Can we talk about the BREATH control he needs to have to pull off all these crazy jumps and dances while he sings? Not to mention that in the magic trick he had to run to get to where he reappears and he's singing perfectly
re breath control - right?! NPH has to be in peak shape, physically as well as vocally, to nail this performance as he did. It's akin to watching the very best Olympian dominate in his sport. Though, this has way better music and is way more fun to watch than sports competitions!
Seriously though! The whole video I was examining his breathing and I was really impressed with his performance. I was surprised how well he delivered all his lines. He could easily drop a rap album and it'd sell like hotcakes.
Yes I totally agree but spoiler alert… they have a zip line underneath the stage where NPH connects his shirt and is zipped to the back of the hall. It’s a trick of the trade
This was legendary. The odds were against them. 200 people, a third of which were children. 3 days to rehearse and for some only 30 minutes like Neil said. Sure they had lin writing music but it would be theoretically impossible to pull this off. The magic trick hadn’t gone right on ANY of the rehearsals. This was the ONLY TIME they got it right. It’s perfection in its purest form. All the things we love about Broadway both classical and modern. It’s magical, whimsical, and reminds us that it could really be ANYONE up there.
Browsing through the comments on my umpteenth watch of this, and I read a certain part as “theatrically impossible” and giggled because it still fits. This truly was a legendary performance from everyone
Sorry, you said that "Neil said". Is there an interview where he goes in-depth about this whole process? I've only seen the opening and hadn't heard much about the backstage stuff around it.
@@littleghost4686 That Neil sings that he learned this dance just half an hour ago is for sure a joke. Even then, he is just specifically talking about that short dance segment. Do you really think that this whole performance would work out if the main actor just learned everything shortly before the actual performance?
are you freaking kidding me?!! i usually just watch this vid and move along, but today I decided to look at the comments to see if anyone was giving praise to who wrote this and it’s LIN?!??!!!!
If he hadn’t finally interrupted the audience, there’s no telling how long the cheering would have lasted. They knew Neil just ticked every box of an elite Broadway performance, and did so effortlessly.
@@anarchy_79I don't even want to know how often that show was rehearsed. There is so much that can go wrong if only one performer doesn't get it perfectly.
For the record, Lin-Manuel wrote ''Bigger'' with Tom Kitt, the Tony- and Pulitzer Prize-winning composer of '''Next to Normal.'' They won an Emmy for this number, and so did this Tony telecast, the director (Glenn Weiss) and Harris, who was the producer/host.
And the fact that it had actors from nearly every single show on broadway- not just shows that were nominated- ALL of them. And this live performance was the first and only time they managed to pull the whole thing off. This is the definition of theatre magic
and that Josh groban Sara and James corden is how= he= made = them bigger🎶🎶🎶🎶 he made them bigger it was the Tony’s classic night and he was raring to go he made them bigger that’s right they went bigger im making up my own version of the song anyone else got any made up lyrics? ANYONE
I often see comments on RUclips videos featuring performers from the '40s, '50s and '60s along the lines of "we don't have real talent like that anymore." This video begs to differ.
Of the many things that sell me on this number, it’s that Spider-Man is just there. In an everlasting testament to the legacy of Turn Off the Dark, Spider-Man is just there. And it’s hilarious.
i'm a middle aged working class/blue collar 'bloke' from the north of England, not what someone might think of as your typical musicals fan but that was bloody brilliant (for like the 50th time ive watched it again)
@@romywhite290 we're getting a new theatre in my town, and, after it was closed after over 100 years hopefully saving the old one too, I'm hoping one or the other put a musical or two on,
@@markorollo. England has a RICH history in theater. Not even just the Elizabethan/Jacobean stuff. Like even the like 1800/1900, and much more public subsidies for theater than the US does. I'm sure you'll get something. You could even see if you could help out on the crew/theater shop team, maybe you have the right kind of blue collar skills!?
The fact that they had no preparation for this!!! They were only able to practice this whole entire thing in FULL about 1 or 2 times the DAY OF the live show, and each time they did, something went wrong. Then they went out and absolutely nailed the performance. I'm honestly so blown away everytime I watch this.
