James Corden has opened the Tony Awards with a message of love following the tragic shooting which killed more than 50 people at a gay nightclub in Florida.
Before kicking into the planned show performance, Corden told the audience that hate would never win in a pre-recorded segment.
“Our hearts go out to all of those affected by this atrocity,” he said.
“All we can say is you are not alone right now. Your tragedy is our tragedy. Theatre is a place where every race, creed, sexuality and gender is equal, is embraced and is loved.
“Hate will never win. Together we have to make sure of that.”
“Hate will never win”: @JKCorden opens #TonyAwards with tribute to #Orlando victims https://t.co/9eo0miSho4 https://t.co/Mv3VQw5K4m
— CBS News (@CBSNews) June 13, 2016
The message was followed by a performance with the cast of Hamilton, in which the mood was noticeably lighter.
Updating the lyrics to the number Alexander Hamilton, Corden’s Broadway credentials were the topic of jest.
“How does an upstart Britain, best known for sitting in jest in front of the desk in the middle of a forgotten spot on late night, far from Manhattan chatting with Hollywood phonies end up being the guy who host the Tony’s,” Leslie Odom Jr questioned.
The performance was followed by an epic opening number which featured some of the biggest musical numbers over the years from the likes of Phantom of the Opera, Grease, The Lion King, Les Miserables, Annie, The Sound of Music and more.
This here is why we love Corden so much!
Photo: Getty
