Memorable Moments from the 2008 Tony Telecast

The 2008 Tony telecast included heartfelt speeches, gorgeous fashions and performances from a total of 13 musicals. As we watched the show, a few moments stood out:

"This is How Passing Strange Does It!" Stew & Co. got the telecast rocking with "Keys," the show-stopping number that ends with the rousing callout "It's all right!" Fun reaction shot: Shubert head and Passing Strange producer Gerry Schoenfeld cheering his youthful cast after the number. Stew, who was awarded the Tony for Best Book off-camera before the CBS telecast began, turned heads once again late in the show when he donned fake glasses and a rubber nose during his introduction as a Best Actor nominee.

Mandy Patinkin Gives Patti LuPone a Standing O. Gypsy began its number with a book scene, allowing Patti LuPone to give Momma Rose's "I'm gonna make you a star" speech to a horrified Laura Benanti and Boyd Gaines, then belt out "Everything's Coming Up Roses" in great voice. LuPone earned a standing ovation led by 90-year-old director/librettist Arthur Laurents—and her Evita co-star Mandy Patinkin, sporting in a beard longer and grayer than Che's.

Lin-Manuel Miranda Makes a Latin "Hat." A rapped acceptance speech? We wouldn't expect anything less from the In the Heights Best Score winner. But how many freestylers would think to weave an homage to Sunday in the Park with George into their remarks? "Mr. Sondheim, look, I made a hat! Where there never was a hat. It's a Latin hat at that!" crowed the adorable Lin-Manuel Miranda before pulling a Puerto Rican flag from his pocket.

Mark Rylance Says…What? You gotta love a guy who manages to give a lengthy Best Actor acceptance speech without thanking a single person or plugging his own show—and if the speech itself doesn't really make any sense, who cares? Loved the look of utter confusion on the face of Rylance's Boeing-Boeing co-star Mary McCormack! Bonus Shakespeare moment: Presenter Mary-Louise Parker declined to say the word "Macbeth" after nominee Patrick Stewart's name, invoking instead "the Scottish play." A moment later, Alec Baldwin had no such superstition when introducing Macbeth Best Actress nominee Kate Fleetwood.

Rent Original Cast Members Reunite: Thirteen members of the original cast of Rent minus Jesse L. Martin and Kristen Lee Kelly joined the show's current cast members onstage, inspiring audience members such as Sunday in the Park with George star Daniel Evans to sing along during Seasons of Love. And Daphne, Anthony, Adam, Idina, Taye et. al. still look great!

Patti Gets Her Moment! Pretending to read from a speech saved from previous years when she didn't win, La LuPone reveled in her Best Actress win and joked —several times—about the fact that she took home her previous Tony almost 30 years ago. With Laura Benanti and Boyd Gaines already holding awards for their supporting roles, the pressure was definitely on Patti to come through, and she did. A memorable moment indeed, navy blue nail polish and all!

Liza in a Mini: Need we say more?!