RIALTO CHATTER: 2010 Tonys to Open with Pop Song Medley?

64th Annual Antoinette Perry "Tony" Awards, the culmination of the theatrical awards season, will take place on Sunday, June 13th, live from Radio City Music Hall. The Tony Awards will air live on CBS from 8:00-11:00PM (ET/PT time delay), presented by The Broadway League and The American Theatre Wing. PROMISES, PROMISES star Sean Hayes hosts.

New York Post columnist Michael Reidel reports this morning that details of the broadcast's opening number are beginning to circulate, and it seems that unlike in years past where one show has been featured, this year's show may feature many.  In a number allegely titled, "Pop Songs You Might Not Know Are on Broadway," the highly watched (and coveted) opening act slot will showcase from many of this season's stars singing the most famous pop songs featured in current Broadway shows. Of course, there are many to choose from between the scores of Million Dollar Quartet (featuring the music of Elvis, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins and Jerry Lee Lewis), Come Fly Away (featuring the songs of Frank Sinatra), American Idiot (featuring the music of Green Day), and Fela! (featuring muisc from the catalog of Fela Kuti) etc. Shows like A Little Night Music offer 'Send in the Clowns' which has made its way into the mainstream canon, and Promises, Promises can lend 'I Say a Little Prayer for You,' which was added to this revival production.

The approach of Tony producers to incorporate many shows into the opening act is a "diplomatic" one, as historically, the shows that have successfully campaigned for the gig have seen significant box office rises.

Reidel further predicts that this year's surprise guest performers will include GLEE's Lea Michele and Jonathan Groff and perhaps an appearance by Bon Jovi.

To read Riedel's full report on the latest Tony details, click here.

The Antoinette Perry "Tony" Award®, which was founded by the American Theatre Wing in 1947, is bestowed annually on theatre professionals for distinguished achievement on Broadway. The Tony is one of the most coveted awards in the entertainment industry and the annual telecast - the night America watches Broadway - is considered one of the most prestigious programs on television.

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