New York Today: 5 Reasons to Watch the Tonys

I know all the votes were in Friday, and I gather Lindsay Mendes (“Carousel”) is the favorite for this category – but if Dame Diana Rigg wins, she'll be the first actress to win for a role in a musical with no singing or dancing. (*) And will she ever have a Tony-qualifying role in a musical this appetizing on Broadway again? Mme. Armfeldt, possibly? (Probably too soon for quite a while for “Little Night Music” though.) That musical of “The Gin Game” that Martin Charnin quietly tested at Goodspeed with Kim Hunter in the 80’s? (It disappeared inexplicably; some powerful material in there, and could be expanded to show off Dame Diana’s range.) But before this must be put in YouTube mothballs, I hope for a tie tonight maybe, to go with her Actress in a Play Tony for “Medea”: "SHOW ME" parody - "TONY NOW!" – CAN WE "RIGG" THE VOTE! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4sFgqusGSOs (*) This would be a Beatrice Straight in Network-caliber rarity, and no small feat: The only male actor to ever do this was the great film star Thomas Mitchell, with his Tony way back in the 1950s.

Hooray - New York Today made the Theater page, in the most visible part! (at least the way it looks on my Mac) Congrats, Alex and Jonathan! I was surprised when the "dressing in black" column didn't make the Style page. But hoping more people get introduced to this unique column through Times cross-referencing, and keep coming back. I know when I link it, friends seem to get hooked on it.

Watch paint dry or the Tonys ? Hmmmm, I'll go one better and just read a good book.

Alex wrote: “California has the Oscars, Golden Globes and Emmys … [and later] This year’s ceremony is the first of the #MeToo era, and it will be interesting to see how the issue is reflected on the red carpet and inside Radio City Music Hall.” Eerie Red Carpet gown throwback this wise NY Today observation caused: Until a few years ago, I had some sense of this stuff and tracked the red carpet clothes, and I tended to throw in male stars who seemed to have made an effort, for balance. Thinking after reading what Alex wrote, today I went looking back to “unlist” [send to private setting] the “Hollywood Gown” videos that IMHO now objectified by 2018 standards. Weirdly, the sharp-dressed men that had knocked me for a sartorial loop way back in this 2013 Golden Globes rundown were Keith Urban (no issue there, but wait for it) - and Matt Lauer!!! “The Hollywood Gown Song” - Globes 2013 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_C7ZkwWgiXs Lyric based on Harriet Schock's "Hollywood Town," a song best known for the stunning hit-album track by Manfred Mann's Earth Band. (And the only time a songwriter whose hit I parodied actually commented, and even approved, right there in the YouTube comments!)

c'mon NY Times. No Puerto Rican day parade or 116th street fest mention? Especially in light of more than 4,000 deaths of Americans in Puerto Rico after the Hurricanes Maria and Irma. Disappointing.

“Theater ticket prices might not be as steep as in past years, but they are still far from cheap.” Tune of “You Raise Me Up” (Josh Groban classic) When I seek seats for hits like “Evan Hansen” I am prepared: no discounts on the cost. A thoughtful script, great singin’ and cool dancin’ But now some seats come up and I feel lost You raised the price to every smash hit tuner You raised the price to every smash hit play Though some shows have cheaper and much sooner I’ll pay your price, though more than I should pay. You raised the price, so now your gross is mountin’ You raised the price, that’s what your job’s about. Half a grand, plus fees, but hey, who’s countin’ You raised the price, my Visa is maxed out.

With no enforcement for fare-beating, why propose reduced fare MetroCards?

(Looks like my window froze on this. Hope it's not a duplicate.) “Theater ticket prices might not be as steep as in past years, but they are still far from cheap.” Tune of “You Raise Me Up” (Josh Groban classic) When I seek seats for hits like “Evan Hansen” I am prepared: no discounts on the cost. A thoughtful script, great singin’ and great dancin’ But now some seats come up and I feel lost You raised the price to every smash hit tuner You raised the price to every smash hit play Though some shows have cheaper and much sooner I’ll pay your price, though more than I should pay. You raised the price, so now your gross is mountin’ You raised the price, that’s what your job’s about. Half a grand, plus fees, but hey, who’s countin’ You raised the price, my Visa is maxed out.

The state should also correct the intentional misspelling of the Throgs Neck Bridge. Add the other G.

My daughter and I are so looking forward to the Tony's. We are hoping the Band's Visit, which hasn't gotten that much attention, takes it away. If you haven't seen it, please go check it out. I've seen it twice and would go a 3rd time, I just may too. The storyline, stage, talent and music are fantastic. It's the most beautiful, engaging, romantic, comical musical in the long list of musicals I've seen in my lifetime. I can't stop listening to the musical soundtrack, it just takes me back to being in the theatre and watching it all play out. I listen at least once or twice a day. Seriously, it's that good. Here's a little taste: https://thebandsvisitmusical.com/#music. I'm hoping after the Tony's it will get the attention it needs and deserves. Of course, that will make ticket prices go up, but it's worth it. FYI: I have no affiliated with the show, I just want everyone to see it. You won't regret it.

The Puerto Rican Day Parade is this Sunday and the 116th street festival Saturday. I find it disheartening that either of these two huge events in New York do not get a mention in light of the massive deaths of Americans (more than 4,000) due to the hurricane and the subsequent cover up by the government. New York is tethered to the island of Puerto Rico and had been since the early 1900s. We've contributed to the makeup of this city just as much as another group and we deserve the coverage of this paper, the pillar of news in this city.

Getting in the mood and saw one of the memorable TV-star Tony presentation moments ever: (Ed Asner at 8:22 ) Truly the talk of Brooklyn College the next day! Robert Guillaume introduces Liza Minnelli and THE ACT company with "City Lights" on the 1978 Tony Awards. Then at 8:22, Ed Asner presents [singing, almost My Fair Lady style, the nominees with more technique than anyone expected] the Tony for Best Actress in a musical. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TvAURkgx-D0

"None of the nominees for best new musical are original" is an odd thing to include in a list of reasons to watch the Tonys.

Love Broadway. These artists are genius. But what I really love is your perspective,your intro to bits of NY trivia and history that we otherwise would forget, and last but not least, your weather report. AND I'M NOT THE ONLY ONE! Love your writing Alexandra. Spread your wings!

Sorry, we may all love Broadway, but for the life of me I cannot see the attraction of watching entertainers honoring themselves. No doubt this is popular with royal family watches and the like. Whatever floats your boat! But I'm no doubt in the minority, as these shows are popular with the viewing public. I'll just never understand celebrity watching--but no matter, instead I'll simply enjoy the plays themselves.