The 2016 Tony Awards took place in the tragic shadow of an inexplicable shooting in Orlando.
As previously reported, 50 people were killed inside a gay nightclub by Omar Mateen, a terrorist responsible for the biggest gun-based massacre in U.S. history.
Host James Corden acknowledged the heinous act prior to the event, as did a number of winners and presenters.
But the show did have to go on, with its participants hoping to lift the spirits of viewers and provide a few examples of light after such a dark, dark incident.
Let"s take a look at the most memorable moments from the event…
1. Host with the Most
Corden struck the perfect tone in his monologue… and then opened the Tonys with a dance number that referenced Les Miserables, The Sound of Music, Sweeney Todd and pretty much everything in between.
2. A Sonnet for the Shooters
Upon accepting his first award of many for Hamilton, Lin-Manuel Miranda delivered an original sonnet that honored his wife and then the victims of this shooting.
3. The Book of Moron
Andrew Rannells as Donald Trump. What else is there to say, right? Talk about a perfect parody.
4. Give Them an A!
A dozen young musical prodigies took to the stage for the first performance of the night, which honored the source material of the 2003 Jack Black film School of Rock. Show star Alex Brightman was incredible.
5. Winners!
We all knew Miranda would win. We all knew Hamilton would win. But we stood up and cheered when Renee Elise Goldsberry and Daveed Diggs also took home trophies for their role in this iconic musical.
6. Father Knows Best
Yup, those are Corden’s parents. And, yes, the comedian’s dad really did tell his son on air that the show was “running a little long.” HA!