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Classic, Comedic and Over-the-Top; BWW's Top 10 Tony Opening Numbers!

By: May. 04, 2014
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Awards season is in full swing, and leading up to the big event (you know which one) next month, we're kicking off a weekend feature series highlighting all the extraordinary elements that go into creating a Tonys ceremony fit for Broadway's best!

And what would the Tonys be without a show-stopping opening number? Today we've gathered our Top 10 Tony Awards opening numbers over the past couple decades, featuring hosts Liza Minnelli, Nathan Lane, Rosie O'Donnell, Hugh Jackman, Sean Hayes and Neil Patrick Harris.

Starting with the classic, elegant showcases of the 1990s, followed by the early 2000s, which brought out a fun solo element (Sean Hayes can play the crap out of the piano!) and invited stand-up comedy to the party, and finally, the more recent, sensational, all-out medleys with NPH at the helm.

Scroll down to watch the performances, and be sure to let us know your favorite Tony Awards ceremony!


1993 - Hosted by Liza Minnelli


1996 - Hosted by Nathan Lane


1997 - Hosted by Rosie O'Donnell


1998 - Hosted by Rosie O'Donnell


2000 - Hosted by Rosie O'Donnell


2005 - Hosted by Hugh Jackman


2009 - Hosted by Neil Patrick Harris


2010 - Hosted by Sean Hayes


2011 - Hosted by Neil Patrick Harris


2013 - Hosted by Neil Patrick Harris




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