I heard that the Christmas Story kids were at the rehearsals for about 15 minutes and then left afterwards. It was scheduling issues that caused the rehearsals didn't go the way it was supposed to be but pretty mindblown that everything went perfect on camera
With all due respect to Ricky Gervais who's a great host at the Golden Globes, this is still in my opinion the pinnacle of award show opening. Neil and his team had one shot with huge risks and they nailed it!
@@kendallandrews8691 No, Chris Rock plays a complete different game, complete different sport. ;-) I think the only one who is on an equal level is Hugh Jackman with the oscars opening 2009
@@rainerzufall1337 rock has hosted award shows and been great. Sorry you literally missed the biggest cultural event of 2022. That aside watch him hosting the bet awards after the Donald Sterling drama. He is great
It's more insane that this was the only time where everything went perfect the way it is. They weren't 100% ready during rehearsals and this performance had a bunch of things that could've easily went wrong
This was TRULY the MOST INSANELY BRILLIANT thing I've ever seen! Neil talked about this and said that this was the ONLY TIME EVERYTHING WORKED! Talk about pressure!
Never forget that this was the epitome of “fuck it. We’ll do it live” He really did learn the dance in the hour before the show and there were so many moving pieces that this never got a dress rehearsal at all. Absolutely insane
WAIT SERIOUSLY???!!!!!! Holy shit, that’s incredible. I already had a lot of respect for Neil but this made my respect and adoration of him shatter the moon!
It's honestly giving me angst that I keep coming back to this video. Am I stuck in the past or is this easily the best tv awards performance of all time? The writing, the execution, the genuine devotion to the craft...
As amazing as the performance is, and as amazing as the song is, I don't see that many people mentioning how impossibly good the filming of this was. TV filming, specially live TV is a pain in the ass and I don't even know if you can do it better than here.
This was NPH's Moment of glory... When the music stopped and the world stood still for those few moments before the entire place erupts in cheer and applause... Actors, Singers, and Superstars alike all collective in amazement and glory... In the moment NPH achieved what most spend a lifetime to find and never do, one of the greatest highs in all of performance, on par with when Adele had 100,000 people singing someone like you all in brilliant unison, no screaming, just perfect harmony. I really hope Neil finds another moment like that again in his life, It truly was his moment of pure glory
The magic trick transition into Neil and the Newsies skipping down the aisle will forever be one of my favorite Tony Award moments Edit: I did almost forget that in the crazy unbelievable ending the Bring It On cast managed to throw two cheerleaders in the air at the back of a stage crowded to the max, that one’s big competition
You have to imagine, Neil has about 10 seconds to disappear into the floor, run all the way down to the back, and reappear between the rows. You can even hear that he's still out of breath when he starts singing again.
Not just peak Broadway, but peak award shows in general. You don't see an award show opening this satisfying and 100% perfect from start to finish that managed to entertained everyone
I just discovered this performance yesterday in 2025, and have been repeatedly watching it, NPH went on Hot Ones and talked about how this is one his favorite living moments and also goes back to watch it and gets goosebumps of how the stars aligned and everyone involved just hit it perfectly. What an amazing, eternal performance!
i watch this Tony Awards show at least weekly. Amazing performace by NPH, amazing lyrics. Very uplifting, totally amazing and awe inspiring. NPH is awe inspiring and the most incredible performer!!!
I love how you can see it in their faces at the end,. Every single one of those performers are thinking "Holy Shit, we did it. We pulled it off. Holy fucking shit."
This performance happened almost eleven years ago, and I have yet to see anything even come close. A real triumph. NPH, you are not only a fantastic performer, but a genius too! Gotta love Neil Patrick Harris! What a showman!!!!
I come back here at least every couple of months to watch this. Feeling happy? Watch this. Feeling sad? Watch this. Needing some motivation? Watch this. Needing some inspiration? Watch this.
I have watched this so many times. I wonder what he was thinking midway through the applause. He faces changes almost in awe of bringing down the house.
I honestly think he was thinking “How do I gracefully get them to stop?” He knew there were lots of performers frozen in place, a few with other performers on their shoulders. One can stay in place only so long.
i know absolutely nothing about broadway or theater, never seen the tonys but im obsessed with this now. not sure why this came up in my recommendations but my jaws on the floor
This is something that I can watch over and over and just be so hooked and love it EVERY TIME. I just don't think non-theatre lovers can understand truly how iconic and amazing this whole performance is.
