If you want to see what celebrities are really like at an awards show, forget the poses on the red carpet or the rehearsed speeches onstage. Just hang out in the gift lounge, which is what I did at the 2009 Tony Awards, held June 7 at Radio City Music Hall in New York City.
At the show’s Lipton Gift Lounge backstage before the show, I caught up with some of the Tony Award nominees, presenters and performers: Jane Fonda, Bret Michaels of Poison, Liza Minnelli, Allison Janney, Carrie Fisher, Marcia Gay Harden, Edie Falco,and Bebe Neuwirth. The celebrities had their pick of products and services from Lipton; Anoname and Cult of Individuality (denim jeans); Frankie’s Fruit & Chocolate; LaDuca Couture (women’s shoes); Marchon (Jil Sander Eyewear); Nespresso (coffee machines); New York Health and Racquet Club; Passchal (handcrafted handbags); Phyto Universe (beauty treatment gift set); Ultimate Ears by Logitech (custom molded earphones); Vera Bradley (duffel bags and accessories); and Altoids (a year’s supply of a star’s favorite flavor). Celebrity-event company On 3 Productions produced the Lipton Gift Lounge at this year's Tony Awards.
As for the Tony Awards itself, it was one of the most entertaining in the past few years. The opening number — featuring a medley of performances from current Broadway shows, including "9 to 5," "Rock of Ages," "Billy Elliot" and "Hair" — ended with an awe-inspiring, all-star ensemble of performers such as Elton John, Minnelli and Dolly Parton joining Broadway casts onstage for "Let the Sunshine In." It kind of looked Broadway’s version of the Live Aid or Live 8 finale. Neil Patrick Harris did a great job of hosting, striking the right balance between putting his unique stamp on the ceremony and knowing when to get out of the way. This improved Tony Awards show apparently paid off in the ratings: CBS, which telecast the 2009 Tony Awards, issued a press release saying that the show’s household ratings were up 11 percent (with a total of 7.45 million U.S. viewers) from last year — and this year's show had the best ratings for the Tony Awards since 2006.
The celebrities who went to the Lipton Sustainabili-TEA Bar in the lounge were each asked to write down a tip on how to become more eco-friendly or "green." In return, Lipton made a donation to the Broadway Green Alliance, an initiative to help make the theater community adopt more environmentally responsible practices. (At the end of this article, check out the "green" tips from some of the stars.) It was a gift lounge with a purpose other than giving away swag to the celebrity guests. Here’s what the stars had to say when they stopped by to chat.
JANE FONDA
Jane Fonda
Jane Fonda is a trooper. She went to the Tonys the day before she was scheduled to have knee-replacement surgery. The legendary actress was a nominee (for the play "33 Variations") and presenter at this year’s Tony Awards. Sporting a cane and Fendi sunglasses, Fonda picked up Pucci shades from the Marchon vendor in the gift lounge, as well as a pair of Anoname boot-cut jeans for her upcoming trip to Paris. She was the epitome of being poised and confident. Anyone who’s seen Fonda in person can tell you that she looks and acts far younger than most people in her 70s age group. She’s still going strong as an entertainer. Knee surgery won’t stop her at all.
What would you like to do next in your career?
I’d like do another play on Broadway. A new play. I haven’t been [on Broadway] for 46 years. It feels fantastic. It feels like coming home.
You were considered a fitness pioneer in the ‘80s. What do you do to keep in such great shape these days?
Not much right now, because I’m about to have knee-replacement surgery.
When you were a kid, who was the person you most admired?
My father, Henry Fonda.
What do you miss about him the most?
That he’s not here right now to see my return to Broadway after 46 years.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I read. And I’m writing a book and doing research for it.
What’s the book about?
Aging.
What do you think about this gift lounge?
This is a whole new experience for me. This is the first time I’ve ever been in a [gift lounge] like this.
BRET MICHAELS
Bret Michaels
Poison lead singer Bret Michaels came into the gift lounge with Big John, his main security guy (who’s familiar to anyone who’s seen him on Michaels’ VH1 dating reality show "Rock of Love"), and Michaels seemed excited about picking up free things for his two daughters, Raine and Jorja. (Although Michaels also did get some things for himself, including a one-year membership at the New York Health and Racquet Club and a bottle of Pour Un Homme Homme by Caron cologne from Phyto Universe.) Poison drummer Rikki Rockett and bass player Bobby Dall also stopped by the gift lounge before the show.
