The Tonys celebrate the best of the best on CBS Cover Story

By Kyla Brewer TV Media

Broadway is having a moment.

While New York’s beloved theater district has always been popular, it’s been particularly successful this past season, and the city’s performers are ready to celebrate.

Kevin Spacey (“House of Cards”) takes the stage of New York’s iconic Radio City Music Hall to host the 71st Annual Tony Awards, airing Sunday, June 11, on CBS. Founded in 1947, the awards recognize outstanding achievement in a number of categories, including acting, writing and choreography, as well as more technical aspects of theater production such as costume and lighting design.

A Tony, Oscar and Golden Globe winner himself, Spacey is a natural choice to host what is considered by many to be the preeminent theater awards ceremony in the world. Still, he had no trouble making light of the gig when it was announced.

“I was their second choice for ‘Usual Suspects,’ fourth choice for ‘American Beauty’ and 15th choice to host this year’s Tony Awards. I think my career is definitely going in the right direction,” Spacey quipped. “Maybe I can get shortlisted to host the Oscars if everyone else turns it down.”

The actor is currently the star and executive producer of the Netflix series “House of Cards.” His role as Frank Underwood has netted him a Golden Globe and back-to-back SAG Awards. Before landing roles in critically lauded films such as “The Usual Suspects” (1995) and “American Beauty” (1999) — both of