No stranger to Broadway‘s Tony Awards, Cynthia Erivo has been announced as the host of this year’s 78th Annual Tony Awards, broadcasting live on CBS from Radio City Music Hall Sunday, June 8.
The announcement was made today by The American Theatre Wing and The Broadway League. The 78th Tonys will honor productions from the 2024-2025 Broadway season.
“I am so proud and excited to take on this glorious honor,” said Wicked‘s Erivo, who won the Tony for Best Leading Actress/Musical for 2016’s The Color Purple. “I am looking forward to ushering the theatre community at large through a night that celebrates the wonderful performances we have witnessed throughout the year. I hope I can rise to the occasion.”
In a joint statement, Heather Hitchens, President & CEO of the American Theater Wing and Jason Laks, President of The Broadway League, said, “Through performances on both stage and screen, Cynthia has extended the magic of musical theater to millions of new fans around the globe — and that is exactly the mission of the Tony Awards. Her talent defies gravity and boundaries, and we are beyond thrilled to welcome her home to Broadway for what will be a joyful and inspiring celebration of the theatrical artform. We hope audiences are ready to leap to their feet, cry tears of joy, and maybe even get up and dance.”
“Cynthia is a remarkable talent,” said Mackenzie Mitchell, Vice President, Specials, CBS, “and with her deep roots in the theater community, we are honored to have her host this year’s Tony Awards on CBS. There is no doubt with her innate creativity and captivating presence, she will deliver an unforgettable evening highlighting the extraordinary achievements of this Broadway season.”
Nominations for this year’s Tony Awards will be announced on Thursday, May 1.
Erivo most recently starred as Elphaba opposite Ariana Grande’s Glinda in Universal’s hit film musical Wicked from director Jon M. Chu. Part 1 was released on November 22, 2024, with Part 2 coming on November 21. Part 1 is the highest grossing movie ever at the domestic box office based on a Broadway musical. Erivo has received widespread critical acclaim and has been nominated for awards including the Golden Globe, SAG, Critics’ Choice, NAACP, BAFTA, and the Academy Award.
Earlier today, Peacock announced that Wicked will begin streaming exclusively on the service beginning March 21.
She recently wrapped production on the second season of Poker Face, the Peacock series from creator Rian Johnson starring Natasha Lyonne. Erivo will guest star in season two alongside BJ Novak and Margo Martindale.
Yesterday, Erivo was announced to play the title character in the Hollywood Bowl’s upcoming production of the musical Jesus Christ Superstar.
The Tony Awards are produced in collaboration with Tony Award Productions, a joint venture of the American Theatre Wing and The Broadway League, and White Cherry Entertainment. Ricky Kirshner and Glenn Weiss are executive producers and showrunners for White Cherry Entertainment. Weiss will serve as director.
The 78th Annual Tony Awards from Radio City Music Hall in New York City will broadcast live to both coasts on Sunday, June 8, 8 – 11 PM ET/5 – 8 PM PT) on the CBS Television Network, and streaming on Paramount+ in the U.S.
