Ariana DeBose, Oscar winner and multi-talented host of the Tony Awards, talks with CBS2’s Kristine Johnson

NEW YORK — Academy Award-winning actress Ariana DeBose says to anticipate an inclusive celebration of Broadway throughout Sunday’s Tony Awards.

CBS2’s Kristine Johnson sat down with DeBose on Wednesday morning for an prolonged interview and she shed somewhat mild on what we are able to anticipate to see.

It has been a whirlwind year for DeBose.

In March, she took house a Best Supporting Actress Oscar for “West Side Story,” and on Sunday she’ll host the seventy fifth annual Tony Awards on CBS2, reside from Radio City Music Hall.

“I don’t really feel pressure, but I feel a tremendous sense of responsibility to really share with the audiences at home who are watching on CBS the love that I feel for these people,” DeBose mentioned.

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She is the definition of a triple risk as a super-talented dancer, singer, and actress.

She credit her success to her years working in theater.

“Does that comfort level that you feel going into this, is that attributed to the fact that this is where you started? And it feels like you’re coming home?” Johnson requested.

“I think so,” DeBose mentioned. “I learned everything I know about performing live and welcoming people in a space by working on Broadway.”

“Do you prepare to host the Tonys the same way that you prepare for a role?” Johnson requested.

“When I’m hosting, I’m talking to someone as a human, or I’m talking to my audience as just the human that is Ariana DeBose. So, yes, I’m a little heightened, because I want you to stay interested. But I really like showing people how I really feel.”

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The versatile actress made her Broadway debut in “Bring It On: The Musical,” was an unique ensemble member in “Hamilton,” and was Tony nominated for “Summer: The Donna Summer Musical.”

“Broadway isn’t just its headliners. It’s everyone behind the scenes,” DeBose mentioned. “Because of my firsthand experience, what I can tell you is there’s not a way in the world that I would let this evening go by without shining light on these vital members of our community. So, while I’m not going to tell you what we’re going to be doing, I make you this promise: They will be seen and they will be heard, and they will be celebrated.”

And she says the Tonys will keep in mind the late composer Stephen Sondheim.

“There would be no American theatre as we know it without the great Stephen Sondheim,” DeBose mentioned. “I’ve had the privilege of just sprinkling his music everywhere throughout the show. So there you go. That’s all you’re getting.”

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Johnson’s dialog with DeBose will proceed Sunday night time after the Tony Awards. She will speak about being a queer particular person of shade and her advocacy for fairness and inclusion.

Tony Awards protection will start at 7 p.m. this Sunday. It kicks off with an hour of unique content material streaming on Paramount+, hosted by Darren Criss and Julianne Hough, who’re each starring in Broadway exhibits proper now.

Then, DeBose will host the awards present, which is airing reside at 8 p.m. proper right here on CBS2 and streaming on Paramount+.

And on Thursday, CBS2 is internet hosting its personal Broadway celebration. Watch Broadway and Beyond “At The Tony’s” at 7 p.m. on CBS2 and streaming on CBS News New York.