Tony Awards to go virtual after being delayed indefinitely due to COVID-19 as Broadway remains dark

Tony Awards to go virtual after being delayed due to COVID-19 as Broadway in New York City remains dark until at least the end of the year

Back in March, the Tony Awards in New York City joined the countless awards show events that were delayed or downright cancelled as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

On Friday, the New York Post reported that Broadway’s highest honor will in fact take place soon, but it will be a virtual happening for safety reasons.

This year’s event, which was to be the 74th edition, was to take place on June 7th at the world famous Radio City Music Hall. 

New plan: On Friday, Tony Awards representatives announced that the awards show will go virtual after being delayed indefinitely due to COVID-19

The March cancellation of the Tonys came as theaters all along the Great White Way were shuttered themselves as a result of the virus, as social distancing and lockdown guidelines were put in place. 

‘Though unprecedented events cut the 2019-2020 Broadway season short, it was a year full of extraordinary work that deserves to be recognized,’ said Charlotte St. Martin, president of the Broadway League, and Heather Hitchens, president & CEO of the American Theatre Wing, in a joint statement. 

‘We are thrilled not only to have found a way to properly celebrate our artists’ incredible achievements this season, but also to be able to uplift the entire theatre community and show the world what makes our Broadway family so special at this difficult time. 

The heart of it: This year's event, which was to be the 74th edition, was to take place on June 7th at the world famous Radio City Music Hall

The heart of it: This year’s event, which was to be the 74th edition, was to take place on June 7th at the world famous Radio City Music Hall

‘The show must go on, no matter what – and it will.’

As of now, the event – which was hosted last year by late night host James Corden – has yet to announce exactly how the awards will be presented.

The host of the show, if there will be one, as well as nominations, currently remain a mystery as well.

From the before times: As of now, the event – which was hosted last year by late night host James Corden (pictured) – has yet to announce exactly how the awards will be presented

From the before times: As of now, the event – which was hosted last year by late night host James Corden (pictured) – has yet to announce exactly how the awards will be presented

All 41 Broadway theaters abruptly closed on March 12th, additionally cancelling 16 that were still scheduled to open – including Diana, Mrs. Doubtfire and Company.

The revival of Neil Simon’s comedy Plaza Suite, starring Sarah Jessica Parker and husband Matthew Broderick, has also been pushed until spring 2021. 

Shows that were hoping to have a shot at Tony honors this season include Jagged Little Pill, the musical based on Alanis Morissette’s groundbreaking 90s album, as well as The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical.

Shows that were hoping to have a shot at Tony honors this season include: Jagged Little Pill, the musical based on Alanis Morissette's groundbreaking 90s album; seen on opening night last December

Shows that were hoping to have a shot at Tony honors this season include: Jagged Little Pill, the musical based on Alanis Morissette’s groundbreaking 90s album; seen on opening night last December

Broadway producers had initially vowed vowed to reopen their theaters during the week of April 13th, but that date of course passed as NYC became the epicenter of the pandemic during the spring.

The Tonys are not the only awards show that have had to scrap plans – MTV’s Video Music Awards, scheduled for August 30th, abandoned plans to take place at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center arena.

Instead, the event will unfold in several outdoor locations throughout the city.

Another contender: The cast of The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical (pictured) were also hoping for a shot at this year's Tonys; seen in 2017

Another contender: The cast of The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical (pictured) were also hoping for a shot at this year’s Tonys; seen in 2017

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