The lights are up, the curtains drawn, everyone is ready on stage, just waiting for the cue. The people in the front row, who have stood in a line since 8:00 A.M. for a ticket that cost them three-hundred-fifty dollars are anxiously waiting for the show to begin. Their watches read 7:07 and finally the curtain opens! A man walks to the podium and says, "Here we are at the fifty-seventh annual Tony Awards. We are all very excited about being here, and I am sure that everyone wants it to run as smooth as possible. Also, we want to recognize the achievements of the actors as well as we can, so what I am trying to say is if you would please turn off all cell phones and watch alarms, it would be greatly appreciated. Now, sit back, relax, and enjoy the show."

Another man walks to the...