Lea Salonga returns as presenter at 78th Tony Awards

Broadway icon Lea Salonga joins a star-studded lineup of presenters at the 78th Annual Tony Awards. FILE PHOTO

Broadway royalty is coming home.

Broadway’s biggest night is about to shine even brighter as Tony and Olivier Award-winning Filipina icon Lea Salonga joins a star-studded lineup of presenters at the 78th Annual Tony Awards this Sunday.

Salonga, who made history as the first Asian woman to win a Tony Award for her role in “Miss Saigon,” returns to the ceremony as a presenter. 

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This isn’t her first time taking on the role, she also graced the stage as a presenter at the 74th Tony Awards in 2021 and in the 2017 edition. 

The prestigious ceremony, which honors excellence in Broadway theater, will take place with a fresh wave of excitement, thanks to the presence of stars like Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter, both of whom are gearing up for their return to the stage in the anticipated production of “Waiting for Godot.” 

Meanwhile, Glee alum Lea Michele and Moulin Rouge!’s Aaron Tveit are also slated to present, ahead of their upcoming musical, “Chess.”

The event will be hosted by Oscar-nominated actress Cynthia Erivo, whose theatrical roots and powerful stage presence are expected to set a celebratory tone throughout the evening.

While a total of 29 shows received Tony nominations this season, not all will be heading home with a trophy. Twenty-six competitive categories are on the table this year, covering a wide range of disciplines, from acting and direction to scenic, costume and lighting design. 

However, not all winners will get their moment under the spotlight. Some of the technical awards will be presented off-air, with pre-recorded segments edited into the live broadcast.

The Tonys will be broadcast to both coasts on Sunday, June 8, from 8-11 p.m. Eastern/5-8 p.m. Pacific, live from Radio City Music Hall.