Blumenthal Performing Arts Center will throw its 5th Annual Tony Awards Party at McGlohon Theatre on Sun., June 7. The event is free. Read more about it in the press release below.

Charlotte, NC – Enjoy the theater industry’s annual celebration of Broadway’s best at the Center’s fifth annual TONY® AWARDS Party on Sunday, June 7 in the McGlohon Theatre at Spirit Square (345 N. College Street). Doors to the McGlohon Theatre will open at 7 p.m., with the broadcast beginning at 8 p.m.

The 63rd Annual TONY® AWARDS take place at Radio City Music Hall, and the three-hour ceremony will be broadcast live on the CBS Television Network from 8-11 p.m. (locally on WBTV). The Center party will feature the live broadcast on a big screen in the McGlohon Theatre. The free party is a great opportunity to share a night of festive celebration with other local theater fans. Along with complimentary refreshments and a cash bar, the party will feature great door prizes for lucky winners who participate in theater trivia contests and games throughout the evening.

As was the case in recent seasons, the Center will have a production in the running for several award categories.  From multiple Grammy Award®-winning songwriter Dolly Parton, multiple Tony Award®-winning director Joe Mantello (WICKED, Assassins, Take Me Out), and Tony Award®-winning choreographer Andy Blankenbuehler (In The Heights) comes 9 to 5: The Musical, a hilarious story of friendship and revenge in the Rolodex era.   9 to 5: The Musical received a total of four award nominations, including Best Original Score (Dolly Parton), Leading Actress in a Musical (Allison Janney), Featured Actor in a Musical (Marc Kudisch) and Best Choreography (Andy Blankenbuehler).

9 to 5: The Musical is produced by IPN (Independent Producers Network), for which Center President Tom Gabbard is the managing member. The group helps to fund new works on Broadway by investing in shows during their formative stages. Previously, the Center helped to launch Legally Blonde The Musical, The Color Purple, Monty Python’s Spamalot (2005 Best Musical Winner) and Thoroughly Modern Millie (2002 Best Musical Winner).

The evening’s broadcast will feature a performance by Dolly Parton along with the cast of 9 to 5: The Musical. Celebrating Broadway across America – this year’s Tony Telecast will also feature some of Broadway’s favorites who are currently touring cities across the United States – Jersey Boys, Legally Blonde The Musical and Mamma Mia! Becky Gulsvig, who is on tour as Elle Woods in Legally Blonde The Musical, will perform a number from the hit show. The Jersey Boys performance will feature five current actors who are currently playing the role of Frankie Valli, in various performances – Joseph Leo Bwarie, representing the Toronto company; Rick Faugno, representing the Las Vegas company, Courter Simmons, representing the national tour and Dominic Scaglione, Jr. representing the Chicago company, will perform a number together from the show. Michelle Dawson, Kittra Wynn Commer and Robin Tyler, currently on stage, as the Three Dynamos at the Pioneer Center in Reno, Nevada will perform a number from Mamma Mia!

Charlotte audiences can catch Mamma Mia! at the Belk Theater July 28 – August 2.  Tickets are available now at BlumenthalCenter.org and 704-372-1000.  Jersey Boys will rock the Queen City March 31 – April 11, 2010 and tickets are available now exclusively with a Broadway Lights Season Subscription. Subscriptions begin as low as $187.60. Call 704.335.1010.

The TONY® AWARDS is the theater industry equivalent of the Oscars, with the broadcast featuring all of the expected elements: celebrities, fashion, insider perspective and spectacular live performances. More information about the nominees can be found at TonyAwards.com

The North Carolina Blumenthal Performing Arts Center serves the Carolinas as a leading cultural, entertainment and education provider. For more information, call 704-372-1000 or visit BlumenthalCenter.org. The Center receives operating support from the Arts & Science Council and the North Carolina Arts Council. The Center is also supported through the generous aid of its sponsors, including Presbyterian Hospital, The Official Healthcare Provider and U.S. Airways, Official Airline of Blumenthal Performing Arts Center.

AT A GLANCE…

WHAT:              Free event ~ Fifth Annual TONY® AWARDS Party

WHEN:              Sunday, June 7; Doors Open at 7 p.m.; Live Broadcast begins at 8 p.m.

WHERE:             McGlohon Theatre at Spirit Square (345 N. College St.)

MORE INFO:      Free – open to the public