CaptureThe 2016 Tony Awards, held at New York’s Beacon Theatre, opened with a touching tribute to Sunday’s mass shooting in Orlando. Host Jame Corden dedicated the award show to the victims of the shooting.

“Our hearts go out to all of those affected by this atrocity,” said Corden. “All we can say is you are not on your own right now. Your tragedy is our tragedy. Theater 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.”

While it was clear there was a darkness looming over the nation, the Tony Awards brought perseverance. It largely stuck to it’s script filled with laughs and plenty of music.

Leading up to the big night, the buzz had been all about Hamilton, a hip hop musical about Alexander Hamilton that had received a record 16 nominations. The show walked away with 11 awards, falling just shy of the record haul.

The iconic Barbra Streisand made her first Tony appearance in 46 years by presenting the coveted best musical award to Hamilton creator Lin-Manuel Miranda.

Other wins for Hamilton included Leading Actor in a Musical (Leslie Odom), Best Direction of a Musical (Thomas Kail), Featured Actor in a Musical (Daveed Diggs), Featured Actress in a Musical (Renee Elise Goldsberry), and Best Choreography (Andy Blankenbuehler).

Other notable winners included Stephen Karam’s The Humans for Best Play. A View From the Bridge won Best Revival of a Play, while The Color Purple took the Tony for Best Revival of a Musical.

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