While things went smoothly on stage on Sunday at the Tony Awards, the theater world is still up in arms about the show’s red carpet, which “was a mess,” spies said — with Sarah Paulson nearly “body checked by security.”
Even A-listers like Angelina Jolie were left waiting in a long line in the heat to be interviewed!
Several sources have described a scene of “chaos” with many calling it, “the worst red carpet of their careers.”
We’re told after attendees had been waiting, the organizers mysteriously shut down the carpet early without giving a reason.
Adding to the drama, sources said that Paulson — who won a Tony for “Appropriate” — almost got bopped in the process.
“It was a mosh pit,” says one source. “The security guy got right in front of everyone and stretched out his arms to prevent anyone from moving and nearly body checked Sarah Paulson to yell, ‘Carpet’s closed!’ It was unnecessarily aggressive. No one was trying to be rude or out of line.”
Sources told Page Six that all the night’s talent was forced to form a long line, with even Hollywood royalty Jolie — and her daughter, Vivienne — waiting a half hour in the heat in her gown, while others waited an hour.
We hear Jolie was able to get on sooner because brothers Corey Cott — who is currently starring in the Huey Lewis musical “The Heart of Rock and Roll” — and “Riverdale” star Casey Cott let her go in front of them.
“Someone was heard saying it felt like they were on the Titanic,” says one source. “Publicists were begging people to let women and children go first.”
We hear some stars, many who needed to get inside to prep for performances, were not even able to get on the red carpet. “It was a a full blown disaster,” said yet another disgruntled source.
Once inside, we hear press was given a “nominees pack” which misidentified a best actress in a musical nominee — “Lempikca” star Eden Espinosa — with an image of Shoshanna Bean from “Hairspray” in 2002.
On Friday, Page Six reported that several established members of the Broadway press were not invited to cover the carpet.
We hear most theater press did eventually get invited to cover — but were treated by the publicists in a manner that many felt was “condescending” and “dismissive.”
We hear one publicist even got into a “heated exchange” with a reporter.
It was Rogers & Cowan PMK’s first time working the Tonys. The firm had no comment.
But the show must go on! The ceremony itself went smoothly with the theater crowd partying late into the night at the Carlyle, Pebble Bar and more.
PS: Paulson was spotted at both bashes carrying her award, unscathed and having a blast.
