2009 Tony Awards Approaching
How I Met Your Mother star, Neil Patrick Harris, is slated to host theater's biggest night on this year's Tony Awards show. The show will broadcast on June 7 from Radio City Music Hall.
The former Doogie Howser, Harris has also appeared on Broadway in shows including Rent, Proof, Cabaret, and Assassins, where he played the roles of Balladeer and Lee Harvey Oswald. Harris is also in the process of producing the mystery show, Accomplice: Hollywood, reported E! Online.
According to the Associated Press, the nominations of 27 categories were announced May 5. The competition's tight with Billy Elliot, Next to Normal, Rock of Ages, and Shrek the Musical up for best musical. Best leading actor or actress nominees in a play include Geoffrey Rush, James Gandolfini, Jeff Daniels, Jane Fonda, Marcia Gay Harden, and Hope Davis.
Allison Janey, Stockard Channing, and American Idol finalist Constantine Maroulis will compete for best actor or actress in a musical, reported E! Online.
According to the Associated Press, winners will be selected by over 800 members of the theater community.