Daytime talk show host Wendy Williams, who recently announced that she will take on the role of Matron “Mama” Morton in Broadway’s Chicago this summer, is already adding another theater credit to her resume. The outgoing and quick-witted TV personality has been named to host the 2013 Broadway.com Audience Choice Awards, which honor the best of The Great White Way, all hand-picked by Broadway’s biggest fans, on Sunday, May 5th at The Allen Room in Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Frederick P. Rose Hall, Time Warner Center, New York City.
Also joining Williams at this vibrant event are previously-announced heartthrob Aaron Tveit (Theater: Next To Normal, Catch Me If You Can; Film: Les Miserables) and Broadway sweetheart Sierra Boggess (The Phantom of the Opera 25th Anniversary celebrations, Master Class, The Little Mermaid).
“I am thrilled to be joining the Broadway community this year both on stage and as a host for the 2013 Audience Choice Awards,” said Williams. “We in the entertainment industry understand the value of our fans, so to be hosting a show that is based entirely on their votes is something I am really looking forward to!”
Williams follows in the footsteps of Broadway vets, and Audience Choice Award-winners, Darren Criss, Daniel Radcliffe and Vanessa Williams, who have all previously taken on the role of host for this event. Williams might even have the chance to claim one of these coveted awards at next years’ ceremony, as the show touts a unique “Favorite Replacement” category.
“Wendy has become a daytime TV favorite thanks to her amazing connection to her fans and her infectious sense of fun,” said Paul Wontorek, Editor-in-Chief of Broadway.com. “These qualities make her the perfect hostess for the Audience Choice Awards, the biggest party of the Broadway award season.”
Nominations for the Broadway.com Audience Choice Awards were announced on Monday, with new musicals, Kinky Boots and Matilda leading the pack with eight and seven nominations respectively. The fans did not limit their nominations to just the newcomers though, recognizing some of Broadway’s veterans, including Patti LuPone, Norbert Leo Butz, Nathan Lane, and Scarlett Johansson for their efforts during this season. Through May 2nd, fans are invited to visit http://awards.broadway.com/vote/ and cast their votes.