Poison made an appearance at the Tonys to perform "Nothin’ But a Good Time" with the cast of "Rock of Ages," the musical that features ‘80s rock songs from Poison and several other artists. It was pretty surreal watching that rehearsal from the monitors backstage in the gist lounge — and it must’ve been even more surreal for Michaels when he had the misfortune of having a stage set piece fall on him when he smacked into some scenery later that night after his performance. His injuries included a busted lip that needed stitches and a fractured nose, but he is expected to make a full recovery.
But hours before the performance and right after he was done picking up his swag in the gift lounge, Michaels came over to chat. He talked about how he feels about "Rock of Love" (and whether or not he’s really done with the show for good), what he thinks about Poison performing at the Tonys and why his forthcoming memoir will blow people’s minds.
You’ve said you’re done with "Rock of Love." Is that true and what’s your relationship status with Taya Parker, the Penthouse model you chose in the show’s third season?
Let me clarify a few things. I’m having a great time doing the show. I’ve openly said it should be called "Rock of Dating," you know what I mean? Because that’s what I’m doing: dating and having fun. Taya and I just saw each other the other night. We have a great relationship. We’re dating; we’re having fun. I don’t think you’re going to find love on a TV show in a month and a half, but I think you can have a great time. If I was forced to do it again, I might. But we’ll see. Right now, I couldn’t do it, because I’m still dating and having a good time.
[Says jokingly] Do any of these attractive women who’ve been hired to hold the gift bags here have a shot at being on "Rock of Love"?
We could’ve shot "Rock of Love" right here, not only shopping but up onstage [at the Tonys]. There’s a lot of hotness going on here.
Bret Michaels and Poison at the Tony Awards. Who would’ve thought?
I came here for one reason: to put on a show and go party.
So you’re saying that "Rock of Love" wouldn’t work for you in finding the next big love of your life. Do you think you’re ever find true love?
I say this openly: I have two beautiful daughters, and … you go on TV and you’re having fun, you make a party out of it and have a great time. I realize it’s TV, they [the "Rock of Love" contestants] know it’s TV, and you weed through who’s there for the right reasons.
How do you feel about your daughters dating when they’re old enough? And would you approve of them dating musicians?
I’m not ready for it yet. I was just getting some bags for Raine [Michaels’ older daughter, who’s currently 9 years old], and I saw some pictures she had just taken. She was going to a rock concert. She went to see Kid Rock, which is cool — I don’t mean that in a weird way; she went to see the music. She loves Nick Jonas [of the Jonas Brothers].
Here’s what I honestly think about musicians: Because I’m a musician, I would be proud of she found someone that she loves and is creative and likes what they do in life. I think the stereotypes [about musicians] are broken now. If she finds someone creative and passionate about what they do, you can’t ask for anything better than that.
How do you balance being a devoted father and being a rock star who travels a lot?
I’m a good dad. The one thing I’ve gotten right is I’m a good dad. I say this truthfully: It’s the only time in my life I’ve felt undying, unconditional love. And that’s the truth. I love being a dad, and you have to be ready. I was ready for it when it happened.
Did you ever think you’d ever perform at the Tonys and how were you asked to be at the show?
This is the coolest and strangest thing I’ve done in my life. I’ve never been in a situation like this. I literally played last night in Memphis, Tennessee, and I flew into this little airport … and we drove in. And this is what was amazing: We landed, I got here I thought, "We’ll have a couple of hours, I’ll get coffee," and then it’s "You’re rehearsing." "Where do I go?" I don’t know anything about this stage. Poison, we’re a disaster onstage. We just party and have fun. Here [ at the Tony Awards], there are marks [onstage] and I’m like, "I’ve got to do what now?" It’s strange, but I’m glad I’m here. It’s a great experience.
What do you think of Adam Lambert from "American Idol"?
I’ve got to be honest. I thought Adam Lambert was going to be the winner, and he kind of goes along the whole vampire thing that’s going on. My Chemical Romance "Twilight" … Both of them [Adam Lambert and Kris Allen] are really talented, but here’s the thing: America voted and they liked them.
If you could make the Poison story into a Broadway musical, what would you want to call it?
I would call it "In Spite of Ourselves" … We’re four kids from Pennsylvania that are a disaster, but somehow it all works.
What can you say about your memoir "Roses and Thorns"?
