Neil Patrick Harris' Third Go Around as Tony Awards Host is a Success

Sunday evening the 66th annual Tony Awards were held. I enjoy watching this show mostly for the production numbers, but at the same time, I am often surprised by the talents I see on the show. Here are a few thoughts on the latest presentation.

**Neil Patrick Harris

He hosted the show for the third time, reminding me of how talented he is. I clearly recall his Doogie Howser days and how far he has come in the years since. He just seems to be very well rounded in his entertainment abilities. Hopefully, he will return for more hosting duties in the future.

**Judith Light

Wow! I remember Light when she first appeared on One Life to Live, replacing another actress in the role of Karen Wolek. She was fantastic and won a slew of daytime Emmys for her very intense and dramatic work. She met her husband who also appeared on the show. Not long after she left the soap opera, she began a successful run opposite Tony Danza on Who's the Boss. She has turned her attention to a large extent to the stage, and it looks like the Tony folks are finally taking notice. She won the Tony for Actress in a Featured Role. Way to go, Tony Voters!

**The Show Goes On

I loved that upon coming back from commercial breaks, we were told about an award that was presented while the commercials were on. In fact, even a short clip was shown of the winner. I have not seen that done before. It was pretty cool.

**Ghost the Musical

There was a performance from this Broadway show. I have to admit that as a big time Patrick Swayze fan, watching it was a little difficult. Getting beyond that, though, the number was very strong and dramatic, but it was also one of those where three people are singing different things at the same time and then come together at the end with the same line. I get the drama, but the problem was that only one was able to really showcase her feelings. With a different staging and alteration in the score, it could be fantastic. Of course, perhaps what was shown on TV is not representation of the stage show. Still, my thoughts go to Swayze and how incredible it is that he has been gone for 2 1/2 years now.

**Ricky Martin

Martin performed one of the scenes from Evita! during the broadcast. Again, my mind goes back to his earlier days. No, not as far back to his Menudo tenure, but to when he was on General Hospital for a few years. It was after that when his singing career took off and blasted into international craziness. I thought he did okay in this bit, but I have to give a nod to Antonio Banderas who surprised me with his brilliant performance in the movie. Still, I applaud Martin's performance.

**Hugh Jackman

He was surprised with a special award and the fun of that was just watching him be surprised, especially by his wife. It was just a fun moment.

On the whole, the awards show was interesting and entertaining. They even had a unique performance done live on a ship at sea. From the opening production number from The Book of Mormon to the final solo number by Harris that was ingeniously performed over the credits and appropriately cut off, it was a fun show.