It might have been nice to see a list of all nominees in each category in America's newspaper of record.
3
Broadway is now just another subservient platform for our last remaining viable artistic medium: television. As an independent institution, live theatre is as dead as Sophocles.
(1) James McArdle as Louis Ironson in "Angels in America" should have been nominated in the Featured Actor in a Play Category. He gave a powerful, moving performance with great emotional depth ( a role originated 25 years ago memorably by Joe Mantello). (2) An unfulfilling year for the Best Actress in a Play category: no true performances of distinction except for the superb Glenda Jackson in the sharply directed Albee revival. Nominating Amy Schumer for her limited work in such a disappointing play is embarrassing; Laura Benanti --in a better performance--should have gotten a nod. Condola Rashad was done in by her director and the static production overall.
(3) One also has to wonder why there are so few revivals of George Bernard Shaw plays on Broadway or off-B'way anymore-- there were so many memorable Shaw productions in the 1970's-1990's at the Roundabout and the Circle in the Square theatre companies. A terrific "Pygmalion" was given by Claire Danes ( pre -Homeland) and the great Jefferson Mays at the Roundabout not that long ago. (4) Justin Peck will get the Tony for his gorgeous choreography in "CAROUSEL." Hopefully Peck-- along with Christopher Wheeldon ( a Tony for " An American in Paris") --will return to Broadway in the future. They are both ballet choreographers who made the transition to Broadway from the NY City Ballet as did Jerome Robbins --they are the heirs to the great Robbins ( "West Side Story," "Funny Girl," "Gypsy," "Fiddler on the Roof").
The really impossible choices are the best revival of a play and best performance by an actor in a leading role in a play. As to the former, I saw Angels in America, Three Tall Women and Travesties (but not The Iceman Cometh or Lobby Hero) and I really could not say which of those three were my favorite - they were all incredibly good. As for leading actor, I saw all of the nominated actors (except for Denzel Washington) who were all wonderful - but on this one I would hope that Hollander or Garfield would win. In any case, this is one time I would not wish to be to be a Tony voter as I would really have a hard time choosing (or even predicting) the "winner" in those categories.
Schumer was mediocre but Benanti stole show and was overlooked sad travesty. And Mean Girls ??? love Tina Fey but a bad show- forgettable music, acting that is over the top annoying. Cast way to old to be HS students. My Fair Lady was superb and deserves the nod.
Dianna Rigg plays Higgins' mother who, if I recall correctly, doesn't sing a note, she's in one short scene, and she's nominated for "Featured Actress in a MUSICAL?" Oh well. she is Dianna Riggs, after all.
Have Tony rules changed? I thought that even if a play or musical had never been on Broadway, then it would be eligible for Best Play instead of Best Revival of a Play? (Were "Three Tall Women" and "Travesties" ever on Broadway before? I saw "Three Tall Women" with Marion Seldes off-Broadway.)
1
“Travesties” was on Broadway in the 70s. In fact, it won the Tony for best play. And yes, several years ago the rules we’re made more common-sensical, so we wouldn’t have a play like “Three Tall Women” running as a new play (after winning they Pulitzer some 25 years ago). Of course it’s a revival, and that’s where it should be.
3
I heard a rumor they may add a number for Ms. Rigg to sing after the curtain call for while the Tony voters are there, if Alan Jay Lerner OKs it.
(Tune of “Show Me”)
Notes, notes, notes, hear them hit those notes
Yes, I know that Renée
Has a perfect high A.
This isn’t the Met, it’s Broadway!
No solo turn, nor a duet
Still I should get - Tony!
Haven’t you heard all the acclaim
Just call my name - Tony!
Here I am with notices that worship and adore
I may not sing, but how I score.
Holding it against me that the mother has no song
That’s sexist, ageist and wrong!
Don’t give me cash, don’t give me bling
Give me one thing – Tony! Tony!
I’m not too proud, I’ll take a tie.