I actually disagree…I think this is one performance non-theatre lovers can agree is incredible. We may not understand what goes into a performance like this but I guarantee it’s impressive to everybody who watches it.
I've watched this performance numerous times over the years. Every aspect of it was phenomenal. This is how you put on a show, and as Neil sang "the biggest spectacle we know".
2025 and I'm back here for at least the hundredth time. I honestly think this is the best performance of anything I've ever seen
How nph comes back to host another Tony
Same here, this is my go-to video on bad days. Never fails to make me smile!
Amen
Same!!!
Sameee
Can we talk about the BREATH control he needs to have to pull off all these crazy jumps and dances while he sings? Not to mention that in the magic trick he had to run to get to where he reappears and he's singing perfectly
re breath control - right?! NPH has to be in peak shape, physically as well as vocally, to nail this performance as he did. It's akin to watching the very best Olympian dominate in his sport. Though, this has way better music and is way more fun to watch than sports competitions!
Seriously though! The whole video I was examining his breathing and I was really impressed with his performance. I was surprised how well he delivered all his lines. He could easily drop a rap album and it'd sell like hotcakes.
Yes I totally agree but spoiler alert… they have a zip line underneath the stage where NPH connects his shirt and is zipped to the back of the hall. It’s a trick of the trade
@@dylancasella9745 THANK YOU!!! I've spent ten years trying to figure out how they pulled that off 😭😭
@@dylancasella9745 Omg that makes it even better 😂 I love it
This was legendary. The odds were against them. 200 people, a third of which were children. 3 days to rehearse and for some only 30 minutes like Neil said. Sure they had lin writing music but it would be theoretically impossible to pull this off. The magic trick hadn’t gone right on ANY of the rehearsals. This was the ONLY TIME they got it right. It’s perfection in its purest form. All the things we love about Broadway both classical and modern. It’s magical, whimsical, and reminds us that it could really be ANYONE up there.
Browsing through the comments on my umpteenth watch of this, and I read a certain part as “theatrically impossible” and giggled because it still fits. This truly was a legendary performance from everyone
The jump through the hoop could have gone terribly too. Precision was the only choice. This performance was amazing, and that's an understatement
Sorry, you said that "Neil said". Is there an interview where he goes in-depth about this whole process? I've only seen the opening and hadn't heard much about the backstage stuff around it.
@@TheGenericDavis he says it in the song at around 2:38 'I just learned this dance like half an hour ago'
@@littleghost4686 That Neil sings that he learned this dance just half an hour ago is for sure a joke. Even then, he is just specifically talking about that short dance segment. Do you really think that this whole performance would work out if the main actor just learned everything shortly before the actual performance?
I never get tired of watching this. Neil performing Lin Manuel Miranda’s song is just over the top amazing.
i knew it, that rap verse had Lin Manuel Miranda name writen all over the place
Really? I get fucking exhausted watching it
are you freaking kidding me?!! i usually just watch this vid and move along, but today I decided to look at the comments to see if anyone was giving praise to who wrote this and it’s LIN?!??!!!!
@@samanthaDHand Tom Kitt!
This is why Lin Manuel is the 🐐
Everyone in the audience is in awe. This is how you open an award show. 10 years later and it’s still incredible
Also you have to take into account that those in the audience are actors and directors. They are not an easy type to impress.
I always think Debra Messing’s face really sums it up nicely
😮
Not just "the audience" in awe, the who's who elite of Broadway, Hollywood and the Tony's in awe...
It's a shame that 10 years later and still nothing has come close to this.
@@BGDGr81true, it went downhill from here 😢
Still watching this in 2024. Amazing!
Same .. still the most amazing opening ever
Same.
I watch this at least twice a year and I cry EVERY TIME 🥹🥹🥹
If you ever feel down just come back to this and your mood will lighten up.
Its amazing... but then they show the "whose gonna clean your toilets girl and it brings me back down.
You know it's amazing when Jesse Eisenberg almost makes an expression. I don't think this performance can be topped.
