Notable quotes from 2009 Tony Awards

Notable quotes from 2009 Tony Awards

Quotes from 2009 Tony Awards, presented Sunday night:

David Alvarez, one of three Tony-winning Billy Eliots, on his trophy: “We have to put these back, though, and they give us, like, a real one.”

Elton John, musical, “Billy Eliot,’ on the live-performance aspect of the Tonys: “It’s a lot more enjoyable than the Oscars because you’re entertained from start to finish.”

Angela Lansbury, featured actress in a play, “Blithe Spirit”: “Bringing Hair back at this time and having it be a huge success is wonderful for Broadway,” Angela Lansbury. “I’d love to work with James Gandolfini. That would be very nice. I’m such an admirer. … There are some wonderful actors working at the moment on Broadway.”

“This is amazing. … Who would have thought? Who knew? Who knew that this time in my life that I should be presented with this lovely lovely award.”

Jerry Herman, special Tony Award for lifetime achievement in the theater: “Did you know that I was born on this street and my mother thought there was something special that her hospital room had a great view of the Winter Garden marquee. Well, here I am 77 years later, still on 50th Street but enjoying the ultimate moment of my life. The journey from mom’s window to this iconic stage has been filled with so much joy and laughter. … The only way I know how to say thank you to hundreds of thousands of people who helped get me here is to say one enormous heartfelt thank you to every soul who has touched my life in the musical theater. … The best of life is now, is now.”

Matthew Warchus, winner, direction of a play, “God of Carnage”: “Thank you for a brilliant cast. … They’re all gorgeous. And while I’m up here onstage, I want to acknowledge the ‘Norman Conquests’ company — their all brilliant,” Warchus said.

Gregory Jbara, winner, featured actor in a musical, “Billy Eliot”: “I’ve never had a role this emotional before. … The emotional journey is actually quite healing and rejuvenating. … I actually don’t feel my feet touching the floor right now. I really don’t.”

Karen Olivo, featured actress in a musical, “West Side Story”: “I’m completely unprepared for this. … I just want to dedicate this to everyone who has a dream.”

Anne Hathaway, presenter: “I’m not an authority on why it’s important for the rest of the country but theater is one of the most important aspects of ours and any culture. … It’s not necessarily a well known part of American identity, but it is a huge part of it.”

Producer Oskar Eustis thanked every one associated with winning revival “Hair” and its origins, and the cast, “These 32 most beautiful beasts of the forests, who not only know what hair stands for but live it every day. … Peace now, freedom now, equality now.”

Alice Ripley, lead actress in musical, “Next to Normal”: “There’s a quote in the Kennedy Center by John Fitzgerald Kennedy, and it says, ‘I am certain that after the dust of centuries has passed over our cities, we, too, will be remembered not for victories or defeats in battle or in politics, but for our contribution to the human spirit.’ And he’s talking about art. … ‘Next to Normal’ fits the things he was talking about.”

Yasmina Reza, author winning play, “God of Carnage” and past Tony winner: “I’m very happy to be here again. Maybe you missed my accent and wanted to hear it again. I’m very grateful for all the people who gave their best for the production.”

Roger Robinson, featured actor in a play, “Joe Turner’s Come and Gone”: “It’s taken 46 years to come up these steps to this microphone.”

Jane Fonda, actress nominee, “33 Variations,” twittering before the show: “The trick is to be Zen about it. Winning is sometimes not the prize.”

Liza Minnelli, special theatrical event, “Liza’s at The Palace”: “I’m really startled. … An icon — a gay icon! I love it!”

Constantine Maroulis, star of “Rock of Ages”: “There’s a lot of star power here. I’m star struck myself.”