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Guest
Hayes happy to host theater's big night
NEW YORK, (UPI) -- Sean Hayes, a popular film and television actor who this season made his Broadway debut in "Promises, Promises," says he is looking forward to serving as host of the Tony Awards presentation in New York.
The former "Will & Grace" co-star and current Tony nominee was the center of a recent media firestorm when a Newsweek scribe criticized his performance in "Promises," sparking a heated debate about whether gay actors can or should play heterosexual characters.
Talking to reporters by phone last week, Hayes said he was pleased with the reception his work in "Promises" received and happy to play host for New York theater's biggest night Sunday. However, he continued to dodge questions about the Newsweek piece and attention it generated.
Asked during the teleconference for his take on the controversy, Hayes politely told one journalist, "Well, if you don't mind, I would like to focus on the Tonys and 'Promises.'"
Prodded further to comment on how many celebrities, including his "Promises" co-star Kristin Chenoweth, came to his defense in the wake of the Newsweek article's publication, Hayes replied: "Yes, Kristin is great. It was a pleasure working with her every day, and I have learned a lot from her on Broadway, and she is an amazing talent; as you well know, probably the most talented woman on Broadway right now and it is an honor to share the stage with her every night."
As for playing awards-show host for the first time, Hayes admitted he is very excited.
"You know, I never hosted anything before. I don't have any ambitions to host, to be a host with my life. So it kind of takes the pressure off of whether, you know? I kill or don't kill. So, I am just going to have a good time and, hopefully, the audience will, too," he said. "There should be something for everybody. Like I said, it's just going to be a big party and, hopefully, everybody will enjoy it."
Hayes went on to say he has never even attended the Tony Awards show as a guest, although he has attended many other prize presentations throughout his career.
"(This is my) first time attending, nominated and hosting" (at the Tonys,) he said.
As for how he thinks awards shows differ, the actor said he thinks viewers tune in for similar reasons despite what the prizes are actually given out for.
"I think the tone of awards shows when you're sitting at home watching them from your couch are somewhat similar," he said. "People just want to tune in, and cheer for, and root for the people that they love the most, that they are the biggest fans of."
While he expects to have loads of fun as Tony Awards host, Hayes described making his debut in a Broadway musical "one of the most challenging experiences in my entire life."
"Very, very difficult for me at the beginning getting into the rhythm, and the, you know, the sense of Broadway," he confided. "But, right now, after that rigorous rehearsal process is over, I am having the time of my life. ... So, it is very, very enjoyable. I'm having a great time."
The Tony Awards show is to air live on CBS Sunday night from New York's Radio City Music Hall.
NEW YORK, (UPI) -- Sean Hayes, a popular film and television actor who this season made his Broadway debut in "Promises, Promises," says he is looking forward to serving as host of the Tony Awards presentation in New York.
The former "Will & Grace" co-star and current Tony nominee was the center of a recent media firestorm when a Newsweek scribe criticized his performance in "Promises," sparking a heated debate about whether gay actors can or should play heterosexual characters.
Talking to reporters by phone last week, Hayes said he was pleased with the reception his work in "Promises" received and happy to play host for New York theater's biggest night Sunday. However, he continued to dodge questions about the Newsweek piece and attention it generated.
Asked during the teleconference for his take on the controversy, Hayes politely told one journalist, "Well, if you don't mind, I would like to focus on the Tonys and 'Promises.'"
Prodded further to comment on how many celebrities, including his "Promises" co-star Kristin Chenoweth, came to his defense in the wake of the Newsweek article's publication, Hayes replied: "Yes, Kristin is great. It was a pleasure working with her every day, and I have learned a lot from her on Broadway, and she is an amazing talent; as you well know, probably the most talented woman on Broadway right now and it is an honor to share the stage with her every night."
As for playing awards-show host for the first time, Hayes admitted he is very excited.
"You know, I never hosted anything before. I don't have any ambitions to host, to be a host with my life. So it kind of takes the pressure off of whether, you know? I kill or don't kill. So, I am just going to have a good time and, hopefully, the audience will, too," he said. "There should be something for everybody. Like I said, it's just going to be a big party and, hopefully, everybody will enjoy it."
Hayes went on to say he has never even attended the Tony Awards show as a guest, although he has attended many other prize presentations throughout his career.
"(This is my) first time attending, nominated and hosting" (at the Tonys,) he said.
As for how he thinks awards shows differ, the actor said he thinks viewers tune in for similar reasons despite what the prizes are actually given out for.
"I think the tone of awards shows when you're sitting at home watching them from your couch are somewhat similar," he said. "People just want to tune in, and cheer for, and root for the people that they love the most, that they are the biggest fans of."
While he expects to have loads of fun as Tony Awards host, Hayes described making his debut in a Broadway musical "one of the most challenging experiences in my entire life."
"Very, very difficult for me at the beginning getting into the rhythm, and the, you know, the sense of Broadway," he confided. "But, right now, after that rigorous rehearsal process is over, I am having the time of my life. ... So, it is very, very enjoyable. I'm having a great time."
The Tony Awards show is to air live on CBS Sunday night from New York's Radio City Music Hall.
