RIALTO CHATTER: CBS Offered Tony Host to Conan O'Brien?

Nikki Finke at Deadline.com reports tonight that "Sources tell me tonight CBS tried to hire Conan O'Brien to host this year's Tony Awards on June 13th. But he had to turn down the offer because of the restrictions NBC put on his activities until September 1st in exchange for that giant $40 million payout for himself and his Tonight Show staff. "

The American Theatre Wing's 64th Annual Antoinette Perry "Tony" Awards will air on CBS on Sunday, June 13th from 8:00 - 11:00 PM (ET/PT time delay). The Tony Awards are presented by The Broadway League and The American Theatre Wing.

Following is a list of this year's official Tony events:

Thursday, April 29th

OFFICIAL CUT-OFF FOR 2009-2010 TONY ELIGIBILITY

Tuesday, May 4th

2010 TONY AWARD NOMINATIONS ANNOUNCEMENT live. A complete list of the 2010 nominees will be available at www.TonyAwards.com on May 4th.

Wednesday, May 5th

The annual MEET THE NOMINEES PRESS RECEPTION

Thursday, May 20th

The exclusive TONY NOMINEES LUNCHEON is a chance for the nominees to celebrate each other's achievements and receive their nomination certificates. This event is closed to the media.

Sunday, June 13th

THE 64th ANNUAL TONY AWARDS take place at Radio City Music Hall. The three-hour ceremony will be broadcast live (ET/PT time delay) on the CBS Television Network from 8:00 - 11:00 PM.

Photo Credit: Walter McBride/Retna Ltd.