Best Play Nominees to Perform at This Year's Tonys?

In an interview posted today on EW.com, Tony Award host Neil Patrick Harris revealed that he would like to see performances by some of this year's best Broadway plays along with musical numbers on this year's broadcast. “I’m really trying this year to figure out a way to get performances by plays somehow in the show,” Harris told EW. “Every year you focus mostly on the musicals, because that’s what’s easier to put on the stage, like a three-and-a-half-minute number from Anything Goes. But with so many amazing James Earl Joneses and Stockard Channings, we’ve got some amazing, monologue-talented people that I want to showcase the plays in a legitimate way.”  

The actor shared that although he has hosted the Emmys and performed at the Oscars, it is the Tony awards which hold a special place in his heart. “I think the celebratory tone of it makes it my favorite show to host,” says Harris. “In the Emmys and in observing the Oscars, it’s a bunch of individuals that hardly know each other that all work in their own business bubbles, and I think the opposite is true on Broadway. Most everyone is a) thrilled to be there, b) even more thrilled to be nominated but c) and I think most importantly, they all know and are supportive of each other, so you end up with this great evening where it’s not a lot of sour grapes.”

Harris teased that viewers could expect some surprises on this year's show, but plans to leave plenty of time to honor this year's best crop of shows on the Broadway stage. “The more content I end up doing, then the less time everyone gets to spend watching performances, and really, in addition to doling out awards, that’s the reason you watch,” says Harris, but added,  “Not to say I won’t be around. I’m hoping for the watercooler-y moments when you have to pause and go back and rewatch. There will be a couple surprises!”

Neil Patrick Harris, who previously hosted the Tony Awards in 2009 and 2011, will once again serve as master of ceremonies when the show airs live on CBS on Sunday, June 10.