Laura Benanti and Tituss Burgess will take the stage as hosts of the Tony Awards Act One pre-show on June 7.
The Tony Award-winner and multi-award-winning actor will present the first round of awards during this segment. This role kicks off the evening dedicated to recognizing excellence in Broadway theatre.
Variety reported the announcement on May 20, 2026. The pre-show streams live and free on Pluto TV from 6:35 to 8 p.m. ET. The timing places it immediately before the main awards presentation.
The 79th Annual Tony Awards main broadcast runs from 8 to 11 p.m. ET. Pink hosts that portion of the evening on CBS and Paramount+.
TonyAwards.com provided the official details on the pre-show hosts. The selection has prompted conversations across the Broadway community about the upcoming event.
A post by Musical Theatre Review on X appeared on May 25, 2026. It shared the news along with an image and received attention from theatre enthusiasts.
The pre-show format allows for additional awards to be presented before the televised portion. This structure has become a standard part of the Tony Awards process in recent years.
Benanti is known for her work in several notable productions. Burgess has earned recognition for his distinctive contributions to musical theatre. Their collaboration as hosts marks a notable pairing for the pre-show.
Viewers can access the Act One broadcast without any subscription fees through Pluto TV. This accessibility may broaden the audience for the initial awards.
The full schedule ensures a continuous celebration of Broadway achievements throughout the evening of June 7, 2026. Theatre fans across the country are preparing for the special night of recognition and performances that highlight the best of the stage each season.
