Broadway's Big Night

By Stephen M. Silverman

09/09/1998 at 12:00 AM EDT

Broadway held its big night last night, with the 53rd annual Tony Awards, hosted by Rosie O'Donnell and Nathan Lane. The big winner of the night was the revival of "Kiss Me, Kate," which won five Tonys, including one for director Michael Blakemore, who also won a Tony for directing the drama "Copenhagen." The double win is a Tony first. Presenter Kathie Lee Gifford received the scantiest of applause when she appeared on stage at Radio City Music. Backstage with press, she said, "Why am I here? I'm looking for a job." As for who will assume her spot in the chair next to Regis Philbin on "Live!" once she leaves this summer, Gifford said: "Those that are being seriously considered in the papers are not being seriously considered. (The producers) may not announce until the end of the year."