CBS has turned to one of its own stars, Neil Patrick Harris of “How I Met Your Mother,” to host “The 63rd Annual Tony Awards” be broadcast live from Radio City Music Hall in New York, Sunday, June 7 (8:00-11:00 PM, live ET; delayed PT) on the CBS Television Network.
“The discipline of live theater – doing the same perfect thing night after night, eight times a week – never ceases to amaze me,” said Neil Patrick Harris. “I’m truly honored to have been chosen as the Master of Ceremonies for this year’s Tony Awards, and I hope to help provide a first-class evening for all,” he added.
“Neil Patrick Harris is the perfect triple threat in Entertainment – a star of television, stage and film – which makes him an ideal host for The Tony Awards. The theater community respects him and the television audience loves him,” said Jack Sussman, Executive Vice President, Specials, Music and Live Events, CBS Entertainment.
“We are thrilled to be working with Neil on the most important theater night of the year,” said Executive Producer Glenn Weiss. “His love for Broadway and great knowledge of theater combined with his on-stage presence makes him the perfect person to guide us through what is sure to be a great night,” said Executive Producer Ricky Kirshner.
Neil Patrick Harris is best known for his role as Barney Stinson in the CBS comedy series, “How I Met Your Mother.” Among his theatrical credits was the dual role of The Balladeer/Lee Harvey Oswald in the Tony Award-winning production of “Assassins,” as well as acclaimed performances in the Broadway productions of “Cabaret” and “Proof.”
The ceremonies, presented by Tony Award Productions, a joint venture of the League of American Theatres and Producers and the American Theatre Wing, have been broadcast on CBS since 1978. The Tonys were founded in 1947 as a memorial to Antoinette (“Tony”) Perry, the American Theatre Wing’s World War II chairperson.
This will mark the 12th year that the historic Radio City Music Hall is home to the Tonys.
Ricky Kirshner and Glenn Weiss of White Cherry Entertainment return as executive producers. Weiss, who won an Emmy Award for the 2005 broadcast, will also serve as director for the ninth consecutive year.
