Tonys Producers Will Appeal WGA’s Strike Waiver Denial
UPDATED: Producers of the Tonys will file an appeal of the WGA’s waiver denial. The decision was made Monday during a meeting of the Tonys management committee. A source tells Variety, “Everyone is still trying to see if there is a workable solution.”
On Friday, the Writers Guild of America denied a request for a strike waiver from the show’s producers, meaning the Tonys won’t be televised on June 11.
Ariana DeBose was set to return as host but it is believed she’ll cancel if the strike is still on.
The Tonys were scheduled to take place at the United Palace in New York’s Washington Heights. The ceremony was to start at 8 p.m. ET and air live on CBS, as well as the streaming service Paramount+.
A Tonys rep did not comment for this story.
Although the viewership of the Tonys has dramatically decreased in recent years, the broadcast still considered a great cheerleader for Broadway with nominations and wins helping boost ticket sales and interest in touring companies. The industry is still trying to come back after the COVID-19 pandemic decimated the live theater business.
“I was honored to serve as host last year and even more so to be asked back! So looking forward to celebrating this incredible season and the people who make the work happen,” DeBose said when her return as host was announced April 12. “Here’s to adding some uptown flavor to the magic of the Tony Awards!”
The 2023 nominations were announced May 2 with “Some Like It Hot” nabbing the most noms with 13, including best musical.
“Shucked” and “& Juliet” earned nine nominations followed by “Kimberly Akimbo” scoring eight. The Jessica Chastain-led revival of “A Doll’s House” scooped up eight nominations as did Tom Stoppard’s “Leopoldstadt,” and the political satire “Ain’t No Mo.’”
The race for best musical revival includes “Parade,” “Sweeney Todd,” “Into the Woods” and “Camelot.”
The Hollywood Reporter first reported the news.
VIP+ Survey: Industry Opinions on the Strike Impact
Source: Variety