That’s what I thought as well 😂
Who is Jesse Einsberg / what time stamp in the video?
@@rixsist7048 Around 7:05. He’s an actor
Internet-winningest comment of all time, hands down, and I came here to say the exact same thing but you did it better. 😂😂😂
I thought the same thing! Same thing for cuba gooding JR actually giving someone else praise 😂
There's something so wonderful about that relieved chuckle and big smile on Neil's face as he soaks in that well-deserved ovation.
If he hadn’t finally interrupted the audience, there’s no telling how long the cheering would have lasted. They knew Neil just ticked every box of an elite Broadway performance, and did so effortlessly.
@@byronheath8925 Oh please. That took A LOT OF FUNKING EFFORT my man.
@@anarchy_79 He made it look easy is the point
@@griffinhays2053 The point is that took about as much stamina and effort and preparation as a heavy weight championship bout. |BITE|
@@anarchy_79I don't even want to know how often that show was rehearsed. There is so much that can go wrong if only one performer doesn't get it perfectly.
Lin-Manuel Miranda won an Emmy for writing this number.
I mean its a killer song and all, but its the choreo and execution that made this unbeatable
@@hjewkes full package
I didn't know that.
@@hjewkesI read “unbeatable” as “Unbearable” and was about to make a massive scene 😂
For the record, Lin-Manuel wrote ''Bigger'' with Tom Kitt, the Tony- and Pulitzer Prize-winning composer of '''Next to Normal.'' They won an Emmy for this number, and so did this Tony telecast, the director (Glenn Weiss) and Harris, who was the producer/host.
“Cause I promise you all of us up here tonight, we were that kid!
And now we’re bigger…!”
Literally makes me cry every time
so happy to know im not the only one that gets emotional at that bit, like how can i not cry?
Choked me up then and still does everytime I see it.
Same here!
@@electrosynthclassics2002me too 🥹
I always gives me chills, in all the best ways
I truly think this is the best Tony’s opening I’ve ever seen. The ensemble, the lyrics, the dancing. Everyone’s reactions. Perfection
Not just Tony's, this is in my opinion the best opening to any award I've ever seen. Neil just hits it right every single time
When Neil hosted an award show, you better give him full creative control
And the fact that it had actors from nearly every single show on broadway- not just shows that were nominated- ALL of them. And this live performance was the first and only time they managed to pull the whole thing off. This is the definition of theatre magic
It's the best anything.
i have watched this opening so many times since 2013 that i even know some of the lyrics by heart. its simply genius
Completely agree!!!!!
One of the best things I have ever seen!
I keep coming back to this amazing piece of show. Hooray for NPH!
Only just found it! 24-12-22 Love it!
Some? We sing this live eight shows a week!
The greatest opening number in Tony history. Hands down.
When they said bigger, they meant BIGGER. This one is almost impossible to top.
@@Mediados One of few award show performance that made my jaw dropped. Even more than Ricky Gervais roasting Hollywood
In Awards Show history. Period 😅🔥🙌
I think you meant Best jazz hands down
and that Josh groban Sara and James corden is how= he= made = them bigger🎶🎶🎶🎶 he made them bigger it was the Tony’s classic night and he was raring to go he made them bigger that’s right they went bigger im making up my own version of the song anyone else got any made up lyrics? ANYONE
It's really gotta suck being every subsequent director for the tonys, knowing that this exists
I come back to this every so often just to give myself a boost of serotonin. There will never be another one like this.
I was having a rough morning self talking myself to even show up at work so I’m watching this video to hype myself up, works everytime
Y’all get serotonin? I keep coming back but I just openly weep
I just watched it twice in a row for that reason.
Was having a rough night and definitely needed some serotonin, thats why im here too 😊
My gf gets so excited from this performance, last time she got so pumped that she accidentally punched herself in the face while fistpumping 😅
"That's the definition of a tough act to follow!" I love it!!
Neil may not be an EGOT winner yet but he can definitely host the Grammy just to complete his EGOT host achievement
NPH said ‘Let me show you what a professional performer really is.’
-to a whole entire crowd of Broadway stars, award winning actors, and more.
