Crystal Couldn't Upstage Jackman

The big awards were spread around to many shows Sunday night, when Broadway gave out its highest honors at the 59th Annual Tony Award.

And there to celebrate were some of Hollywood and Broadway's biggest stars, reports The Early Show co-anchor Harry Smith, who offered viewers a backstage pass.

It seemed everyone was rooting for the man who was hosting the show for the third year running, Smith says. "Hugh Jackman, we're thrilled," actress Joan Allen said about the host. "The audience is in store for so much fun with him."

Actress Megan Mullaly agreed. "He was so good last year; he did such a great job," she says.

"I know what they're going through," pointed out Billy Crystal, who has hosted a few award shows himself, on the red carpet walk. "You try to be the best audience you can; it's tough up there."

But Crystal wasn't willing to sit idly by. On stage, he opened up the show pretending to actually be the host.

"Welcome to the 59th Annual Tony awards, or as CBS calls them: 'CSI: Broadway,'" he said. But Jackman quickly set him straight as to who was in charge.

Before the night was through, Crystal had his own Tony award, winning special theatrical event for his one-man show, "700 Sundays."

"The greatest thrill of my life was doing this show," Crystal said. "It's reconnected me with who I am, and the kind of work I can do. It's raw; it's live; it's dangerous, and it reminded me of why I fell in love with acting to begin with."

Jackman had some hosting highlights of his own: dancing a little, and singing a duet with the queen of soul, Aretha Franklin.

Presenters ranged from Christina Applegate, who elicited gasps from the audience with a faux stumble on stage, to Marcia Cross who appeared with Alan Alda. Even Harry Smith managed to get in on the fun, presenting an award with four-time Emmy winner Doris Roberts:

"You know I only see you in the morning, Harry," Roberts joked. Smith replied, "Doris, I love being in your bedroom every morning."

But the night was about awards. The year's best play was "Doubt," which walked off with four trophies, including best actress for Cherry Jones.

"It's just an embarrassment of riches, with this show," Jones said. "Between the Pulitzer and all of us being in good health going into the summer time with this great play. You know, it's just one of those rare brilliant moments that life presents every once in a while if you're really lucky."

And the night's best musical was "Monty Python's Spamalot," inspired by the comedy troupe's film "The Holy Grail." The show won three awards, including Best Featured Actress Sara Ramirez.

"We all just marvel," Ramirez said. "But you just revel in it, and you accept, cherish it because it's unlike anything a lot of us has ever experienced."

The night's biggest winner was the musical "The Light In The Piazza" which walked off with six awards, including Best Actress.