New York One

I was watching my boyfriend Pat Kiernan on New York 1 this morning, and there was a story about the Tony Award nominations. This year is especially interesting because of the diversity of shows and audienceship. Two of the Best Musical nominees are from minority playwrights- In the Heights and Passing Strange. But the woman they were interviewing on NY1 couldn't just say that. She for some reason just could not mention race even though the reporter introduced it in the segment as her main talking point.

transcribed from memory

Reporter: So, what makes this year so exciting?

Lady: Oh, mostly the diversity of the pieces because... they are so, different! Like, Passing Strange is uh, a rock opera. And much like last year's winner, Spring Awakening, it really is a different piece of theater.

Reporter: So this year there's something for everyone.

Lady: Yes. I mean look at In the Heights, written by a young... man. So young. This show has come so far.

Reporter: What are some of the changes you've seen this year on Broadway?

Lady: Well, now we have something for all ages, all musical backgrounds, all kinds of people, all different genders (?- not joking, actual quote), all different educational backgrounds.

Reporter: So... the shows are diverse because...

Lady: Oh! Well, the audience is now over 25% non white.

Reporter: Okay, Captain Obvious. That was the entire angle of my goddamn story anyway and you made my piece look fucking retarded.