It’s comes out the end of summer. I just want to say one thing: When you read this book, it’ll be different from any other book you’ve read. The pictures alone: When you see my prom photo, you will know why I had to do three seasons of "Rock of Love." I’m the original Napoleon Dynamite. It’s scary.
What’s been Broadway people’s reaction to seeing you at this show?
Can I just say the scariest thing? When I walked in here, they had the whole cast of "Hair," and they thought I was part of the cast. I look like this every day … the bandanas, the long hair. I go, "Holy sh*t! They actually think I’m in the cast."
[Says jokingly]`You’re not wearing tie-dye and bellbottoms though.
[He laughs.] No. Well, I’ve got the semi-bellbottoms.
Who’s your biggest celebrity crush?
I’ve got a celebrity crush mix. It’s a combination of Angelina Jolie and Jennifer Aniston. I’ve openly said this many times. In fact, I had a dream about it last night, but I’ll get into that later.
And who was your biggest celebrity crush when you were a teenager?
I’ve got to be honest with you. After [seeing] "The Blue Lagoon": Brooke Shields. Brooke Shields was hot, and [she had] all that nakedness going on. As a young man losing my virginity in the fish hatchery, it was all good.
How have you been reacting to being among the Tony Awards crowd? And which stars do you want to meet at this show?
I roll with the punches and I take it in. I don’t come here with any attitude. I’m just here to enjoy myself and watch their talent. I saw [James Gandolfini] and said hello. I said hello to Jeff Daniels. [I want to meet] Will Ferrell, because I’m a huge fan.
Have you seen "Rock of Ages"?
I would like to go see it … I haven’t seen any [of the Tony-nominated shows] this year.
What musicals have you seen in your life that impressed you the most?
I saw "Phantom of the Opera" a few years ago, because we used the laser lights for our show … It was amazing. I walked out thought, "Man, this is a really short play." I didn’t know it was intermission … And then I realized no one left the building, so I walked back in.
LIZA MINNELLI
Liza Minnelli
Liza Minnelli is a ball of energy who’s still a force to be reckoned with, after a career spanning several decades. She’s also one of the few entertainers who’s won at least one Oscar, Grammy, Tony, Emmy and Golden Globe. When I talked with Minnelli before this year’s Tony Awards, she admitted to being nervous about her nomination. (In addition to performing at the show, Minnelli was nominated for best theatrical event, for "Liza’s at the Palace.") She needn’t have been too worried, because she won later that night. And guests in the gift lounge got to see Minnelli gush over the Vera Bradley duffel bags and strut her stuff with Jane Fonda as the two women bonded over the LaDuca Couture footwear, which has a special pair of shoes named after Minnelli.
You’ve accomplished so much in career. What do you want to accomplish that you haven’t done yet?
Everything better. "Do it again and do it better." That’s my motto.
Do you ever give yourself a break and pat yourself on the back?
No, I really don’t. If I said that [something I did] was awesome, I’d be resting on my laurels.
You’ve taken your show on the road for over two years. What have been some of the highlights?
Standing on the Palace stage and knowing that Sophie Tucker did that, Eddie Cantor —everyone I wanted to be like and who influenced me, my mother. You can feel it right out of the ground.
ALLISON JANNEY
Allison Janney
This has been a very busy time for Allison Janney. She’s starring on Broadway in the musical "9 to 5" (based on the 1980 movie of the same name), and the Tony Awards fell on the same weekend that her comedy film "Away We Go" opened in theaters. (Click here to read an interview with Janney from the "Away We Go" New York City press junket.) In the gift lounge, Janney (pictured here with a Passchal handbag) really seemed to love the apricot-and-banana treats from Frankie’s Fruit & Chocolate, and she said the new Nespresso CitiZ machine that she picked up from the lounge was for the "9 to 5" women’s dressing room. Janney was a nominee and performer at this year’s Tonys, and she stopped by the gift lounge after finishing her rehearsal onstage.
Even though "9 to 5" wasn’t nominated for a Tony for best musical, what makes this musical special?
In my opinion, [it’s because] Dolly Parton wrote the music. It’s spectacular music. The choreography is stunning. It’s a classy production. Stephanie J. Block, Megan Hilty and I are fabulous together. It’s one of the finest shows on Broadway.
How does it feel to be back in New York doing Broadway?
