Velvet Channel Airs Tony Awards in PH, 6/10 (And Who Else Is Excited?)

By Lee Cundangan

Besides Velvet Channel, do you know who else is excited for the Tony Awards? Scroll down!

Manila, Philippines, June 8, 2013--Excitement is mounting as theater aficionados brace themselves for this year's Tony Awards!

For the third time--the first time was in 2008; the second last year--Velvet Channel on cable TV brings to the Philippines the exclusive live broadcast of the Tony Awards on Monday, June 10 at 8 a.m.

The Tony Awards, Broadway's most prestigious awards, are equivalent to London's West End's Laurence Olivier Awards. The witty and irrepressible Neil Patrick Harris will once again host the Tonys.

"Velvet is very proud to broadcast the Tony Awards for the third time. We're constantly working hard to bring to our audience the best in entertainment; and the Tony Awards is one of the most prestigious shows that truly makes Velvet the home of the biggest red carpet events," Ronald Arguelles, Velvet's channel head, told BroadwayWorld.com.

Besides the Tony Awards, Velvet Channel also scores the live telecasts of the Oscars, Emmys, SAG Awards, Miss Universe Pageant, and Victoria's Secret fashion show.

A staunch supporter of theater in the Philippines, Velvet Channel has been a media partner with the local productions of "Rock of Ages," "Nine," "Piaf," "God of Carnage", and "The Full Monty."

The cable channel also sent a lucky viewer and her husband to New York last year to watch "Disney's Newsies" on Broadway, where Evan Kasprzak, a finalist on "So You Think You Can Dance"--a program that Velvet Channel also carries--made his Broadway debut.

Tony Awards Telecast Schedule:

June 10, Monday, 8 a.m. - Live Telecast

June10, Monday, 8 p.m.

June 15, Saturday, 6 p.m.

June 16, Sunday, 12 noon

June 21, Friday, 6:30 p.m.

June 22, Saturday, 1 p.m.

June 26, Wednesday, 3:30 a.m.

June 26, Wednesday, 2:30 p.m.

By the way, do you know who else is excited for the Tony Awards? BroadwayWorld.com had a quick little chat with some of them:

"...what l look forward to though are the production numbers from the different plays and musicals. Also looking forward to Neil Patrick Harris hosting again. He's so funny! - Rem Zamora

"I'm watching [the Tony Awards] if I don't forget... and I always look forward to the opening number. I usually forget everything else after that." - Miguel Castro

"Yes, I'll be watching the live telecast of the Tony Awards on Velvet Channel. Looking forward to the performances of the nominated musicals. Plus seeing my favorite Broadway actors presenting the awards. Looking forward to the host, Neil Patrick Harris. He's really good. - Jon Jon Martin

"I'm most excited about Neil Patrick Harris. He's such an awesome host. And I'm hoping to see snippets from the play nominees." - Topper Fabregas

"I look forward to amazing new performances, new plays showcased." - Kuya Manzano

"I'm looking forward to the performances. So excited! - Cris Villonco

"Yes, I'm watching the Tony Awards early Monday morning with the 9WT (9WorksTheatrical) team. I'm looking forward to watching and enjoying all performances from featured Broadway shows." - Anna Santamaria

"I always look forward to the Tony Awards. I particularly enjoy the production numbers." - Josephine Roces Chavez

"I'm hosting the annual 9WT Tony Awards breakfast/brunch. I look forward to the opening production number of Neil Patrick Harris; as well as the featured excerpts from nominated musicals/revivals; as well as the overall production design; as well as the individual scenography and technical elements that will be featured in the production numbers.

"It's just like any Oscar Awards viewing show. Theater colleagues/friends wake up early, and come together for breakfast/brunch while watching the Tonys with great anticipation hehehe. Of course, it's a potluck kind of thing with lots of laughs and good breakies." - Mio Infante