Watch The 66Th Annual Tony Awards

The 66th Annual Tony Awards is an extravagant celebration of Broadway theatre, hosted by the multitalented Neil Patrick Harris. It originally aired on CBS on June 10, 2012. The show opened with an energetic and amusing performance by Harris, followed by several musical numbers from the nominated shows, including "Once," "Newsies," and "Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark," among others.

Throughout the awards ceremony, Harris kept the audience engaged with his witty banter and hilarious skits. He also managed to keep the show flowing smoothly as he seamlessly transitioned from one segment to the next. His opening alone showcased his humor and star quality, singing lyrics such as, "We're on CBS, not NBC, so technically, we're not going to bleep," and "Welcome to the Tonys, the greatest award show of all, because it honors live theatre, not film, nor TV, nor football." This was just the beginning of what would be an incredibly entertaining evening.

The night was not just about Harris, however. Talon G. Ackerman and Nina Arianda brought their own energetic flair to the stage, with performances showcasing their impressive talents. Arianda’s acceptance speech for Best Actress in a Play for her role in "Venus in Fur" was a beautiful highlight of the show, showcasing grace, poise, and an emotionally-charged delivery.

The show's highlights also included a Tom Hanks tribute, featuring clips from some of his greatest films, as well as a moving tribute to veteran film and stage actor, Shirley MacLaine, who was awarded a lifetime achievement award for her contributions to the world of theatre.

The Tony Awards, of course, wouldn't be complete without showcasing the nominees and winners of the many categories that comprise the beloved theatre celebration. Some of the big winners of the night included "Once" for Best Musical, "Clybourne Park" for Best Play, "Death of a Salesman" for Best Revival of a Play, and "Porgy and Bess" for Best Revival of a Musical. James Corden, featured in "One Man, Two Guvnors," took home a trophy for Best Actor in a Play, while Audra McDonald was awarded Best Actress in a Musical for her incredible portrayal in "Porgy and Bess." Among the other winners were Judith Light, best known for her role in the popular 80s series, "Who's the Boss?," winning Best Featured Actress in a Play for her role in "Other Desert Cities."

Throughout the night, the stage was decorated with stunning sets and props that brought each of the nominated productions to life on the stage. As the night went on, the audience was treated to breathtaking performances from many of the amazing shows that graced Broadway that year, including "Porgy and Bess," "Follies," and "Evita." Each of these productions was impeccably staged and performed.

Finally, as the night drew to a close, the triumphant cast of "Once" took the stage to sing one final tribute to the power of Broadway theatre. The audience was left with a feeling of euphoria and awe, a testament to the grandeur and beauty of live theatre.

In conclusion, The 66th Annual Tony Awards from CBS starring Neil Patrick Harris, Talon G. Ackerman, and Nina Arianda in 2012 was a magnificent celebration of the best Broadway had to offer that year. The show had everything one could want in a great awards ceremony, from talented presenters, charismatic hosts, and breathtaking performances, all capped off with a healthy dose of humor and wit from the ever-entertaining Neil Patrick Harris. It was a wonderful tribute to the magic of live theatre, and a must-watch for any theatre fanatic.

The 66Th Annual Tony Awards is a series that is currently running and has 67 seasons (27 episodes). The series first aired on June 10, 2012.