Interview: Deborah Cox and Justin Guarini Prep to Host the 2015 Tony Awards Simulcast!

On June 7th, Broadway veterans Deborah Cox (Aida, Jekyll & Hyde) and Justin Guarini (Wicked, Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown) will host the seventh annual simulcast of the Tony Awards (presented by Clear Channel Spectacolor), live from Times Square. The free event, which is open to the public, will feature special guest appearances and live performances. BroadwayWorld recently caught up with the stars on the famed red steps of Duffy Square to chat with them about the big night!

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Tell us about this exciting event and what will be happening here on Tonys night.

Justin Guarini: We are very excited to be hosting the Times Square simulcast. Basically, while the Tonys are happening, as many people as can fill the Square are gonna be able to watch the show on two separate screens. The place is gonna be packed wall-to-wall with Broadway fans, all here to celebrate.

Deborah Cox: It's my first year and I'm so excited about this. It's gonna be a huge, huge party. Also, I think one of the great things is that we'll be able to engage people who may not have even known that the Tonys were happening.

Justin, you're returning as host for a second time. What was the most fun about your experience last year?

JG: The best part was seeing just how much people loved watching the Tonys, and loved watching them live. We also had so many great live performances last year, and this year will be even more amazing. First of all, we have Miss Deborah Cox, so it's already bigger than last year!

What are you most looking forward to about this year's Tonys telecast?

JG: I always look forward to the performances. And you know, unless you're in Radio City Music Hall at the event, you don't get to see the Creative Arts Awards, but we'll be streaming those as well. As performers, we love being recognized for what we do, but there are so many talented people behind every great performance. It's really important that they're celebrated as well.

DC: Well, I just love this time of year. It's a chance to really celebrate all these amazing performers who are there, doing their thing and puttin' it down 8 shows a week! So to be able to bring recognition to them is just awesome.

Care to make any Tony predictions?

JG: This season was so strong and there were so many great shows - I mean, there are every season, but I feel like there was a lot of special stuff going on this year. I just can't wait to see who wins!

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Kristin Chenoweth and Alan Cumming will co-host the 69th Annual Tony Awards® on Sunday, June 7. The show will be broadcast live from Radio City Music Hall in New York City from 8:00-11:00 PM, live ET/delayed PT, on the CBS Television Network. The Tony Awards are presented by The Broadway League and the American Theatre Wing.

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