Let's Rigg the voting somehow.
Tony now!
2
Once on this Island is under represented. How could the voters look past the performances and heart of this unique and immersive piece? So many great performances with too little recognition by the panel.
The Bands Visit...OVERRATED. It is a boring slice of life without a pulse. I agree with Ar’iel Statchel’s nomination. He was the only high point in a ridiculously boring show with an even less exciting score. What do people see in this play with music? It was the longest 90-minutes I’ve ever spent in a theater. ‘The Band’ just didn’t strike a chord with me.
I can’t believe that I regret not seeing Spongebob on my most recent visit to NYC. Who knew? Guess I’ll see it on my next trip.
1
the headline says it all about the state of Broadway theater -- spongebob squarepants is the best new york has to offer. we've come so far in the past 500 years, the only had garbage like Macbeth back then.
5
NYT's - what is so hard about just giving some us a simple list of all the nominees in each category?! I really don't feel like reading through a slew of pieces extolling each B'way production in contention - I just want the bottom line!
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Is than difficult lol, i'm just looking summary in the comments...
Does anyone know why the producers behind “Boys in the Band” didn’t get this show open in time for the deadline? It seems hopeless that the show will be remembered by Tony nominators a year from now.
I imagine the cast and/or theatre weren’t available in time to have rehearsed, previewed, and opened by the deadline. But honestly, they aren’t in business just to win awards. There are other reasons for doing theatre, no?
2
Glenda Jackson should certainly win for one of the greatest stage performances (and comebacks) in Broadway history.
If there's any justice, Miriam Buether will also win for THREE TALL WOMEN's elegant and ingenious stage design. In the play's final moments, the slow tilt of that back mirror wall gave us a powerful and eloquent ending to an incredible theatrical experience.
2
How Chris Evans was overlooked for his performance in Lobby Hero is beyond me! His acting was spellbinding, and reminded me of a young moustached Brando!
4
Was A Doll's House, Part II snubbed?
I thought the cast and play were outstanding.
1
Doll's House Part II isn't eligible this year. They were a part of last years season
2
A Doll’s House, Part 2 by Lucas Heath was, indeed wonderful. It received multiple nominations last year in a very strong season that included Indecent, Oslo and Sweat. Nominations included best play, leading actor, leading actress, featured actress, director, lighting and costume. Laurie Metcalf won a well-deserved Tony; I thought that Condola Rashad definitely deserved one as well.
Sponge Bob and Mean Girls represent Broadway today. How sad.
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Amy Schumer is the luckiest person in all of showbiz. Merely an OK talent, she's nowhere near as brilliant as her multimillion dollar success would indicate. Her standup comedy is mediocre and petty mouthed, her films are not very good, and her performance in Steve Martin's play was decent but hardly award worthy. Why does she get all this attention? There are far more deserving people. But then, Adam Sandler is a huge movie star, so what do I know.
12
Having talent is luck in and of itself also you can’t choose your parents or your gene pool), but Amy Schumer’s rich dramatic acting talent IMHO can be seen in last fall’s movie “Thank You For Your Service,” though in a supporting role. But the movie didn’t do well, I sensed it totally tanked because it just happened to open so soon after the President condolence call imbroglio and then Chief of Staff Kelly’s speech that followed. It felt like a painful time to even think about this movie (and with a that title, oddly) as something to go see as a "night out at the movies." (I also think her performance in “Trainwreck” shows a lot of depth, but that’s not what it’s known for.)
Like Goldie Hawn or Sally Field or even John Travolta, who seemed to rise big just on comedy, when she decides, it feels like the sky could be the limit dramatically for Amy Schumer.
The Great White Way has become Cartoon Alley. Thank goodness for the likes of Glenda Jackson, Diana Rigg, Nathan Lane, Laurie Metcalf, Denzel Washington, David Morse, Mark Rylance and others not involved in the endless cartoonery.