The shade on Tom Hooper's Les Miserables camera work is hilarious 😂
I often see comments on RUclips videos featuring performers from the '40s, '50s and '60s along the lines of "we don't have real talent like that anymore." This video begs to differ.
and then he delivers on that statement, because he is THAT awesome.
@@IschmarVI might even call it legen- wait for it...
@@jamesaditya5254 DARY, Legendary!
You know that wink after "legendary" was for all the HIMYM fans out there.
I never get tired of seeing Tom Hanks laughing when out of nowhere his name comes up
It's been 10 years since this opening, but I still revisit it every now and again and continue to be amazed at how spectacular it is! NPH is the GOAT!
Of the many things that sell me on this number, it’s that Spider-Man is just there. In an everlasting testament to the legacy of Turn Off the Dark, Spider-Man is just there. And it’s hilarious.
Watching in 2024 and there still has not been a bigger opening for ANY Awards show!
This number and the opening to the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing will forever set the standard.
i'm a middle aged working class/blue collar 'bloke' from the north of England, not what someone might think of as your typical musicals fan but that was bloody brilliant (for like the 50th time ive watched it again)
Theater is for everyone!
@@romywhite290 we're getting a new theatre in my town, and, after it was closed after over 100 years hopefully saving the old one too, I'm hoping one or the other put a musical or two on,
@@markorollo. England has a RICH history in theater. Not even just the Elizabethan/Jacobean stuff. Like even the like 1800/1900, and much more public subsidies for theater than the US does. I'm sure you'll get something. You could even see if you could help out on the crew/theater shop team, maybe you have the right kind of blue collar skills!?
He deserves a Tony just for this
Neil didn't win a Tony but the song won an Emmy so that's amazing
Anything Lin touches is gold ✨
All these years later and he still deserves the standing ovation for that.
Still the single greatest Tony's Opening number in history. NPH is a national treasure.
Greatest opening number of any awards show, in my book.
The fact that they had no preparation for this!!! They were only able to practice this whole entire thing in FULL about 1 or 2 times the DAY OF the live show, and each time they did, something went wrong. Then they went out and absolutely nailed the performance. I'm honestly so blown away everytime I watch this.
I heard that the Christmas Story kids were at the rehearsals for about 15 minutes and then left afterwards. It was scheduling issues that caused the rehearsals didn't go the way it was supposed to be but pretty mindblown that everything went perfect on camera
THIS ladies and gentlemen THIS is what Broadway is about! We are that kid!!!!
2024 and I still think about this opening often.
With all due respect to Ricky Gervais who's a great host at the Golden Globes, this is still in my opinion the pinnacle of award show opening. Neil and his team had one shot with huge risks and they nailed it!
5:59 chills, every time. I stop breathing and start tearing up ❤
When I feel sad, I watch this. When I see this come across my feed, I watch this. When I remember this exists, I watch this.
Neil is by far the best ever awards show host, any and all of the awards shows!
Just amazing at what he does! I am in awwww
Chris rock is pretty good
@@kendallandrews8691 No, Chris Rock plays a complete different game, complete different sport. ;-)
I think the only one who is on an equal level is Hugh Jackman with the oscars opening 2009
@@rainerzufall1337 rock has hosted award shows and been great. Sorry you literally missed the biggest cultural event of 2022. That aside watch him hosting the bet awards after the Donald Sterling drama. He is great
If I hadn't known this was written by Lin-Manuel Miranda, at 5:45 I'd just known without a doubt😂😍 Lin, you're a genius!
I was going to say, weird Hamilton came two years after...Maybe he got inspired by this. :D
@@TigerPrawn_ “Bring It On” was on the stage, and that musical was Miranda’s signature style as well.
It's just so obvious, if there's a Tony Award host with raps, you can bet your ass that Lin Manuel Miranda is somehow involved 😂
... and Tom Kitt
No one will ever beat this opening for the Tonys. This was truly legendary.
LEGEN- wait for it!
@@blh3721 ~DARY!
Especially considering the extremely limited rehearsal time, this could very well be THE most impressive live performance ever done
The insanity of this performance has yet to be matched a decade later.
It's more insane that this was the only time where everything went perfect the way it is. They weren't 100% ready during rehearsals and this performance had a bunch of things that could've easily went wrong
I can't count how many times I've watched this but I keep coming back.
