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The 78th annual Tony Awards may have celebrated the brightest stars and most impactful shows of the Broadway season, but not every moment struck the right chord. Amid the glitter and applause, several instances veered into uncomfortable territory, dimming the otherwise electric atmosphere of the night. From technical failures to tone-deaf choices, these low points left viewers and theater enthusiasts alike wishing for tighter production and better planning.
One of the most noticeable issues throughout the ceremony was the recurring sound trouble that interfered with some of the evening’s most anticipated appearances. Keanu Reeves and Charli D’Amelio were among the presenters whose microphones failed to function properly, creating awkward silences and forcing impromptu recoveries. Even musical performances weren’t spared—Jonathan Groff’s opening number and Nicole Scherzinger’s dramatic turn in Sunset Boulevard suffered from inconsistent audio levels, robbing them of their full impact and creating a disjointed experience for viewers at home.
Darren Criss’s brief backstage Pure Leaf tea promo was intended as a charming interlude but landed with a thud. Sandwiched between more emotionally resonant moments, the ad felt more like an unwelcome interruption than a creative detour. While product placements are not unusual in live broadcasts, the jarring tone shift drew criticism for undermining the show’s rhythm and sincerity.
Host Cynthia Erivo, lauded for her poise and talent, faced backlash for the method chosen to play off long-winded acceptance speeches. Rather than subtle orchestral cues, pre-recorded clips of her singing “My Way” were inserted mid-speech—a choice that many found more abrasive than amusing. What might have worked as a cheeky nod to her own vocal prowess instead came across as self-indulgent and awkward, distracting from the winners’ emotional moments.
Another misstep involved Sarah Paulson, whose eye-catching dress brushed the mic during her presenting segment, causing minor audio interference. While she managed to spin the glitch into a humorous exchange with Jean Smart, it still added to the night’s growing list of sound-related problems. Despite their banter providing a brief moment of levity, the glitch reminded viewers of the event’s technical shortcomings.
Finally, when Sunset Boulevard won Best Revival of a Musical, anticipation was high—but the acceptance speeches from Jamie Lloyd and Andrew Lloyd Webber lacked the passion expected for such a major win. Their understated, almost monotone delivery felt mismatched with the night’s emotional highs and left a sense of anticlimax. In a room bursting with energy and gratitude, the subdued remarks failed to resonate.
While the Tony Awards remain a cherished night for theater lovers, these misfires made it clear that even Broadway’s biggest celebration isn’t immune to flat notes and staging errors. Hopefully, future ceremonies will take cues from the audience’s feedback and strike a better balance between flair, form, and functionality.