She's never been on Broadway, but she has "done" Shakespeare — and not just in the biblical sense on film but also onstage in Williamstown, MA. She's Gwyneth Paltrow, and she'll be one of the presenters at the 2001 Tony Awards, June 3, at Radio City Music Hall.
The slender actress is best known for her film work, including her Oscar winning turn as the Bard's boy-girlfriend in "Shakespeare in Love," but she also played Rosalind in a Williamstown Theatre Festival As You Like It two summers back.
Some more seasoned theatrefolk also joining the Tony presenters roster include Brian Stokes Mitchell, a past winner (Kiss Me, Kate) and current nominee for King Hedley II and three-time victor Audra McDonald. Henry Winkler, who exits The Dinner Party June 10 has also been added to the presenters list, as has the new Gun-totin' Annie, Reba McEntire.
Previously announced presenters include Lily Tomlin, who just finished a Tony-nominated revival run of The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe, The Heidi Chronicles' Joan Allen and Sunset Boulevard Tony winner Glenn Close.
Dame Edna, whose Royal Tour earned a special Tony last year, will also be on hand, as will Edie Falco (Side Man), Sigourney Weaver (Sex and Longing), Jane Krakowski (Grand Hotel) and Doris Roberts (TV's "Everybody Loves Raymond"). Sarah Jessica Parker, who co starred opposite hubby Matthew Broderick in How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, will also present. Her husband will be extra-busy that night, though, since he's co-hosting the Tonys with his Producers co-star, Nathan Lane. Both are Tony Nominees for Best Actor in a Musical. As expected, The Producers dominated the 2001 Tony Award nominations, collecting 15, including nods for best musical, score, book, direction and choreography. Stars Lane and Broderick received nods, as did featured actors Gary Beach, Roger Bart, Brad Oscar and Cady Huffman.
Tony nominations for the 2000-01 Broadway season were announced 8:30 AM May 7 at Sardi's restaurant by Reba McEntire and Eric McCormack. The 55th annual Tony ceremony will be televised live on PBS (8-9 PM) and CBS (9-11 PM). The PBS telecast is officially titled "The First Ten Awards: Tonys 2001." The annual Tony Brunch for nominees was held at the Marriott Marquis, May 16.
Live musical numbers will be presented from all the Tony-nominated musicals (eight in all), while the four new plays will also be featured. According to Tony spokespersons at the Keith Sherman office, the four Play Revival nominees will be featured via pre-taped video excerpts.
—David Lefkowitz