9
Angels in America are TWO of the greatest plays of the Twentieth Century
5
I hope they choose a winner that will sell lots of cheap merchandise and increase plastic toy imports from china.
3
Love Amy Schemer, but she's not yet a stage actress. Laura Bennati, her co-star, on the other hand, is and deserved a nomination. To each his own. Anyway--Jackson's got this one in the bag. Amaaaaazing!
3
Some Broadway. Some Tonys. Mediocre movies and revivals. God. This is why we have Peoria.
1
I absolutely HATE Spongebob the cartoon on Nickelodeon and I won't let my kids watch it, but the musical was actually pretty amazing and it makes me cringe to write that. Gavin Lee as Squidward was brilliant and Jai'len Josey as Pearl Krabs is destined to be a huge star.
1
I feel exactly the same way. Spongebob doesn't necessarily have great music but it has heart and the performers and production are first rate. The Band's Visit is lovely and subtle but I felt it was minimized by the Broadway state. I wish I had seen in off-broadway as a more intimate setting would suit it better.
3
So how many decades has it been since there's been a Broadway show based on an original idea?
7
Actually, it was just last year. "Dear Evan Hansen" won Best Musical.
9
This decade (Hamilton, Drowsy Chaperone, Last Ship (original idea, although imported from Great Britain)
5
This year was uniquely unoriginal - the four nominated Best Musicals were based on three movies and a TV show, and the four new musicals that weren't nominated all used existing music.
There's always going to be a mix of revivals, franchises, and "Stuff You Already Know You Like: The Musical." It's up to us to support good original shows.
1
Kiddie books, characters, cartoon idiocy. Poor Tony,.
21
So GLENDA JACKSON is not "boldface name"?
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so, this is Broadway now?...SpongeBob, Frozen, Mean Girls, and Harry Potter?
30
I'm hoping the Band's Visit takes it away. If you haven't seen it, get your tickets now before the Tony's because tickets will skyrocket. I have no affiliation to the show, just love it and it's in my top list. I'm not one to see a Broadway shows twice, but this one I could watch over and over again. The first time I went with hubby and while watching I realized my daughter had to see this show so I bought tickets to take her. My 15 year-old couldn't wait especially after hearing the soundtrack multiple times before seeing it. She was in awe of the show and how the music tied in to each character and situation. Every single song in the show is amazing, hard to choose a favorite. All I know is we felt goosebumps as Katrina Lenk sang Omar Sharif, laughed as Etai Bensen sang Papi Hears the Ocean and fell in-love with Ari' Stachel (literally) singing Haled's Song About Love. Absolutely beautiful that I didn't want it to end. And speaking of the ending.... well I won't say anything. Let's just say everyone erupted into a standing ovation, whistling and clapping.
Congratulations to David Yazbek and his talented cast on stage and behind the scenes. This was truly "Something Different" that will forever be a favorite.
21
I love this quiet little musical. Exquisite performances, a gentle story about people’s lives, and a hauntingly beautiful score. I’ve seen it twice and will most likely go back a third time.
1
We saw it about 10 days ago. Agree with your comments. Absolutely beautiful show. Also give credit to how they wove the musicians into the show, and their playing was fabulous. Also saw Carousel and Once on this Island. I recommend them all.
1
The Schumer nomination is a desperate attempt to attract younger viewers and the Rylance nomination is about reputation, not this one note, familiar performance.
Jackson is a lock and I wish Lenk and Visit were.
The revival categories have by far the best overall quality shows.
7
Spot on! I'm appalled by the Schumer nod!!!!!
8
In the system for receiving, recording, and counting votes for the Tony awards, is there adequate protection against Russian interference?
11
Can someone explain why the number of nominees in a given category can range from three to six? It seems as though the nominating committee didn't have the heart (or the cajones) to omit anyone who was even halfway deserving. In years past, there were four nominees in each category. Why has that changed?
