!”
Photo: Courtesy of Instagram/@daniebb35/16Danielle Brooks
Danielle Brooks shared this photo with The Color Purple co-star Cynthia Erivo early this morning. Along with the ‘gram was a beautiful expression of friendship and support: “We've been rocks for one another, soundboards, sister/friends, shoulders to cry on. I love you girl and can't wait to witness everything that is to come in your life, especially today!” Erivo took home the award for Best Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical.
Photo: Courtesy of Instagram/@reneeelisegoldsberry6/16Renée Elise Goldsberry
Hamilton star Renée Elise Goldsberry showed her support via pic-stitch to the women who shared the nomination for Best Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical. Of course, Goldsberry claimed the award for her portrayal of Angelica in Hamilton.
Photo: Courtesy of Instagram/@laurabenanti7/16Laura Benanti
Gorgeous Laura Benanti posted this picture with her husband as they got ready to head to the Tonys. Earlier, Benanti tweeted, “Tonight, every note I sing will be in rememberance of the lives taken in Orlando.”
Photo: Courtesy of Instagram/@themarleematlin8/16Marlee Matlin
Actress Marlee Matlin of Broadway’s Spring Awakening and TV’s Switched At Birth found a moment for a selfie before the awards. Matin looked absolutely stunning, and we love all the bling that she has around her neck.
Photo: Courtesy of Instagram/@lucyliu9/16Lucy Liu & Jesse Tyler Ferguson
Lucy Liu and Jesse Tyler Ferguson presented together, and they snapped this Insta while backstage. Ferguson also made an appearance in the Tony edition of James Corden’s infamous Carpool Karaoke, which was undoubtedly one of the best parts of the night.
Photo: Courtesy of Instagram/@patinamiller10/16Patina Miller
We love everything about Patina Miller’s look; from her sleek updo to her gorgeous red gown, she literally owned the red carpet. Miller, a total triple threat, was a presenter this year, after winning a Tony in 2013 for her portrayal of The Leading Player in Pippin.
Photo: Courtesy of Instagram/@danieldaekim11/16Daniel Dae Kim
Actor Daniel Dae Kim ‘grammed this picture of his seat holder with the caption, “Relieved to know I have a place to sit.” Kim currently is starring in the revival of The King And I on Broadway.
Photo: Courtesy of Instagram/@alistroker12/16Ali Stroker
Spring Awakening’s Ali Stroker continues to make history as the first actress in a wheelchair to appear on the Broadway stage. You may also recognize her from her roles on Glee and The Glee Project. Stroker totally lit up the red carpet in her silver gown.
Photo: Courtesy of Instagram/@joshuahenrynyc13/16The cast of Shuffle Along
How cute is this group selfie from the cast of Shuffle Along? These amazing performers, including the theatrical goddess Audra McDonald, completely rocked their performance. Shuffle Along was nominated for Best Musical.
Photo: Courtesy of Instagram/@danielndurant14/16Daniel Durant and Alex Boniello
Daniel Durant and Alex Boniello both portrayed Moritz in the Spring Awakening revival (Durant, a deaf performer, physically embodied the character while Boniello played the Voice of Moritz.) The two came together again on the stage during Spring Awakening’s [Tony performance] (http://www.teenvogue.com/story/spring-awakening-2016-tony-awards-performance) along with the rest of the explosive cast. Durant posted this double selfie earlier this evening with the caption, “Moritz...my old friend. #Tonys2016.”
Photo: Courtesy of Instagram/@achapphawk15/16Andrew Chappelle and Hamilton cast members
It feels only fitting to end this list with another Hamilton cast shot, after they totally swept the awards, with 11 wins. The excitement in this photo is infectious, and certainly well-deserved. Hamilton reminds us that diversity on the stage is essential, and that dreams can, in fact, be realized.
16/16Want more Teen Vogue? Make sure to ‘Like’ us on Facebook to stay in the know!
