It’s not surprising to hear Neil Patrick Harris’ name and the Tony awards in the same sentence. He’s hosted a number of times and has always delivered, but this year he’s stepped down from the helm and will be attending as not only a nominee but performer as well.

The same night Harris’ hit TV series How I Met Your Mother took its finale bow, he was in New York City for the opening night of his Broadway play, Hedwig And The Angry Inch. Harris plays the title character in this play written by John Cameron Mitchell with music by Stephen Trask.

It tells the story of Hedwig, a man from Germany with rock star dreams who falls in love with a soldier, has a botched sex change surgery, falls in love with another man, is deceived and then ultimately has a realization of who her true soulmate is.

Harris has received rave reviews and of course, the Tony nod for Best Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical. He’s up against Les Misérables’ Ramin Karimloo, Andy Karl from Rocky, and two actors from A Gentleman’s Guide To Love & Murder. It’s a tight race, but Harris does have an undeniable charm to him that may have swayed the vote.

Viewers can expect to see Harris perform a number from Hedwig at the Tony’s, which air Jun. 8, 2014 on CBS. Sadly he won’t be hosting, but will likely take part in some bits with host, Hugh Jackman, for show.