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Neil Patrick Harris will help celebrate the best of the Broadway season as host of the 2009 Tony Awards.

Harris is known for his roles on such TV shows as “How I Met Your Mother” and “Doogie Howser, M.D.,” but the 35-year-old actor is also a stage veteran, having appeared in the Tony-winning drama “Proof” as well as revivals of “Cabaret” and “Assassins.”

“His love for Broadway and great knowledge of theater combined with his on-stage presence makes him the perfect person to guide us through what is sure to be a great night,” Tonys co-executive producer Ricky Kirshner said in a statement Thursday.

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The stage adaptation scored by Elton John of the Oscar nominated movie “Billy Elliot” danced away with 15 Tony Award nominations, leading in nods.

John and Dolly Parton compete for Best Original Score for “Billy Elliot” and “9 to 5.” The ballet-themed play will also go up against “Shrek The Musical,” “Next to Normal” and “Rock of Ages” for the Best Musical category.

Nominated stars include James Gandolfini, Jeff Daniels, Allison Janney, Geoffrey Rush, Martha Plimpton, Angela Lansbury, Jane Fonda, Hope Davis, Raúl Esparza, former “American Idol” finalist Constantine Maroulis among other performers.

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