2023 Tony Awards Opening Performance: Ariana DeBose Opened First 'Unscripted' Ceremony Ever

For those who do not know, the 2023 Tony Awards almost didn't happen because of the Writers Guild of America (WGA) strike that impacted televised shows. Fortunately, the Tony Awards Managing Committee and the workers' union struck up a compromise that they would not picket at the show.

Part of the compromise was that the 2023 Tony Awards would go on as planned but would be "unscripted" as the writers that the Broadway League had enlisted for the ceremony were members of the union.

2023 Tony Awards Opening Performance

At the very first shot of the opening show, Ariana DeBose flung an empty script book, signifying the lack of script of the entire Tony Awards this year.

While the show may lack words, DeBose and the company did excellently as they highlighted orchestrations, scoring, and choreography throughout the opening show.

DeBose even had to jump off a whole flight of stairs, to everyone's shock, as she was gracefully caught by one of the dancers.

As they made their way to the stage, a parade of dancers welcomed everyone pon the stage along with DeBose showing her impressive dancing skills.

The performance was relatively different because of the lack of genius lyricism that usually blends wit, comedy, musicality and theatricality. Lin Manuel Miranda and a whole bunch of writers had to write opening ceremony lyrics back then.

But now, because of the lack of writers due to the WGA strike, there are no lyrics in solidarity with the strike. The wordless ceremony highlighted the importance of writers in any entertainment show, such as a televised one.

Watch the 2023 Tony Awards Opening Performance below.

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Ariana DeBose Addressed 'Wordless' 2023 Tony Awards Opening Number

After the show, DeBose went on in an "unscripted" monologue where she explained the plight of the writers. "Our siblings over at the WGA [Writers Guild of America] are currently on strike in pursuit of a fair deal - and how many of us know what that is?" DeBose asked the audience.

"The awards shows are traditionally written by members of the WGA, so in order for the show to go on a whole host of people had to come together and find a compromise. The compromise, as explained by DeBose, meant that the show can go on, but they won't be having any script. "We don't have a script, you guys. I am live and unscripted. You're welcome," she continued.

This was the first time that the 2023 Tony Awards had an "unscripted" ceremony, having only a rough outline as they got through the night.

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