Jason Bell/CBS (NEW YORK) — Sunday’s 2016 Tony Awards ceremony, honoring Broadway’s past year of productions and performances, will be dedicated to the victims of the Orlando gay club massacre – the worst mass shooting in recent U.S. history – that left at least 50 dead and 53 more injured.
“Our hearts are heavy for the unimaginable tragedy that happened last night in Orlando,” Tony Award Productions said in a statement. “Our thoughts are with the families and friends of those affected. The Tony Awards dedicate tonight’s ceremony to them.”
Many of the actors and singers scheduled to appear at New York City’s Beacon Theater Sunday evening were reflecting on those affected.
Nominees Sara Bareilles and Audra McDonald reacted on Twitter. “Oh wow. Devastating news.Praying for the victims of the shooting in Orlando and their families.Heartbreaking and senseless.I am so sorry,” tweeted Bareilles. McDonald wrote, “When does this end? When do we demand a change? When do we finally wake up from this God awful nightmare?”
Presenter Josh Groban tweeted, “I’m heartbroken for the victims, for Orlando, for the LGBT community, for our country. When does it end?”
The 2016 Tony Awards, hosted by James Corden, airs tonight on CBS.
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