Yahoo News ‘Pitch Perfect’ and ‘Spring Awakening’ Star Skylar Astin to Host Tony Awards Simulcast (EXCLUSIVE)
Actor and singer Skylar Astin will help theater lovers celebrate Broadway’s biggest night.
The “Pitch Perfect” star has been tapped to host the American Express “Broadway Fanfare” Tony Awards simulcast event on Sunday, June 16 in Damrosch Park at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts. The event begins at 6:30 p.m. ET with a pre-show set kicking off at 7:30 p.m. before simulcast starts at 8 p.m.
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“As someone who has a special place in their heart for theater and the arts — with my roots as a Broadway performer — the opportunity to host the American Express simulcast is truly meaningful,” said Astin. “Theater has always been about community, and this event will bring people closer to the incredible talent and magic of Broadway for an unforgettable experience.”
The simulcast will be open to the public and will feature special performances from Broadway shows, as well as appearances from theater talent and a livestream of the award show itself. The event will also have interactive experiences, games, and activities for attendees. These include testing guests on Broadway trivia knowledge, concessions and photo-related attractions. Attendees of the simulcast will be able to scan a QR code at the event to access a full digital version of the 2024 Tony Awards Playbill that will be available to attendees in the theater.
“We are delighted to welcome Skylar Astin as host of the American Express simulcast event at the 77th annual Tony Awards,” said Heather Hitchens, president and CEO of the American Theatre Wing, and Jason Laks, interim president of the Broadway League. “We are certain he will cultivate an evening of excitement amongst theater fans on Broadway’s biggest night.”
“With Skylar Astin joining us as host, we cannot wait for all that’s in store at our simulcast of this year’s Tony Awards in Damrosch Park,” said Shiz Suzuki, VP of global brand sponsorships and experiential marketing at American Express.
Astin got his start on Broadway in “Spring Awakening” with Lea Michele and Jonathan Groff. He performed alongside Sutton Foster and Patti LuPone last year in “Everybody Rise! A Sondheim Celebration,” a Stephen Sondheim tribute at the Hollywood Bowl, and starred as Seymour in the Off-Broadway production of “Little Shop of Horrors” in 2022. In addition to the “Pitch Perfect” franchise, Astin’s film and TV credits include “21 & Over,” “Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist” and “So Help Me Todd.”
The 77th Annual Tony Awards will be hosted by Oscar-winning “West Side Story” star Ariana DeBose. It will air live from the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts in New York City, steps away from where Astin will be emceeing the simulcast.
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