Hamilton creator and star Lin-Manuel Miranda at the 2016 Tony Awards.
It was a night of winners and musical numbers, but this year’s Tony Awards had a somber tune.
On the red carpet and during the ceremony, Broadway stars paid tribute to the victims of a massive shooting that took place earlier Sunday in Orlando, Fla., leaving 50 dead and 53 injured.
“It’s just heavy in my heart and heavy on my mind,” said nominee Lin-Manuel Miranda, creator of Hamilton. “Today’s a day of tragedy. At the same time, I’m in a room of people who made new art and new music this year and I’m happy to be celebrating that. I feel like we need it more than ever.”
Laura Benanti, nominated for best actress in a musical for She Loves Me, said all she can do is offer her voice as a tribute to the victims.
“There’s nothing I can say that won’t seem trite,” said Benanti. “All I can say is that every note that comes out of my mouth this evening will be in remembrance of these victims and their families.”
In his monologue, Tonys host James Corden also addressed the tragedy.
“Our hearts go out to all of those affected by this atrocity,” he said in part. “You’re not on your own. Your tragedy is our tragedy. Hate will never win. We have to make sure of that. Tonight’s show stands as a symbol of that principle.”
Added Hamilton lead producer Jeffrey Seller: “My heart is saddened by it. I’m reminded of the way in which tragedy and joy interweave through my life and many other lives every single day. Our celebration tonight is tempered by it.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
