Tony Awards dedicated to Orlando victims

NEW YORK >> The shooting at a gay Florida nightclub cast a shadow on the 2016 Tony Awards, with organizers dedicating Sunday’s ceremony to the victims and Broadway performers rushing to embrace the LGBT community.

“Our hearts are heavy for the unimaginable tragedy that happened last night in Orlando. Our thoughts are with the families and friends of those affected,” the Tony Awards said in a statement Sunday. “The Tony Awards dedicate tonight’s ceremony to them.”

At least 50 people died early Sunday when a gunman opened fire inside a crowded nightclub in Orlando, Florida. It was the deadliest mass shooting in American history.

Organizers didn’t say how the evening’s Tony broadcast would be affected, but “Hamilton” — the musical about Founding Father Alexander Hamilton that is expected to win big — will drop its use of muskets in its performance, according to a spokesman for the musical.