April 03, 2012|By Dana Moran | RedEye
We aren't really regular viewers of the Tony Awards, but Neil Patrick Harris just might give us something to tune in for. The "How I Met Your Mother" star will host the night honoring achievements in theater for the third time in four years, producers announced Tuesday. After his tours of duty MCing the Tonys, Emmys and er, TV Land awards, we're pretty much ready to give this guy a crown -- or just a bunch of other wacky gigs. Check out our top picks.
damoran@tribune.com | @redeyedana
Laser tag tournament
If there's one thing Neil's Barney Stinson loves almost as much as suits, it's this thrilling, life-or-death sport. And by "life-or-death," we mean "often played by Justin Bieber." But hey, he'd be able to provide the most accurate commentary in the history of glow-in-the-dark vests.
Scripps National Spelling Bee
We imagine this would be a great chance for Neil's hidden stern side to come out. I'm sorry, you don't know how to spell "cymotrichous"? What have your parents been teaching you! (Side note: The actual winning word in 1984 was "luge." WHAT?!)
Barnum & Bailey circus
Things we don't get to see enough of: Neil in a top hat. Add a whip and some kicky striped pants, and you've got the recipe for an entire evening of fun.
International Mr. Leather
We're not sure if this is Neil's bag, but we do know it's a great way to get him wandering the streets of Chicago, since our fair city hosts the event every May. We promise not to be the most obnoxious fans ever.
"Jeopardy!"
Apparently he served as a fake host in 2010, but we can definitely see Neil taking the baton from Alex Trebek for good. Just don't make him grow a mustache like the one Trebek used to have -- not a good look.
Oscars
Remember when Alec Baldwin and Steve Martin hosted the Academy Awards a few years ago, but everybody got really, really excited when NPH turned up during the musical number? Yeah -- imagine that, but for 2.5 hours. James Franco, sit back down.
