Host Ariana DeBose opens Tony Awards with passionate monologue

Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter for all the latest entertainment news and reviews Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. At the beginning of the performance, DeBose could be seen inside her dressing room opening a binder labelled “Script” – only to find blank pages inside. open image in gallery Host Ariana DeBose speaks onstage during The 76th Annual Tony Awards The West Side Story star highlighted the “blank pages” moment of her routine, stating that there was “very good reason for that”. “For every single person who had a hand in finding that compromise, I say a full-throated thank you!” DeBose went on to explain what the “compromise” entailed, divulging: “We don’t have a script, you guys. open image in gallery Sean Hayes, Jodie Comer, and Alex Newell were among the winners of the night “So to anyone who thought that last year was a bit unhinged, to them I say, ‘Darlings, buckle up!’” She added: “In all seriousness, I am unscripted, as is every presenter who is on stage tonight That also means no teleprompters.” DeBose pointed out two monitors in the theatre, stating that they would only be used to display countdowns in order to inform award recipients when it is time to wrap up their speeches.