In response to the news of the massacre in Orlando, Florida in the early hours of Sunday morning, organizers of the Tony Awards announced that tonight”s ceremony will be dedicated to the victims of the shooting. In what is being called the deadliest mass shooting in U.S. history, 50 were killed and at least 53 were injured at Orlando“s Pulse nightclub.
The Tony Awards Twitter account issued this statement:
“Our hearts are heavy for the unimaginable tragedy that happened last night in Orlando. Our thoughts are with the families and friends of those affected. The Tony Awards dedicate tonight”s ceremony to them.”
The Pulse nightclub is frequented by members of the LGBT community, and the shooting occurred when people across the country were celebrating LGBT Pride Month with events this weekend.
The Tony Awards and the larger theater community have long had close ties to the LGBT community. Tony winners have thanked same-sex partners in their acceptance speeches for years, long before gay marriage was legalized. Kisses between gay couples onstage have shown the level of acceptance felt inside Radio City Music Hall. Out gay entertainers have hosted several Tony telecasts, including Alan Cumming, Sean Hayes, and Neil Patrick Harris.
Tonight”s ceremony, the 70th Annual Tony Awards, will be hosted by James Corden, broadcast from 8 to 11 p.m. live ET and delayed PT on CBS. Hamilton, with a record-breaking 16 nominations, is expected to be a big winner.
Hamilton star Lin-Manuel Miranda is among the Broadway celebrities to tweet support for Orlando:
– Lin-Manuel Miranda (@Lin_Manuel) June 12, 2016
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Oh wow. Devastating news.Praying for the victims of the shooting in Orlando and their families.Heartbreaking and senseless.I am so sorry.????????????
– Sara Bareilles (@SaraBareilles) June 12, 2016
Hearing about this senseless & horrific tragedy in #Orlando. Heartbroken for my LGBTQ brothers & sisters. Time for change. #GunControlNow
– Jesse Tyler Ferguson (@jessetyler) June 12, 2016
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I'm broken from this Orlando tragedy. My heart is with all of the families and our community there. #prayfororlando
– NICK ADAMS (@TheNickAdams) June 12, 2016
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Horrified and heartbroken on yet another day. #Orlando
– Lesli Margherita (@QueenLesli) June 12, 2016
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Gonna be difficult to celebrate Tonys tonite but so proud to be in a community that celebrates everyone and gives a giant FU to hate.
– Lesli Margherita (@QueenLesli) June 12, 2016
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Praying for Orlando. ????????????
– Billy Porter (@theebillyporter) June 12, 2016
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Tonight, every note I sing will be in remembrance of the lives taken in Orlando. ????
– Laura Benanti (@LauraBenanti) June 12, 2016