‘I am live and unscripted – buckle up’: Ariana DeBose opens Tony Awards with passionate monologue

Actor explained how the writers’ strikes affects tonight’s awards show

The 2023 Tony Awards got off to a lively start with an opening segment that referenced the ongoing Hollywood writers’ strikes.

The biggest night in Broadway took place on Sunday night (11 June) at the United Palace in Manhattan’s Washington Heights neighbourhood.

This year’s ceremony was presented by returning host, Academy Award-winner Ariana DeBose, who made a show-stopping entrance with a dance number to open the show.

Follow along for live updates from the 2023 Tony Awards and see here for the full list of winners.

At the beginning of the performance, DeBose could be seen inside her dressing room opening a binder labelled “Script” – only to find blank pages inside.

The moment was an early reference to the ongoing writers’ strikes in Hollywood, which have impacted the Tonys this year.

While striking members of the Writers Guild of America have agreed not to picket the awards show, its writers were not permitted to work on the broadcast meaning that the biggest night in Broadway went ahead without an established script.

DeBose addressed the ongoing strikes in her speech that followed the dance performance.

Host Ariana DeBose speaks onstage during The 76th Annual Tony Awards (Getty Images for Tony Awards Pro)

The West Side Story star highlighted the “blank pages” moment of her routine, stating that there was “very good reason for that”.

“Our siblings over at the WGA [Writers Guild of America] are currently on strike in pursuit of a fair deal – and how many of us know what that is?” DeBose told the star-studded crowd who applauded in response.

“I’m sure some of you at home are thinking, ‘What does that have to do with the Tony Awards?’ Thank you for asking,” the actor continued.

“The awards shows are traditionally written by members of the WGA, so in order for the show to go on a whole host of people had to come together and find a compromise.

“For every single person who had a hand in finding that compromise, I say a full-throated thank you!”

DeBose went on to explain what the “compromise” entailed, divulging: “We don’t have a script, you guys. I am live and unscripted. You’re welcome.

Sean Hayes, Jodie Comer, and Alex Newell were among the winners of the night (Getty)

“So to anyone who thought that last year was a bit unhinged, to them I say, ‘Darlings, buckle up!’”

She added: “In all seriousness, I am unscripted, as is every presenter who is on stage tonight [...] That also means no teleprompters.”

DeBose pointed out two monitors in the theatre, stating that they would only be used to display countdowns in order to inform award recipients when it is time to wrap up their speeches.

“But honeys, take your moment – tonight is about you!” concluded DeBose.