I love it, because I haven’t been here in a long time. I’ve been doing a lot on the other coast, so I’m so happy to be back on the boards, as they say. I love New York. I lived out here for a long tome before I moved out to L.A., so I’m happy to be back.
What’s the best thing you’ve heard Lily Tomlin say about your performance?
She loves the show. She saw the opening in L.A. and New York. She loves me and I love her. Just the fact that she enjoyed it so much and came back to see it again is praise enough.
You’re so busy on Broadway, but what do you like to do in your free time?
I have no time to do anything. I walk the dog in Central Park. I love it. New York’s a dog city.
CARRIE FISHER
Carrie Fisher
We don’t see Carrie Fisher at a lot of award shows, but she had a special reason to be a presenter at the Tony Awards this year: Her one-woman show, "Wishful Drinking," opens on Broadway later this year. Fisher is one of the most real celebrities you’d ever want to meet. She says whatever is on her mind — which is refreshing, since many stars seem to be programmed by their publicists when they’re giving interviews. It wouldn’t surprise me if Fisher is back at the Tonys next year as a nominee for "Wishful Drinking."
A lot of movies are being made into musicals. What would you think if "Star Wars" became a musical?
"Star Wars," the musical: There would be nothing that could more vomit-ous. We have enough "Star Wars." I like "Star Wars," the porno film [that was in] "Zack and Miri Make a Porno." That was great to me.
Would you have wanted to do a cameo in that?
[She says jokingly] In a porno, absolutely! I’m getting back to my metal-bikini shape and I’m going to do a porno in that. It’ll take a while.
What’s next for you?
I have a new book I’m working on. It’s anectdotage. And I’m doing the [Broadway] show ["Wishful Drinking"] that’s coming in late September at Studio 54.
What Broadway show tunes do you like to sing when you’re alone in the shower?
I’m never alone in the shower. That’s the problem. I like to sing "Hello, Young Lovers." Somewhere in my youth or childhood, I must’ve done something good.
Did you ever want to star in Broadway musical?
I was brought up in a showbiz family and one of the rules at our house was "No singing at the table." I worked in my mother’s show quite a few years ago.
So what movies do you think should be made into a Broadway musical?
"Wild Strawberries," because it would just be freaky. I think doing "Shrek" and "Star Wars" [as musicals] is so obvious. I think we have to go dark and very serious.
MARCIA GAY HARDEN
Marcia Gay Harden
Marcia Gay Harden was accompanied by her mother and adorable daughter Eulala (who turns 9 this year) when they stopped by the gift lounge, where one of their favorite things was the trail mix from Frankie’s Fruit & Chocolate. The actress also said when she stopped saw the Nespresso products: "I love the time my daughter and I spend together drinking coffee and talking. This is perfect!"
Harden was one of the four lead actors (along with James Gandolfini, Hope Davis and Jeff Daniels) nominated for a 2009 Tony for the play "God of Carnage," but she was the only one of the four to win. (The press-shy Gandolfini declined to do interviews in the gift lounge, but he was sweet as can be to the people around him — even offering to carry the gift bag that a handler was supposed to lug around.) Harden talked about what it’s been like to work on "God of Carnage," which ended up winning the 2009 Tony for best play.
When you’re onstage with James Gandolfini, do you ever think about his persona as Tony Soprano?
He’s a sublime actor. The fact that he played Tony Soprano, for me is, is so long gone. It’s so last year. When you meet him onstage, he’s an absolute teddy bear and then [there’s] the rage of a man suppressed and controlled by a woman. All of us can picture on some level our fathers when the wife says, “Wouldn’t you like to unload the dishwasher?” And they look at her like, “No, I don’t want to.” The little things that happen in marriage, you see his rage come out. I don’t make that connection, because I think he’s an awesome actor. He’s a generous, gorgeous human being. He’s so kind.
"God of Carnage" is kind of a physical role for you. Can you talk about that?
I’m the most violent one in the play. I’m the one who hounds people and jumps on people and hits James Gandolfini. It becomes a little dance, actually. You fly through the air, and he’s very solid. He’s game. Initially, I was like, "I have to do what to James?" But he’s game.
There are a lot of celebrities having twins lately. What advice do you have for them, since you have twins of your own?
Grow four more arms.
What do you think about all four lead actors in "God of Carnage" being nominated for Tony Awards? That’s pretty rare for one play.
