Barbra Streisand Returning to The Tonys after 46 Years
Thursday, June 2, 2016 at 10:30AM
Streisand 1970 Tony was for “star of the decade”
46 years is a long time. Richard Nixon was president in 1970 when Barbra Streisand last appeared at The Tonys. She’s coming back this year as a presenter. Who knows why? Maybe she has Hamilton fever like the rest of the world. Maybe she has a tour to promote (she does). Whatever it is we will get to see Streisand on The Tonys stage.
And we can’t wait. No details have been provided about her appearance. So let the speculation begin about which category she will present. The obvious choice is the night’s biggest category - best musical. But just saying "Hamilton" might rob us of her great Oscar ad libs. “I’m so happy to give this to you again, Clint”. “Well the time has come”.
And as monumental as this news is, Barbra can't do it all alone. So there will be other presenters on the big night. Here are our category suggestions for a few of them:
Cate Blanchett - 'Lead Actress in a Play' because of her Oscar connection to the two frontrunners. She won her second on the same night as Lupita Nyongó (nominated for "Eclipsed") and, like Jessica Lange, Blanchett won Oscars on her 2nd and 6th nominations. Their second wins even share the same first word in the title, “Blue”. This would be a gift for Oscar nerds.
Oprah Winfrey - Any category that Lin-Manuel Miranda might win. Imagine Oprah saying his name the same way she says "JOHN TRA-VOL-TA”.
Audra McDonald - 'Lead Actress in A Musical'. It might be mean to ask her to present the category for which she was snubbed, but she IS musical theater’s most honored leading lady. It fits.
Saoirse Ronan - 'Featured Actress in a Play' just because we need to hear her say “Pascale Armand, Saycon Sengbloh and Jayne Houdyshell” in her lilting Irish accent.
Carole King - 'Original Score'. Duh.
Other presenters announced include Steve Martin, Nathan Lane and Patina Miller. The Tonys will be broadcast on Sunday June 12th and we'll undoubtedly celebrate here.
Which category would you like to see Barbra present?
Reader Comments (11)
like Jessica Lange, Blanchett won Oscars on her 2nd and 6th nominations. Their second wins even share the same first word in the title, “Blue”. This would be a gift for Oscar nerds.
Don't forget their second Oscars were upgrades from Supporting Actress to Best Actress. They were also in their forties when they won in the Lead category.
I believe that all the presenters should at least has a real connection to Broadway. Has Cate ever acted on Broadway stage? Cause that would be heaven.
It's kind of cruel for Saoirse to announce Play Featured Actress cause she herself is snubbed in the category.
I for one cannot wait for Laura Benanti and Jane Krakowsi beating some asses on the Tonys stage this year!
Yes, if Barbra is there, it's to plug herself. I like the idea of Cate presenting to Jessica, but it seems a little movie and TV club, no? I thought the Tony's was about theatre actors (which they are, of course, but their names alone create a lot of awards and self-congratulating for each other).
Blanchett also beat nominee Sophie Okonedo at the Oscars-perhaps she will make it up to her and give her this trophy?
I imagine Oprah will introduce whichever performance from The Color Purple the Tonys will allow (preferably for the Ophelia role she originated).
Unless they've had significant, legitimate ties to Broadway, I hate to see movie and TV personalities hijack theatre's biggest night so that the network can try to gain five more viewers than it had for last year's telecast. To me it's disrespectful to the hard-working artists and artisans whose life's work has been the Great White Way.
Craver - I'm with you, I would love to see Laura Benanti and Jane Krakowsi pick up a well deserved Tony, but there is such stiff competition this year. But let's cross our fingers and hope.
Also, I'm a big James Corden fan, I hope he does well as a host.
preferably for the Ophelia role she originated
The character's name is Sofia.
Streisand has to ad lib it's mandatory if she presents.
Craver - Cate is coming to Brodway later this year. I thought Saoirse was lead because it's just her on the posters for the play.. but you are right, Okonedo is up for lead. Now my suggestion gets added meaning.
Mark - Yes! It's why i'm excited for Barbra. I'm sure she'll find a way no matter the category
I want Barbra to join Jessica Lange, Laura Benanti and Kelli O'Hara in a rousing rendition of The Name Game.