It's Tonty Time.

No that is not a spelling mistake, but a nod to Tony nominated actress Jenn Colella. Ladies and gentleman it's the day of the Tonys, which to most theatre kids is like Christmas, Thanksgiving and their birthday all rolled into one. It's the one day a year where our love for all things theatrical can be celebrated, adored, awarded and televised. It brings together a community that always feels outcasted, and for that one night we can group together and bathe in the love, adoration and talent of people who mean so much to us. With 13 new musicals this season, which hasn't happened since the 1980-81 season, we were guaranteed to get some spectacularly magical theatre. From the heart wrenching Dear Evan Hansen to the quirky Groundhog Day we are truly a privileged audience.

Since I was a little kid I've watched the Tony awards. Most of the time my Grammy and I would watch them together, me directly in front of the television wide eyed and singing along, her in her chair watching and smiling. Out of all the grandkids, I was the one who grasped on to her love of theatre and embraced it as my own. She was always very educated about the shows. She would clip out newspaper reviews and save them for me so I could see what was happening. We would talk about the plays and musicals in great detail, most of the time never having seen them, but having listened to cast recordings on repeat. This year will be the first year that I won't be able to share the Tonys with her. But I know who she'd root for, and I know she's probably grabbed the best seat in the house to finally get to watch from Radio City. Thank you for everything I know Grammy. Miss you.

What I've always loved about the Tonys was how accessible it made theatre. Being from Ontario I'm close to New York, but as a kid I wasn't able to just pack up and go see a show. I didn't start seeing theatre in New York on the regular till I was about 15, so for the first let's say 10 years of my life the Tony's are where I got my fix. I know I'm only 25 but youtube wasn't a thing, the internet was barely a thing. I could watch The Rosie O'Donnell show to see a performance of a show, but really once it aired, you'd never see it again. So I would watch the Tony's, sometimes we'd tape them on a vhs, and I think I even filmed some of the performances on a camera once. It was my theatre education, I learned everything from watching. I got to see little bits of shows I would never have the opportunity to, and I got to see my version of celebrities on stage, in beautiful outfits being fabulous.

This year's Tony Awards are probably the closest ones to my heart in a very long time. We have a Canadian based and written show, Come From Away. The story of the people of Gander, Newfoundland and their generosity, love and acceptance to the grounded plane people on September 11, 2001. A story most people didn't really know. Being Canadian, I feel ashamed I wasn't aware of the kindness and support the people of Gander gave to the over 7,000 people who were stranded in their little part of the world. A show that proves kindness outweighs everything. Jenn Colella, who is nominated for playing Beverly Bass, the first female captain, should be the spokesperson for kindness. Not only does she preach it to everyone, but she practices it as well. Getting to see her highlighted this Tony season is a joy and education to aspiring actors and human beings alike. If everyone took her point of view into account the world would be a much more beautiful place. Not only is she a stunning example of a human being, but she has a voice and a presence onstage that cannot be beat. Everything about her performance is stunning and complex. She brings us on a rollercoaster ride of emotion during 'Me And The Sky' that even the toughest of critics cannot deny the star power. It's a stunning portrayal of storytelling and revealing of one's true self. Nothing is fake or pushed, and everything falls into place. The show is masterfully written by Irene Sankoff and David Hein, who wrote the book, music and lyrics. They capture every good, wonderful part about being Canadian, and create a beautiful, heart wrenching story out of such a tragic event. As difficult as it is to relive the memories of 9/11, they approach the story in such a delicate, considerate, kind way that you want to embrace it. This show, this story, this cast creates absolute magic on stage 8 times a week. And I am so happy as a Canadian, as a performer and as a human being to be able to witness this shows success. Congratulations ladies and gentleman.

The next that holds very dear to my heart is my beloved Falsettos. Most people, theatre or not, have heard me talk on and on about the wonder that is William Finn and James Lapines Falsettos. Another masterful portrayal of human beings. A story about family, love and the uncertainty of life. A show that captures grief, loss, anger, happiness and joy in such an authentic way, you'd think you were looking into someone's living room. The cast of seven comprised of some of Broadways best. Christian Borle, Andrew Rannells, Stephanie J. Block, Brandon Uranowitz, Tracie Thoms, Betsy Wolfe and newcomer Anthony Rosenthal. Just so you know how outstanding this cast is 4 out of the 7 cast members are nominated for Tony's for their work, and the entire cast is up for Best Revival. They are the perfect example of honesty, compassion and completely giving yourself to the work. Everyone on that stage connected with each other so beautifully that the audience could feel it, there was an electricity in the air that was so pulsing. This cast deserves all the love, attention, admiration, and praise they are getting for this show and I am so glad everyone will get to witness this show in the fall when PBS airs it on Live from Lincoln Center. This will forever hold a very important, special place in my heart. It came to me at the most tragic, yet perfect time in my life and I cannot give enough praise and say thank you enough to this cast for all that they did.

There are lots of things I wish could happen tomorrow. I want categories to be tied between actors because they deserve it, I want shows to sweep everything because it will be unexpected, I want ensembles to be rewarded for the work they put in every night, I want shows that got snubbed to have their time in the sun. I wish a show like Charlie and The Chocolate Factory, who created a magical, quirky world to get the love that it deserves. Is it a perfect show, not by any means, but man was I the happiest I have ever been in a theatre. And honestly that should be acknowledged. I wish that A Bronx Tale, a show about a community, about family and about love got to show the world it's heart. I wish that Richard H Blake got to belt out 'These Streets' and Hudson Loverro got to charm the audience with 'I Like It.' And that all we could see are Italians when they perform 'Belmont Avenue.' I wish that Understudies got the recognition for being able to perform a leading role with the drop of a hat, knowing that people are going to be confused to see their name, then be delighted to have found a new favourite performer.

If you aren't a fan of theatre I want to say this, more people attended a Broadway show last year than all 9 professional sports teams in New York City. Over 13 million people went to a Broadway show and honestly that brings me to tears. Something that made me and so many other kids so different then everyone else, seeing so much love and support being shown is a feeling like no other. I dream and work to one day be on one of those stages, Tony award or not.

Now, I'm going to share my predictions for a few categories. But I'm going to give two options, the first being who I want to win, and the second being who I think will win.

Best Musical

Want: Come From Away

Will: Come From Away. In all honesty everyone seems so focused on Dear Evan Hansen and The Great Comet that I think CFA will come from underneath and steal the title.

Best Revival

Want: Falsettos (obviously)

Will: I want to say Falsettos, but honestly I think Hello Dolly may steal it. I'm still hopeful though.

Leading Actor in a Musical

Want: Christian Borle. He doesn't think he'll win.

Will: Ben Platt

Leading Actress in a Musical

Want: Patti LuPone. If this is her last musical let's end it with a bang.

Will: Bette Midler

Featured Actor in a Musical

Want: Brandon Uranowitz. His Mendel is a perfect interpretation of the character.

Will: I'm torn between either Gavin Creel or Andrew Rannells.

Featured Actress in a Musical

Want: Stephanie J. Block or Jenn Colella

Will: Stephanie J. Block or Jenn Colella. I honestly cannot decide between the two.

I have opinions on almost every other category but I know y'all are just here for those ones.

So ladies and gentleman, grab a drink, grab a snack and get ready to watch as Kevin Spacey(okie dokie) hosts the 71st Annual Tony Awards. Watch some beautiful theatre performed live in front of you, and be kind to each other.