The 79th Annual Tony Awards will include a special tribute to the 30th anniversary of Broadway’s Chicago, featuring performances by artists closely connected to the long-running musical. Among those taking part are Queen Latifah, Julianne Hough, Whitney Leavitt, Alex Newell and Dylan Mulvaney, who will join Tony host Pink for the celebration. Additional performers scheduled for the tribute include Jesse Tyler Ferguson and Adrienne Warren.
The tribute highlights the enduring influence of Chicago, which has become the longest-running American musical in Broadway history. The show, with a book by Fred Ebb and Bob Fosse, music by John Kander and lyrics by Fred Ebb, first won six Tony Awards in 1997, including Best Musical Revival. Produced by Barry and Fran Weissler, directed by Walter Bobbie and choreographed by Ann Reinking, the musical is set in the 1920s and follows Roxie Hart, a housewife and nightclub dancer who kills her lover after he threatens to leave her. In an effort to avoid conviction, she manipulates public opinion, the press and her cellmate rival Velma Kelly with the help of a savvy defense lawyer.
Several of the tribute performers have direct ties to the production. Queen Latifah portrayed Matron “Mama” Morton in the 2002 film adaptation of Chicago. Julianne Hough previously performed the “Hot Honey Rag” with Ariana DeBose at the 2023 Tonys. Whitney Leavitt, known for Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, and Dylan Mulvaney recently appeared in the Broadway revival, while Alex Newell has also played “Mama” Morton in the show.
The Tony Awards are also planning another tribute for Sunday, this time to The Book of Mormon. The special performance will feature the musical’s original cast, including Josh Gad, Andrew Rannells, Rory O’Malley and Nikki M. James. The presentation will be introduced by the show’s creators, Trey Parker, Matt Stone and Robert Lopez.
Beyond these anniversary celebrations, the ceremony will include performances from all nominated musicals, with more numbers expected to be announced during the week. The 79th Annual Tony Awards will air live from Radio City Music Hall on CBS this Sunday, June 7, and will also stream on Paramount+ from 8 to 11 p.m. ET and 5 to 8 p.m. PT. Before the main broadcast, Laura Benanti and Tituss Burgess will host the live pre-show The Tony Awards: Act One on Pluto TV beginning at 6:35 p.m. ET and 3:35 p.m. PT.
