Renée Elise Goldsberry and Darren Criss to Host Tony Awards Pre-Show—Here’s How to Watch for Free

Good news, Broadway fans! The “Tony Awards: Act One” has officially announced its co-hosts for this year’s pre-show. First-time Tony nominee Darren Criss will join Tony and Grammy Award winner Renée Elise Goldsberry for the live broadcast. The special is said to feature exclusive content for those anxiously awaiting the main show afterwards.

The show is scheduled to air Sunday, June 6, from 6:40 to 8 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, via Pluto TV for free.

Who Are the ‘Tony Awards: Act One’ Co-Hosts?

Many Broadway fans agree that Criss and Goldsberry are fitting choices to lead this year’s event. This given their impact on stage and screen. “Amazing hosts! Let’s gooooo 🕺,” one user commented on the official announcement on Instagram. Another one hilariously joked, “*screams in theater major*.”

Goldsberry, 54, earned a Tony Award for her role as Angelica Schuyler in the Broadway phenomenon “Hamilton.” She also gained highly praised recognition for her role in the Netflix musical comedy “Girls5eva.” The actress starred alongside other phenomenal singers, including Busy Philipps, Sara Bareilles, and Paula Pell.

Meanwhile, Criss, 38, is celebrating his first Tony nomination this year for Best Performance by an Actor in a Musical for his role in “Maybe Happy Ending.” The show has received 10 nominations, including Best Musical; hence, his nomination. Criss is no stranger to television or Broadway, earning a Primetime Emmy Award and a Golden Globe for his performance in “The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story.”

His previous Broadway credits include “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying,” “Hedwig and the Angry Inch,” and “A Very Potter Musical,” where he first rose to fame.

Where to Watch Both Shows

Fans can tune in to “The Tony Awards: Act One” through their smart TVs, streaming devices, or online at Pluto TV by accessing the Live Music Channel. The pre-show will excitingly lead into the “78th Annual Tony Awards” on June 8th, which will air live from 8 to 11 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on CBS and stream on Paramount+ in the United States.

This year’s Tony Awards will be hosted by Broadway powerhouse and Oscar nominee, Cynthia Erivo. The “Harriet” actress has been making major waves due to her portrayal of Elphaba in “Wicked” alongside Ariana Grande as Glinda. Erivo is an Emmy, Grammy, and Tony winner, making her one award away from achieving EGOT status. The ceremony returns to its iconic home, Radio City Music Hall in New York City, after a three-year hiatus.