I think the play is funny. I really think Yasmina Reza has written a play that has four equal parts and everybody gets to dive in — and that’s rare.
EDIE FALCO
Edie Falco
Like Marcia Gay Harden, Edie Falco is a devoted mother of young kids, and she has co-starred with James Gandolfini as his character’s wife. Falco, of course, is best known for her Emmy-winning role as Carmela Soprano in "The Sopranos." And now she’s starting a new chapter in her career with the Showtime series "Nurse Jackie," premiering June 8.
Falco was a presenter at this year’s Tony Awards, and she and Gandolfini had fun catching up with each other at the Frankie’s Fruit & Chocolate vendor stand in the gift lounge. According to a source who witnessed this mini-"Sopranos" reunion: Gandolfini said, "I’ll eat anything," as he chowed down on a chocolate dipped pineapple. Meanwhile, Falco scooped up a bag of chocolate-dipped dried fruit for her kids. "They’re crazy about chocolate!," she said.
What musical show tunes do you like to sing?
"West Side Story" and "Hair" are shows I grew up with, and I’ve seen many versions of them — movies and plays — and they’re way up there in the musical show-tune category.
What do you think people will like the most and like the least about your "Nurse Jackie" character?
You know what? I’m always the last one to know these things. That’s the way things should be. I do my job, and I hope people like it. And if they don’t, that’s cool too. That’s what makes the horse race, as they say.
What do you like about being in New York this time of year?
New York is very exciting this time of year. Winter is finally over, you can take your coats off … and then in a month and a half, it becomes unbearably hot.
What do you think about James Gandolfini in "God of Carnage?"
I went opening night. He’s fantastic. I’m his biggest fan.
What Broadway shows have you seen this season that you would recommend?
"Exit the King" was spectacular, "Reasons to Be Pretty" was spectacular. "Hair," I saw and cried myself silly. There’s so much good stuff.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever gotten?
Do everything with love.
BEBE NEUWIRTH
Bebe Neuwirth
Tony-winning actress Bebe Neuwirth is still glowing from her recent marriage to Chris Calkins (founder of the Destino vineyard), who was with her when she stopped by the gift lounge. (The couple got hitched in New York City in May 2009.) Giggling like a blushing bride, Neuwirth sampled the products in the lounge, including the chocolate-dipped mango and apricot from Frankie’s Fruit & Choclate, and she raved about the Florentine shoe with feather detail that she picked up from LaDuca Couture.
Congratulations on getting married. How was your wedding?
It was beautiful. A friend of mine is a Zen Buddhist priest, and he handled part of the ceremony.
What’s the best thing about being married?
The best part is waking up every day and being grateful for finding each other.
How did you meet your husband?
We met through his stepmother, who was my acting teacher. He lived in Northern California and just happened to be [where I was] … My new husband, this is his first time at the Tonys.
What can you say about your "The Addams Family" stage musical, in which you play Morticia?
We’re going to do another workshop in two weeks, and then we’re going to play in Chicago for the fall and winter, and then we hope to come to Broadway.
Will the characters in "The Addams Family" musical be more like the ones in "The Addams Family" TV series or movies?
It’s based on the cartoon. The television show and the movies were based on the cartoons in the New Yorker by a fantastic cartoonist called Charles Addams.
You’ve made some memorable guest appearances on TV shows. How do you feel about doing a guest appearance in "30 Rock"?
That’s a wonderful show. Put in a good word for me.
What are some of your favorite things about New York City?
There are so many answers to that question. I just happened to have a conversation with somebody the other day about all the hidden little jewels of architecture and history that you don’t necessarily know or see … all over the city.
"Green" Tips From the Stars
Susan Sarandon
Here are some of the "green" tips left by the stars at the Lipton Sustainabili-TEA Bar:
Susan Sarandon notes, "I drive a Prius and change my light bulbs."
Jane Fonda reveals, "I drive a Prius. I have solar hot water and space heaters. And I make sure to recycle."
Liza Minnelli dazzles audiences but she makes sure to shut off lights when she’s not using them at home.
Marcia Gay Harden washes all her clothes in cold water. "It saves energy and clothes get just as clean!"
Harvey Fierstein offers, "I buy people’s old crap and fill my house with it. It’s good for the planet and great for conversation."
Allison Janney makes sure to unplug her cell phone charger, hair dryer and any other appliance not in use.
Chandra Wilson advises, "Make sure kids get involved with recyclables."
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