6
I was wondering the same thing. I really wish that they would lump original productions and revivals into the same category (for acting too). Otherwise, it’s like everyone gets a nomination. A good performance is a good performance regardless if it’s an original production or a revival.
4
They changed the rules this year, so if there were 9 or more eligible people/shows, there would be 5 nominees. if fewer than 9, there would be 4. The two exceptions are Best Revival of a Musical, where there were only 3 shows eligible, and they all got nominated. And Best Leading Actress in a Musical, where there are 6. Presumably there was a tie, and instead of breaking the tie, they went with the 6.
4
From Playbill.com:
(Nominators only determine five nominees for the performance categories if there are at least seven eligible candidates. As there were only five eligible nominees, four were chosen. In some cases, an extra nominee is added if there is a tie for the last slow of nominations—as was the case this year for Lead Actress in a Musical, which features six contenders.)
http://www.playbill.com/article/overlooked-by-tony-who-was-left-out-of-t...
A few years ago there were just six eligible lead women (musical) so just four were nominated (so as not to single out the Loser). This year there are (apparently) just five men and only four were nominated.
(I have a ticket to see the Loser in a few weeks. I expect the show to close before I can redeem it.)
Denzel Washington and Diana Rigg have been winners in my eyes, my entire life. I wish them luck and hope they will be Tony Award Winners this year.
6
I'm rooting for SpongeBob to win Best Musical. We need a musical that's silly fun to help us lighten up.
I'm thrilled for "Sponge Bob" and Tina Landau, even though I'm not related. I recall being quickly upgraded to house seats at "Floyd Collins" for no logical reason than that I had the same last name as Ms. Landau, and I guess the box office guy was so nice and on the spot figured "Just in case he is related, Row D on the aisle are available anyway." And "Sponge Bob" is my favorite fun Tony nomination announcement since “Slava's Snowshow” competed with “Soul of Shaolin” for Special Event nine or ten years ago. Quite a quality race - "You're Welcome America" was also nominated, and Liza Minnelli won for her triumphant show at the Palace. (Some chatters were hoping Liza would try to pronounce all her fellow nominees on TV, but that didn’t happen.)
It's obviously important that the announcers not rehearse the pronunciations since they should be as surprised by the names as we are. So I found the mangling of "Sponge Bob"s Square Pants" to be such fun. It felt like it got so much looser once the CBS feed left after the "Big" nominations - and then it felt like a private party on NY1 and the web feeds for the Broadway fans.
Mr. Odom, please forgive anything I ever commented about you dissing Liza's visit backstage, and Ms. McPhee, please please forgive me for lovingly parodying online your famous break-up excuse "I'm in tech!" from "Smash" which I know you didn't write but were contractually obliged to deliver - the nominations were SUCH a good time!
4
McPhee was an embarassment. Apparently unacquainted with the obscure writing team of Rodgers & Hammerstein, she referred to "Roger and Hammerstein" three times. Not only did the tongue-twisting name "Farinelli" (those damn foreigners) defeat her, but so did the word "sponge." Again, three times, with gales of lunatic laughter and an expletive. Absolutely dismal. Thank God Odom brought dignity (and help for his feeble-minded partner) to the nominations.
6
John - It looked to me that the first time "sponge" was read awkwardly was a real mistake, but that the rest of the way, it looked like they were doing an impromptu unscripted comedy routine, especially after the CBS feed was over. She's long since gotten past whatever many people didn't like about her on "Smash" with a sparkling performance as Paige on "Scorpion" all these years. (There's a rumor going around that these names were spelled phonetically for them. Maybe something went wrong there? They're really not supposed to know who the nominees are before they read them, I think.)
John Kerr, it looks like my random meandering sampling of the net is overwhelmingly in your court on this. If I want an out (and I guess I do), I think it's so great that instead of doing TV movies that would pay much more during her series hiatus, she's doing theatre, and giving visibility to the theatre among her "Scorpion" fans. That certainly contributed to my enjoyment of both of them, i guess!