Podcast Summary: MickeyJoTheatre – "A Guide to the 2025 Tony Awards | How to Watch / Who's Nominated / Which Shows Are Performing"

Release Date: June 8, 2025

Introduction to the Tony Awards

In the latest episode of MickeyJoTheatre, host Miki Jo delves deep into the intricacies of the 78th Annual Tony Awards slated for June 8, 2025. Miki Jo, a renowned professional theatre critic from the UK and a prominent content creator on YouTube with over 60,000 subscribers, offers listeners a comprehensive guide to understanding, watching, and anticipating this prestigious Broadway event.

Overview of the Tony Awards

Miki Jo begins by elucidating the significance of the Tony Awards, emphasizing their role in celebrating Broadway theatre in New York. She explains that eligible shows span from late April 2024 to the same date in 2025, shaping the Broadway season’s opening nights to maximize Tony nomination potential.

Miki Jo [00:00]: "The Tony Awards are the most significant awards for Broadway shows, shaping the opening night calendar of the year."

Miki highlights the multifaceted categories of the Tonys, which extend beyond Best New Musical and Best New Play to include awards for creative roles such as directors, choreographers, writers, and various design categories. Performance awards are also gendered, honoring both actors and actresses in leading and supporting roles.

Event Details: Location and Host

Radio City Music Hall in Midtown Manhattan, a longstanding venue for the Tonys, will once again host the ceremony. This location is favored for its large auditorium and proximity to Broadway theaters, facilitating easy access for attendees.

Aaron James [02:25]: "Radio City Music Hall has hosted the Tony Awards 21 times since 1997, making it the most frequent home of the ceremony."

The host for this year is Cynthia Erivo, a Tony Award winner renowned for her portrayal of Elphaba in the highly anticipated film adaptation of Wicked. Miki Jo praises Erivo's selection, noting the symbiotic promotional opportunities between the film and the Broadway community.

Miki Jo [02:57]: "Cynthia Erivo started as a UK musical theatre star and became a huge name on the back of her performance in the revival of The Color Purple."

Nominations and Key Shows

The episode provides an extensive overview of the nominated shows, spotlighting those with the most nominations and discussing their narratives and standout performances.

Top Contenders and Highlights

1. Sunset Boulevard vs. Gypsy

   • Both musicals are leading the discussion with multiple nominations.
   • Sunset Boulevard features Nicole Scherzinger and is noted for its bold direction by Jamie Lloyd.
   • Gypsy, starring Audra McDonald, competes strongly in acting categories and choreography by Camille A. Brown.

   Aaron James [07:17]: "The most talked about Tony Awards races this year is between Sunset Boulevard and Gypsy."

2. Operation Mincemeat

   • A West End transfer telling a true WWII intelligence story.
   • Nominated for Best New Musical among other categories.
   • Jack Malone is highlighted for his supporting role.

3. Death Becomes Her Dead Outlaw

   • A campy musical comedy based on the iconic film.
   • Receives nominations across multiple categories, including lead actresses Megan Hilty and Jennifer Simard.

4. Floyd Collins

   • A true story of an explorer trapped in a cave.
   • Jeremy Jordan and Taylor Trench earn nods for their performances.

5. Boop the Musical & Just in Time

   • Boop the Musical narrates Betty Boop’s adventures in modern-day New York, starring Jasmine Amy Rogers.
   • Just in Time features Jonathan Groff and Gracie Lawrence, receiving multiple nominations for performances and design elements.

6. Real Women Have Curves & Other Notable Shows

   • Real Women Have Curves and Good Night and Good Luck highlight performances from TV icons and renowned actors like George Clooney and Bob Odenkirk.

Unique and International Nominations

• Stranger Things, the First Shadow: An adaptation from the popular Netflix series, with Louis McCartney leading.
• Behind Me, Buena Vista Social Club: A jukebox musical celebrating the unifying power of music, receiving special recognition for its band.

Aaron James [07:17]: "Both shows being nominated for Best Revival of a Musical, Gypsy is also nominated for its choreography by Camille A. Brown."

How to Watch the Tony Awards

Miki Jo offers a detailed guide on accessing the Tony Awards broadcast, addressing both domestic and international viewers.

Domestic Viewing

• Broadcast Details: The ceremony airs live across the U.S. on CBS, starting at 8 PM Eastern Time.
• Streaming Options: Available on Paramount+ and Pluto TV.
• Structure: The event is split into two parts:
  • Act One: Begins at 6:40 PM ET on Pluto TV, hosted by Darren Criss and Renee Elise Goldsberry, featuring creative awards and the Lifetime Achievement Award to Harvey Fierstein.
  • Main Telecast: The three-hour ceremony follows, covering major award categories, performances, and speeches.

Miki Jo [18:56]: "CBS now broadcasts the three-hour main portion of the awards ceremony live and simultaneously from coast to coast."

International Viewing (UK and Europe)

Miki addresses the challenges faced by international viewers, particularly in the UK, highlighting the lack of straightforward viewing options.

Miki Jo [18:56]: "There is still no robust and straightforward answer for how to watch the Tony Awards from the UK or Europe."

She suggests exploring streaming platforms like Pluto TV and CBS via VPNs, though acknowledges the complexities involved.

Predictions and Final Thoughts

Towards the episode's conclusion, Miki Jo hints at forthcoming content analyzing potential winners, which she has collaborated on with her fiancé, Aaron James. She encourages listeners to engage with her YouTube reviews and podcast discussions for deeper insights into the nominees and possible snubs.

Miki Jo [21:43]: "If you want to know my thoughts on who I think will win, then I just recently shared my predictions alongside my fiancé, Aaron James."

Miki wraps up by expressing enthusiasm for the upcoming ceremony and invites listeners to share their own Tony Awards excitement in the comments.

Notable Quotes

• Miki Jo [00:00]: "The Tony Awards are the most significant awards for Broadway shows, shaping the opening night calendar of the year."
• Aaron James [02:25]: "Radio City Music Hall has hosted the Tony Awards 21 times since 1997, making it the most frequent home of the ceremony."
• Aaron James [07:17]: "The most talked about Tony Awards races this year is between Sunset Boulevard and Gypsy."
• Miki Jo [18:56]: "CBS now broadcasts the three-hour main portion of the awards ceremony live and simultaneously from coast to coast."

Conclusion

Miki Jo's in-depth exploration of the 2025 Tony Awards serves as an essential guide for theatre enthusiasts eager to navigate the complexities of nominations, performances, and viewing logistics. Her expertise and engaging presentation ensure that both seasoned Broadway followers and newcomers alike are well-prepared for one of theatre’s most celebrated nights.