Joel Hatch ’78 performed for the event at Radio City Music Hall, while Grant Strom ’15 joined the cast and crew of the hit musical “Hello, Dolly!” as they accepted the award for the Best Revival of a Musical.
Hatch (fourth from left) has been working in theatre for decades. His latest work is performing in the new musical “Come From Away.” It’s the story of Gander, Newfoundland – a town of around 10,000 that took in thousands of guests when 38 planes were grounded there in the aftermath of 9/11.
In this ensemble cast, Hatch plays many characters. One of note is the mayor of Gander who he is portraying in the musical number “Welcome to the Rock” at the Tonys, the awards for excellence in Broadway theatre.
Hatch says performing for the best of Broadway at the awards ceremony was a thrilling experience.
“There is nothing like it in an actor’s career,” Hatch says. “It is bumping against the U.N of acting.”
Strom (right) started his Broadway career less than a year ago working on Irving Berlin’s “Holiday Inn.” The production’s musical director, Andy Einhorn, hired Strom again for his next production, “Hello, Dolly!” He began as a music assistant and his role has since expanded.
“These days I have a much more active role and a bigger voice. I’m playing a lot more, especially for Donna Murphy, who plays the role of Dolly Levi on Tuesdays,” Strom says.
The show is just as exciting as Bette Midler described it during her Tonys acceptance speech for Best Actress, Strom says.
“This show radiates joy in a way that seems so poignant right now; it has the power to make even the cynics smile,” Strom says. “It has universal messages, yet it still hits the individual right in the heart.”
Read more about Grant Strom’s work on “Hello, Dolly!” in his own words.
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