Elton John, "Billy Elliot" composer, said of the live-performance aspect of the Tonys: "It's a lot more enjoyable than the Oscars, because you're entertained from start to finish."
Tony winner Angela Lansbury: "I'd love to work with James Gandolfini. That would be very nice. I'm such an admirer. ...There are some wonderful actors working at the moment on Broadway."
Jerry Herman, special Tony Award for lifetime achievement in the theater: "Did you know that I was born on this street and my mother thought there was something special that her hospital room had a great view of the Winter Garden marquee. Well, here I am 77 years later, still on 50th Street, but enjoying the ultimate moment of my life."
Matthew Warchus, Tony-winning director of "God of Carnage": "Thank you for a brilliant cast. ...They're all gorgeous. And while I'm up here onstage, I want to acknowledge the 'Norman Conquests' company. They're all brilliant."
Karen Olivo, featured actress in a musical, "West Side Story": "I'm completely unprepared for this. ... I just want to dedicate this to everyone who has a dream."
Anne Hathaway, presenter: "I'm not an authority on why it's important for the rest of the country, but theater is one of the most important aspects of ours and any culture. ... It's not necessarily a well-known part of American identity, but it is a huge part of it."
Alice Ripley, lead actress in musical: "There's a quote in the Kennedy Center by John Fitzgerald Kennedy, and it says, 'I am certain that after the dust of centuries has passed over our cities, we, too, will be remembered not for victories or defeats in battle or in politics, but for our contribution to the human spirit.' And he's talking about art. ... 'Next to Normal' fits the things he was talking about."
Roger Robinson, featured actor in a play, "Joe Turner's Come and Gone": "It's taken 46 years to come up these steps to this microphone."
David Alvarez, left, one of three Tony-winning Billy Eliots, on his trophy: "We have to put these back, though, and they give us, like, a real one."
Jane Fonda, actress nominee, "33 Variations," twittering before the show: "The trick is to be Zen about it. Winning is sometimes not the prize."
Liza Minnelli, special theatrical event, "Liza's at The Palace": "I'm really startled. ... An icon a gay icon! I love it!"
Constantine Maroulis, star of "Rock of Ages": "There's a lot of star power here. I'm star struck myself."