This was TRULY the MOST INSANELY BRILLIANT thing I've ever seen! Neil talked about this and said that this was the ONLY TIME EVERYTHING WORKED! Talk about pressure!
Never forget that this was the epitome of “fuck it. We’ll do it live”
He really did learn the dance in the hour before the show and there were so many moving pieces that this never got a dress rehearsal at all. Absolutely insane
WAIT SERIOUSLY???!!!!!! Holy shit, that’s incredible. I already had a lot of respect for Neil but this made my respect and adoration of him shatter the moon!
none of that is true, watch NPH's hot ones episode, he said a lot went wrong in the dress rehearsals but it all came together for the performance
這是不可能的，任何有職業操守的演藝人都不可能這麼幹，何況這不是個人演出而是大型聯合演出，需要幾十至百人配合，就算Neil是天才也絕不可能在缺乏充足練習與默契的情況下與多人配合完好，你太好騙了。
@@ELIREH Thank you Chinese friend, some people really need a bit of refreshment in their minds from time to time
@@pe-peron8441 大兄弟你客氣了😊
It's honestly giving me angst that I keep coming back to this video. Am I stuck in the past or is this easily the best tv awards performance of all time? The writing, the execution, the genuine devotion to the craft...
This performance will never be surpassed
You are sooooooo correct. Nothing could surpass this. It was a Broadway Show on its own.
I've watched this video so many times, and only now noticed NPH starts singing "It's Pippin!" before his FEET TOUCH THE GROUND.
As amazing as the performance is, and as amazing as the song is, I don't see that many people mentioning how impossibly good the filming of this was. TV filming, specially live TV is a pain in the ass and I don't even know if you can do it better than here.
The best live production that has ever been on tv. This was the Pinnacle. Go Neil Patrick Harris. Go Neil go.
THE GREATEST HOST OF ALL TIME: NEIL PATRICK HARRIS!!
This was NPH's Moment of glory...
When the music stopped and the world stood still for those few moments before the entire place erupts in cheer and applause...
Actors, Singers, and Superstars alike all collective in amazement and glory...
In the moment NPH achieved what most spend a lifetime to find and never do, one of the greatest highs in all of performance, on par with when Adele had 100,000 people singing someone like you all in brilliant unison, no screaming, just perfect harmony.
I really hope Neil finds another moment like that again in his life, It truly was his moment of pure glory
06:35 I like how even though they're big shot actors they're still in awe
Years pass, I come here every now and then to rewatch this legendary piece, and every time I have a smile on my face 😊
I watch this when I'm sick, tired or just need to be cheered up.
Has there been an opening number that was anywhere NEAR as iconic as this one since then?!?!? My goodness!
The magic trick transition into Neil and the Newsies skipping down the aisle will forever be one of my favorite Tony Award moments
Edit: I did almost forget that in the crazy unbelievable ending the Bring It On cast managed to throw two cheerleaders in the air at the back of a stage crowded to the max, that one’s big competition
You have to imagine, Neil has about 10 seconds to disappear into the floor, run all the way down to the back, and reappear between the rows. You can even hear that he's still out of breath when he starts singing again.
So many things could have gone wrong, but nothing did. The jump through the hoop was insane. 😂
This is peak broadway. Nothing can top this.
Not just peak Broadway, but peak award shows in general. You don't see an award show opening this satisfying and 100% perfect from start to finish that managed to entertained everyone
I just discovered this performance yesterday in 2025, and have been repeatedly watching it, NPH went on Hot Ones and talked about how this is one his favorite living moments and also goes back to watch it and gets goosebumps of how the stars aligned and everyone involved just hit it perfectly. What an amazing, eternal performance!
Also recently watched. Don't know why it suddenly turned up in my recommended and will not complain
I was at this show and was completely blown away by this performance
Afterwards I just wanted a whole show which was just an extended version of this
The 8 minutes of this felt like 1. Captivating
It's 2024 and this is still the BEST opening EVERRRR!!!!!! 💖💖💖
Ah my go to serotonin boost
Literally it makes me so happy
i watch this Tony Awards show at least weekly. Amazing performace by NPH, amazing lyrics. Very uplifting, totally amazing and awe inspiring. NPH is awe inspiring and the most incredible performer!!!
