New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg will be recognized with the Tony Honor for Excellence in Theatre for his continued support of the Broadway community and his dedication to New York City tourism. The mayor, who will receive his honor during the June 9 live broadcast, will also serve as one of the evening's presenters. Hosted by Neil Patrick Harris, the Tony Awards will be broadcast live on CBS from New York City’s Radio City Music Hall.
"Mayor Bloomberg has embraced our theatre community like very few people we've known," said Charlotte St. Martin, executive director of the Broadway League and Heather Hitchens, executive director of the American Theatre Wing in a joint statement. "His dedication and support of theater and the arts has been unsurpassed in his tenure as the Mayor of our City, and we thank him for his support."
"New York City wouldn't be New York City without Broadway," said Mayor Bloomberg. "Every year millions of visitors choose to come to the Big Apple in large part for the thrill of seeing a Broadway show. The local theatre community not only employs thousands of people on stage and behind the curtain, but it also helps fill restaurants and hotel rooms. Our administration has worked diligently to make New York City a safe and attractive place to visit, and it is with great pride that I accept this Tony Honor."
In addition to Mayor Bloomberg, the presenters will include stage vets and screen stars Megan Hilty, Matthew Morrison, Audra McDonald, Sigourney Weaver, Sally Field, Cyndi Lauper, Alan Cumming, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Andrew Rannells, Jane Krakowski, Laura Benanti, Steven Van Zandt, Hal Prince, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Bernadette Peters, Barrett Foa Scarlett Johansson, Cuba Gooding Jr., Jesse Eisenberg, Zachary Quinto, Anna Kendrick, Jon Cryer and Martha Plimpton and Mike Tyson.