64th Annual Tony Awards, Sunday, June 13, 2010, 7PM CT

Earlier this evening, Iowa Great Lakes icons Hank Miguel and Jane Shuttleworth saw me working on my notebook PC through one of the front windows of the Perk. Being the friendly couple they are, they stopped in to say "Hello."

Jane and Hank invited me to join them and a few others at their home for a televised basketball game on Sunday evening. Unfortunately, I had to decline as I'd already planned to watch the 64th Annual American Theatre Wing's Tony Awards, hosted by openly gay actor Sean Hayes and telecast live on CBS TV this Sunday, June 13, 2010, at 7:00 p.m. Central Time.

Hank and Jane's kind invitation prompted me to draft this blog entry, and to use it to invite other theatre fans to join me in watching the 64th Annual Tony Awards, www.tonyawards.com.

For those who don't know, the American Theatre Wing's Tony Award is professional theatre's most prestigious prize, and the Tony Awards ceremony is the most glamorous night of the Broadway season. It's similar to how the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) Academy Award, a.k.a. the Oscar, is the most coveted prize in the movie industry, and the Oscar ceremony the biggest night of the movie awards season.

I'm not hosting an official "Tony Night Party," per se, but theatre fans who might be interested in a very impromptu and informal viewing social are welcome to join me this Sunday evening. I'll open the doors to my Arnolds Park home at 6:00 p.m., and guests are welcome to arrive anytime between 6:00 and 7:00 p.m., before the start of the 2010 Tony Awards Telecast.

As with most social gatherings I host, I'll provide a variety of drinks and snacks. Guests are neither requested to bring nor prohibited from bringing their own beverages or food.

For more information on my impromptu, informal social, including address, directions and other details, just call me on my new mobile phone, 712-339-7015.

In closing, for more information on the Tony Awards, including its origin, here's a snippet from: http://www.tonyawards.com/en_US/archive/...

<< Our History -- An Award for Excellence

The American Theatre Wing's Tony Awards® got their start in 1947 when the Wing established an awards program to celebrate excellence in the theatre.

Named for Antoinette Perry, an actress, director, producer, and the dynamic wartime leader of the American Theatre Wing who had recently passed away, the Tony Awards made their official debut at a dinner in the Grand Ballroom of the Waldorf Astoria hotel on Easter Sunday, April 6, 1947. Vera Allen, Perry's successor as chairwoman of the Wing, presided over an evening that included dining, dancing, and a program of entertainment. The dress code was black tie optional, and the performers who took to the stage included Mickey Rooney, Herb Shriner, Ethel Waters, and David Wayne. Eleven Tonys were presented in seven categories, and there were eight special awards, including one for Vincent Sardi, proprietor of the eponymous eatery on West 44th Street. Big winners that night included José Ferrer, Arthur Miller, Helen Hayes, Ingrid Bergman, Patricia Neal, Elia Kazan and Agnes de Mille. >>

And one final snippet regarding the 64th Annual Tony Awards from: http://www.tonyawards.com/en_US/tonynigh...

<< Viewer's Guide

On June 13 - Tony night - the fun begins even before the audience members take their seats at Radio City Music Hall®.

6:00 p.m. ET - The Red Carpet
Broadway and Hollywood celebrities arrive early to meet the press--and walk the Audemars Piguet Red Carpet. We'll be webcasting their arrivals beginning at 6:00 p.m. ET via live video courtesy of NY1 News.

7:10 p.m. ET - The Creative Arts Awards
Then at 7:10 p.m. ET, you'll be able to watch our live webcast of the InterContinental Hotels® and Resorts Creative Arts Awards, hosted by past-winners Karen Olivo and Greg Jbara. This is the portion of the awards ceremony that takes place immediately before the CBS telecast.

8:00 p.m. ET - The Tony Awards Telecast
The main event begins at 8:00 p.m. ET: the 2010 Tony Awards telecast, live on CBS. TonyAwards.com will offer multimedia coverage to complement your viewing experience.

Note for West Coast fans: the telecast will be aired on time delay at 8:00 p.m. PT. >>

Thank you for your time! Please support the arts!