Thread by @Variety

So much happened at the #Tonys that you didn't see on TV. Variety's @RaminSetoodeh and @rebeccaarubin break down the behind-the-scenes action ⬇️

bit.ly/3MOmsrt

Before the broadcast began, “Spring Awakening” co-stars Lea Michele and Jonathan Groff walked through the front door holding hands. bit.ly/3MOmsrt

When the show ended, Adrienne Warren (“Tina: The Tina Turner Musical”) chatted with Andrew Garfield and needed his help to find the exit. “I’m following you out,” she told Garfield, to which he replied, “You should.” bit.ly/3MOmsrt

Ariana DeBose deftly kept the audience awake and engaged with caffeinated musical numbers. But even a triple threat like DeBose needed a bit of encouragement. During one commercial break, she gave herself a pep talk: “It’s going well!” bit.ly/3MOmsrt

Radio City can fit more than 6,000 spectators. But for whatever reason — either the venue was slightly too big, or people decided to cancel (or tested positive for COVID-19) at the last minute — there were hundreds of empty seats. bit.ly/3MOmsrt

So how did Michael R. Jackson celebrate a groundbreaking Tony win?

“I’m probably not going to sleep,” Jackson said. “I have to get my parents to the airport. Other than that, I’ll probably do a lot of partying.” bit.ly/3MOmsrt

"Paradise Square" star Joaquina Kalukango performed “Let it Burn” and earned the loudest standing ovation — by far — of the night. There was nary a dry eye in the house as she closed her number with a pitch-perfect high note. bit.ly/3MOmsrt

Read more about the behind-the-scenes happenings at the #TonyAwards: bit.ly/3MOmsrt