The Billys… I mean Tonys!

What a night! The red carpet was packed. The crowd was crazy! Screaming fans of all ages, trying get a glimpse of their favorite stars. There was a lot to see! Last night the Tony Awards were more like the Oscars with a hint of the Grammys. Anne Hathaway, Dolly Parton, Poison, John Stamos, Edie Falco, Allison Janney, Jane Fonda, Will Ferrell, Gina Gershon, Angela Lansbury, Chandra Wilson, Piper Perabo, Liza Minnelli, Marcia Gay Harden, Constantine Maroulis and the list goes on. Although there were huge names on the carpet- the one name I kept hearing over and over was Billy Elliot. Everyone wanted to interview the 3 boys who share the role. Anyone who scored an interview with the adorable trio was in luck this morning– they took home one of the biggest prizes of the night– Best Leading Actor in a Musical. Of course their musical was a big winner t00 & named the best of the year!

They made Tony history as the youngest actors to win that award– and they made what was perhaps the most adorable acceptance speech ever! Their performances were powerful. It was endearing that they referred to Sir Elton John simply as “Elton”. They didn’t forget to thank their teachers, families and even their sisters!

I had a chance to go backstage with the boys last week. They were even cuter in person — if that’s possible! And humble. So humble. My focus was on Trent Kowalik– a Long Island native. Trent’s 14. The role of Billy Elliot was his acting debut! He was the Billy with the intense solo number last night. He is amazing. An old soul. I just loved him. When they announced his name, I let out a scream and then teared up. I can’t wait to see what Trent’s future holds. My goodness, I sound so old!

A few other notes on some of my red carpet favorites–

John Stamos does not age. I can’t wait to see him in Bye Bye Birdie! But he’s still more Conrad than Albert in my eyes!

Allison Janney is hilarious. And can laugh at herself.

Constantine was just so cool and collected. More confident and mature than the last time I interviewed him a year ago back stage at Jingle Ball.

Brett Michaels and Poison didn’t seem to care that they were the last ones strolling down the red carpet and talking to all the ladies…. even though he was in the first number! Rock stars. BTW- did you see Brett get smacked in the head by part of the set in that opening number?!? Besides the Billys– that was the most talked about topic in the Press Room.

Angela Lansbury is stunning, gracious, and so humble. She kept saying she was blessed to have this honor and opportunity at her age and at this point in her life. She was glowing.

Chandra Wilson couldn’t be sweeter and was truly so excited to be there. I hope to see her as Mama Morton. She didn’t give away any Grey’s secrets — trust me, I tried–she said she doesn’t know what’s going to happen yet.

Keep an eye on…

Josephina Scaglione. She’s Maria in West Side Story. She is stunning. Once the gentlemen get a glimpse of her big green eyes- they are going to be seeing a lot of West Side Story! She has an adorable personality and will be a big star!

Frank Dolce. He shares the role of Michael in Billy Elliot but did not share David Bologna’s Tony nomination. This kid was way beyond his years. Very well spoken, clever, stylish and quite funny. He’ll star in upcoming TV series “Sons of Tuscan”.

I can’t wait to go see a show…. after I get some much needed sleep!