Tony Awards 2011 Highlights: 'Book Of Mormon' and 'War Horse' Win Big (PHOTOS, VIDEO) [UPDATED]

Tonight's 65th annual Tony Awards were one of the liveliest in recent memory. Returning host Neil Patrick Harris started the show off with a peppy song and dance number, sang twice more during the broadcast and finished the show off with a re-cap rap. It was "legen....wait for it...dary!"

One of the highlights from Harris' second tenure as host included an opening number that featured a vocal vignette by Stephen Colbert, an Anthony Weiner joke and the line "Broadway has never been broader, it's not just for gays anymore!" Harris tackled the elephant in the room, the continued troubles with "Spiderman: Turn Off The Dark," in a 30-second segment in which he made as many quips as he could before time ran out. Hugh Jackman joined Harris on stage later in the show for a medley of show-tunes with lyrics altered to script a fight over which of the two is a better Tonys host.

Among other presenters, Bono and The Edge seemed to be the standouts for their willingness to make fun of their musical's recent troubles, stating, "it has been confirmed by the Reverend Harold Camping that 'Spiderman: Turn Off The Dark' will be opening Tuesday." Trey Parker and Matt Stone caused some chuckles when they thanked their deceased co-writer Joseph Smith upon winning the award for Best New Musical.

The Best Musical numbers of the evening were from "Anything Goes", "Book Of Mormon", "Scottsboro Boys", and "Company." Best Lead Actress In A Musical winner Sutton Foster showed off her tap dancing skills in the delightful titular number of the musical "Anything Goes".

The big winners of the night were "Book of Mormon" with 9 Tonys and "War Horse" with 6 Tonys. Notable winners included John Laroquette, Ellen Barkin, Nikki M. James, Sutton Foster, Norbert Leo Butz, Frances McDormand and Mark Rylance. To see a full list of winners click here.

See videos and photos of the highlights below.

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Winners of Best Musical Trey Parker (2nd R), Matt Stone, Robert Lopez (R) and crew speak on stage with during the 65th Annual Tony Awards at the Beacon Theatre on June 12, 2011 in New York City.

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Winners of Best Musical Trey Parker (2nd R), Matt Stone, Robert Lopez (R) and crew speak on stage with during the 65th Annual Tony Awards at the Beacon Theatre on June 12, 2011 in New York City.

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Comments

[canadapaul]

08:32 PM on 06/13/2011

I've been watching since I was a kid. It's always exciting to see the musical numbers.
Neil P Harris is breathing new life into the ceremonies. Hugh Jackman is great also.
Loved the bit about Daniel Radcliffe poking out the eyes of War Horse. I have to say,
Bobby Canavalle looked positively hunkyer than usual, darn that Sutton, no wonder
she was glowing. OY

CANADAPAUL
afriendofElphaba

[ZoeT]

07:10 PM on 06/13/2011

My fave awards show. It actually comes off as spontaneous, especially compared to all the self-importance that drains the soul from the Oscars. What a kick -- Harris and Jackman co-hosts next year. They played off each other perfectly. And how brilliant was the closing rap? Thanks, guys!

[drlouise]

06:49 PM on 06/13/2011

Amazing show! Neil Patrick Harris is amazing. Colbert did a great job dancing!

[ahoyhoy]

06:02 PM on 06/13/2011

Amazing to see Trey Parker's evolution from Cannibal to B, L, & U, to Team America, as well as the random songs he's written over the years for South Park.
As a fan Of Broadway and of Trey, I'm thrilled that his long-held dream to be on Broadway came true. And he even got a boatload of awards for it. He has long been an underrated writer.

[Dan Kreutzer]

05:20 PM on 06/13/2011

Harris adn Jackman in a duet. Now who's on top? and who's on bottom?

[William70]

04:08 PM on 06/13/2011

What a joy to watch. That had to be one of the best opening numbers ever! The stage last night was a bustin' with talent.

[Ladybug50]

03:56 PM on 06/13/2011

Neil Patrick Harris was outstanding!!! He stole the show! I loved it, loved it, loved it!

[jrmarsh]

03:52 PM on 06/13/2011

I tried to watch it last night, what a bunch of hokum.

[GV97]

03:42 PM on 06/13/2011

Never miss a Tony Award Show ! ( Why can't the Oscars take some lessons.)
The Harris & Jackman duet was outstanding and the ballad from Spider Man was
beautifully sung and staged.
The whole show was wonderful..... as always.

[canadapaul]

08:41 PM on 06/13/2011

X2, that song alone makes me want to buy the soundtrack to Spiderman.

CANADAPAUL
afriendofElphaba

[proudcalib]

03:37 PM on 06/13/2011

Why can't the Oscar telecast be this lively and fun?

[canadapaul]

08:45 PM on 06/13/2011

Because movie people need 10 takes to get it right.

[PeaceLuvJoy]

03:12 PM on 06/13/2011

I'm a U2 fan, but isn't the guy a little old to still be calling himself, 'The Edge'

[RFlo]

03:10 PM on 06/13/2011

So this is where all the great stars and actors go to. I watched and loved it. Great show.

[peggysmom]

02:42 PM on 06/13/2011

i was very pleased to see that Francis Dormand and Norbert Leo Butz won for best actors in musical & drama. saw both shows & they both deserve their awards.

[Kmuzu]

02:24 PM on 06/13/2011

Every time a m o d hits my comment, I ignore an advertiser.

[ssapp]

02:22 PM on 06/13/2011

I had the wonderful pleasure of seeing Anything Goes from the fourth row center orchestra in April, and as good as this video is, watching Sutton Foster live is incomparably better! She is unquestionably Broadway's leading leading lady.