Doctor, sailor, bro.

On the biggest of all nights for musical theatre, songs were sung, laughs were met, and entertainment was provided where the Oscars did not.

To see Doogie Howser (yes, my father, Doogs Snr.) hosting the Tony Awards reminded me of something.

When Hugh Jackman was hosting the Tony Awards, most people saw him as Wolverine, even though most in the audience see him vividly as The Boy from Oz. Hugh Jackman’s best story about this very realisation was in a moment where his character is about to kiss another man, someone in the audience shouted: “Don’t do it Wolverine!”

Neil Patrick Harris on stage reminded me of Barney Stinson, as I’m sure most people did. But Neil’s been…sorry, I’m just going to call him Doogs Snr., has been quite the Broadway actor. You could tell he was very comfortable on that stage, and I’m sure he’ll be at home typing on his old computer about how he learned something that day, pause and smile, then finish his sentence (Howser M.D. reference!).

This occurence of seeing actors for a role completely different happened yet again when Harry Potter walked on stage (See? You’re all thinking about Daniel Radcliffe, aren’t you?). This isn’t a bad thing. In fact, I’m sure it’s surprised many that an actor can work in more than one medium. Some, if anyone saw Brooke Shields’ mess-up, should stick to what they’re most comfortable with.

The Book of Mormon absolutely smashed it this year. Coming from the collected minds of South Park and Avenue Q, it was pretty obvious that it would cater to that specific audience. What the rest of the world didn’t expect was that same show making them laugh as well. If you read the previous blog about South Park possibly ending, you might’ve seen a glimpse of what their next stage of entertainment will revolve around.

The very nature of musicals shows where talented singers and dancers are most at home. As Doogs Snr. mentioned in the opening number, it’s like a 2-hour unmimed version of Glee.

My favourite of all time though is definitely Into The Woods.

Have you seen a musical you found to be amazing? Possibly something that made you laugh? Have you seen Avenue Q (in which case did it make watching Sesame Street just a little bit stranger)?