I love how you can see it in their faces at the end,. Every single one of those performers are thinking "Holy Shit, we did it. We pulled it off. Holy fucking shit."
I never thought about it before, but the closeup was probably there to help him catch his breath.
I’ve never even been to a broadway show in my life, I’m just here for Neil. How can one person possess so much talent
I am so jealous of everyone in that theater
10 years later and I’m still watching this everytime it comes up; at least twice a year. So so good
Wow what a great show. First time ever seeing this one. 2024.
ARE YOU KIDDING ME? I am 11 years late to this and it's fucking remarkable!!! NPH!
A reminder to watch it again!
And again!
I love Debra Messing's (I think?) face in awe, like she can't believe what's happening haha Neil is truly amazing.
This performance happened almost eleven years ago, and I have yet to see anything even come close. A real triumph. NPH, you are not only a fantastic performer, but a genius too! Gotta love Neil Patrick Harris! What a showman!!!!
Such a cultural triumph, that opening. Such a great slice of a pretty good time period of Broadway and stage culture.
It's 2024, and I still come back to this video to watch this opening performance! Bravo
Neil Patrick Harris is a true gift for all of us. This man can do everything so flawlessly.
I come back here at least every couple of months to watch this. Feeling happy? Watch this. Feeling sad? Watch this. Needing some motivation? Watch this. Needing some inspiration? Watch this.
In case anyone is wondering it is 2025 and yes, I still come back to this video every few months.
"That's the definition of a tough act to follow." lol truer words were never spoken.
This will forever be legen-dary
10 years later and this is still the best opening of any award show i’ve ever seen. wish neil would host the tony’s again.
This is the best opening to any awards show.... ever.
"I promise u we were all that kid" 😭❤ ty neil
Hotones brought me here, NeilPH explaining this is one of his most proud performances.
The year is 2025 and this is still the best opening in existence. Bravo.
I have watched this so many times. I wonder what he was thinking midway through the applause. He faces changes almost in awe of bringing down the house.
I honestly think he was thinking “How do I gracefully get them to stop?” He knew there were lots of performers frozen in place, a few with other performers on their shoulders. One can stay in place only so long.
i know absolutely nothing about broadway or theater, never seen the tonys but im obsessed with this now. not sure why this came up in my recommendations but my jaws on the floor
I cry and get goosebumps every time I watch this and now I'm crying MORE reading the comments, knowing I'm not the only one. We all are that kid!
This performance is the zenith of Broadway. We are never going to see this topped.
He should have won an award for that performance
halfway through 2023 and still one of the best live performances/opening acts ever!
Omg! The fact that Lin Manuel wrote this song and I’m just realizing it after listening this song for 4 months and loving hamilton
There will never, ever be a Tony opener that tops this. Not ever. Neil Patrick Harris is simply phenomenal and that is all.
I can’t believe how many of the lyrics I can catch. Diction!!
This is something that I can watch over and over and just be so hooked and love it EVERY TIME. I just don't think non-theatre lovers can understand truly how iconic and amazing this whole performance is.
I actually disagree…I think this is one performance non-theatre lovers can agree is incredible. We may not understand what goes into a performance like this but I guarantee it’s impressive to everybody who watches it.
Has yet to be topped as the all-time best Tony opener EVER. 🥰
I've watched this performance numerous times over the years. Every aspect of it was phenomenal. This is how you put on a show, and as Neil sang "the biggest spectacle we know".
The amount of practice something like this must take, even with professionals must be incredible!
I love how you see people that work in theater looking around in awe. Truly epic performance with a great message.
This is the BEST of BROADWAY, AMERICAN THEATER,AMERICAN TALENT, AMERICAN CREATIVITY.
Every time I watch this, it's amazing!!!!
Soon 10 years old and still the greatest opening act ever
I can't watch this without crying. It's amazing what humans can do.
It's been 11 years and I'm still amazed by that performance.
Debra Messing at 6:36 is all of us with a pulse. I can’t even imagine the impact of this performance in person.
he makes everything look so easy
6:35, look at anna kendrick debra messing with their mouths open, exactly my reaction