The Tony Awards people have been out of touch with the times for a long time, so it’s not really surprising they’re just getting around to establishing a category for ”Superior Concert Entertainment on the Broadway Stage.”
Actually , the Shuberts suggested that very category for the Tonys in 1972. when Neil Diamond became the first rock star on Broadway with his historic engagement at the Winter Garden Theatre.
The Tony folks would have nothing lo do with it then. After all. to honor rock and pop performers, my dear. would not lend dignity to theatah. That sort of jazz.
Two years later, finally accepting the fact it’s the music industry that’s helping keep Broadway alive, they’ve gotten around to establishing the category – and on April 21 will hand out special “Superior Concert” statuettes to Liza Minnelli and Bette Midler.
