The New York Times reports that Nicole Kidman, whose sole Broadway credit is The Blue Room, will be among the presenters for the theatre's biggest night. And, singers Mary J. Blige and Tony Bennett will be on hand to sing tunes from the musical theatre. Neither Blige nor Bennett has ever appeared in a Broadway play or musical. The New York daily says that producers are trying to woo other big-name celebrities in order to boost Tony ratings, which have steadily declined over the past few years. Glenn Weiss, who serves as co-executive producer of this year's CBS telecast, told the Times that he hopes these celebrities will bring in viewers who live "beyond the Hudson River."

The Antoinette Perry "Tony" Award is bestowed annually for distinguished achievement in the theatre. For the second straight year, Hugh Jackman — now on Broadway in The Boy From Oz — will host the awards live from Radio City Music Hall on Sunday, June 6. CBS will broadcast the three-hour event live, 8-11 PM ET.