FLASH FRIDAY: Easy Street! Kristin Chenoweth & Alan Cumming Re-Team To Host The 2015 Tony Awards

By: Pat Cerasaro May. 22, 2015

Today we are saluting the two Tony-winning hosts of this year's Tony Awards, Kristin Chenoweth and Alan Cumming!

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Easy Street
It is not uncommon for previous Tony Award winners to present or even host on the theatre's biggest night, the annual TONY AWARDS ceremony, but to have a pair of prominent Broadway and Hollywood crossover stars who also happen to have Tonys on their mantles as Kristin Chenoweth and Alan Cumming do makes this year's telecast a particular cause for celebration - not to mention the fact that both performers appeared on Broadway this season in revivals of musical favorites. Needless to say, Cumming ended last season with a reprise of his iconic Tony-winning portrayal of the Emcee in Kander & Ebb's iconic musical CABARET, while Chenoweth wowed critics and audiences alike this season with her triple-threat turn as Lily Garland in Cy Coleman, Betty Comden and Adolph Green's ON THE TWENTIETH CENTURY near the season's close, which recently extended its run at the American Airlines Theatre. Although Cumming failed to nab a nomination last year - given that he previously won for the same role, it would seem unfair to award him again, anyway, after all - Chenoweth is placed in one of the most hotly contested and eagerly anticipated categories of the evening, Best Actress In A Musical, which will see her square off against such legendary leading ladies as Chita Rivera and Kelli O'Hara, not to mention newcomers Leanne Cope and Beth Malone. Accordingly, now is the ideal time to take a look back at the times when Chenoweth and Cumming were previously recognized by the TONY AWARDS committee for their work as well as reflect on some memorable TONY AWARDS appearances and performances they have given leading up to now - lest we forget, they are re-teaming for the first time since their unforgettable turns as Lily and Rooster in Rob Marshall's 1999 TV remake of family favorite ANNIE where they crooned the classic tune "Easy Street" once upon a time. Since then, Broadway itself has virtually become their very own.

Following many regional theater appearances around the country, Kristin Chenoweth made an early mark with her participation in the original cast of Kander & Ebb's STEEL PIER on Broadway, shortly following that up with unique Off-Broadway musical A NEW BRAIN. She received her first Tony Award nomination and only win to date for Best Featured Actress In A Musical thanks to YOU'RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN the following year, in 1999. Then, after that, Chenoweth kicked off a series of memorable turns on the mainstages of NYC, with Tony-nominated work in international mega-hit WICKED as well as the revival of three-act musical comedy tour de force THE APPLE TREE, not to mention her work in the 2010 revival of PROMISES, PROMISES.
Similarly, Alan Cumming started out with many appearances throughout the UK early on in his career, earning an Olivier Award nomination for Most Promising Newcomer as far back as 1988 and winning an Olivier Award only two years later for Dario Fo's ACCIDENTAL DEATH OF AN ANARCHIST, which he himself helped adapt for the stage. Then, in 1993, Cumming took on the first iteration of what would become an indelible role on his resume with the Donmar Warehouse production of CABARET directed by Sam Mendes, which eventually transferred to Broadway in a new production also overseen by Rob Marshall, winning Cumming his first - and, to date, only - Tony Award. Subsequent NYC stage work has included his Broadway runs in Noel Coward's DESIGN FOR LIVING and Brecht & Weill's THE THREEPENNY OPERA, as well as his well-regarded work in last season's MACBETH. Much like Chenoweth, Cumming has enjoyed a high profile Hollywood resume, as well, winning acclaim and legions of fans for his work on long-running network hit THE GOOD WIFE, while Chenoweth commands an international fan-base thanks to his recurring role on musical series GLEE and more, as well. They both can do it all, in any medium - as they remind us repeatedly; and, thankfully.

Two's Company
So, now, let's take look at some of Kristin Chenoweth and Alan Cumming's most Tony-tastic moments to date in anticipation of this year's ceremony.
First, Alan Cumming and the cast of CABARET on the 1998 Tony Awards.
Next, Alan Cumming takes home his first Tony Award.
Now, see Alan Cumming and Cyndi Lauper on the Tonys for 2006's THE THREEPENNY OPERA.
Also, peer inside the 2014 TONY AWARDS dress rehearsal with Cumming and company.
Don't miss Kristin Chenoweth making her very first Tonys appearance in STEEL PIER,
Check out Chenoweth's YOU'RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN win.
Get a gander at Chenoweth joining Idina Menzel for a WICKED showstopper.
Chenoweth and more make a mark in the 2010 TONY AWARDS opening number.
Lastly, Oklahoma natives Chenoweth and Kelli O'Hara face off this year in a Best Actress battle royale.
As a special bonus, see Chenoweth and Cumming team up in 1999's ANNIE.

What has been your absolute favorite stage performance to date by both Kristin Chenoweth and Alan Cumming? Furthermore, what duet do you hope they deign us with most of all come Tony night? With two stars this versatile and talent this gigantic, the possibilities for what magnificence they will make on the stage of Radio City Music Hall is seemingly endless. Easy street, indeed - and, what a bright and brilliant boulevard Broadway unquestionably is, with the suave, sexy and spectacular Tony hosts to match!

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