The first Tony Award of 2019 goes to … the Fire Department of New York’s Engine 54, Ladder 4, Battalion 9.
While Tony nominations won’t be announced until Tuesday, some of New York’s Bravest can count on being honored at Radio City Music Hall on June 9 when host James Corden takes the stage for the annual event recognizing Broadway’s best. And this year that includes the firefighters at the W. 48th St. and Eighth Ave. firehouse charged with keeping safe the Midtown area where most Broadway theaters are located.h
“FDNY Engine 54, Ladder 4, Battalion 9 are more than deserving of the Tony Honor — they are an integral part of our industry, conducting inspections in our theaters, keeping thousands of theaters fans and industry members safe every single day — and they have never missed a performance!” according to a joint statement from Charlotte St. Martin, president of The Broadway League, and American Theatre Wing President Heather Hitchens. The two organizations co-produce the Tony Award.
“We thank and salute the men and women who dedicate themselves to our community and to our city,” they added.
In addition to protecting the Broadway neighborhood, Engine 54/Ladder 4/ Battalion 9 firefighters were among the heroes of 9/11. The 2001 terror attacks took the lives of 15 members of the hook and ladder crew who were among the very first responders at the World Trade Center. No firehouse in the city paid a heavier price that day.
Broadway stars Bebe Neuwirth and Brandon Victor Dixon will announce the Tony nominees Tuesday morning from Lincoln Center. Hits like “The Ferryman,” “To Kill a Mockingbird” and “Network” starring Bryan Cranston are among the front-runners for a Tony nod. New musicals including “Tootsie” and “Ain’t Too Proud” are also favorites to be nominated, as are the revivals of “Oklahoma!” and “Kiss Me, Kate.”
It will be tough for any of this year’s contenders to live up to the success of last year’s big winner “The Band’s Visit,” which scored 10 awards including best musical in a nationally televised broadcast hosted by Sara Bareillis and Josh Groban. “The Band’s Visit” managed its big haul despite being eligible in one fewer category than “Mean Girls” and “SpongeBob SquarePants,” which each got 12 nominations.
Also receiving honorary 2019 Tony awards will be Peter Entin, the retired vice president of theatre operations for the Shubert Organization, and Joseph Blakely Forbes, who founded Scenic Art Studios.