Happy Tony Nominations Eve!
With all the buzz around “Hamilton,” it may seem like this years awards are destined to be predictable, but believe it or not, there are some other worthy contenders this year.
Will they beat “Hamilton”? Well, definitely not for Best New Musical, but they might give it a run for its money in some other categories. Not to mention the fact, there will be some categories where “Hamilton,” can’t and won’t be nominated (shocking, I know).
That being said, “Hamilton,” is going to dominate the musical categories, and probably make a nearly clean sweep of the acting categories come Tony night. I’ll be shocked if Leslie Odom Jr. (lead actor), Daveed Diggs (supporting actor), and Renée Elise Goldsberry (supporting actress). They are all insanely amazing, and stand out in a show that is changing the musical theater landscape. It’s phenomenal, and if you get the chance to see it do not hesitate, just go (and yes, I was lucky enough to see it).
And in case you’re curious, I think that fourth musical acting award will go to Cynthia Erivo for “The Color Purple.”For those keeping score at home, that means the Tony’s will make history with all four acting categories going to non-white actors.
Okay, and now, as promised, on to those non-Hamilton shows. It’s been an insanely good season, and as you can imagine many of the potential nominees desperately tried to get bumped to next season or sent to the revival category. Still it’s an honor to get nominated, and my guess is that “Shuffle Along”, “Waitress”, and “School of Rock” will have to remember that when they inevitably do not win. Although, I wouldn’t be surprised of “School of Rock” gets ousted by “Bright Star.”
The musical revival category is much more interesting with all but certain nominees including “Fiddler on the Roof”, “The Color Purple”, “Spring Awakening”, and “She Loves Me.” My money is on “She Loves Me,” which stands out in a category made up of recent revivals and original Broadway productions, but they’re all serious contenders.
Of course, there are also the non-musical categories, which this year comprised of some serious star power. It will be interesting to see how the acting nominations go, given the Tony’s recent aversion to sharing their awards with Hollywood. Jessica Lange (“Long Day’s Journey Into Night”) and Jesse Tyler Ferguson (“Fully Committed”), both Broadway veterans, will most likely receive nominations, but we shall see how Tony is feeling towards the other big name hopefuls (Michelle Williams, Jeff Daniels, and Keira Knightley…to name a few).
One thing is sure, it was a very good year for theater. It’s seen more diversity, original work, and national and international attention than anyone ever could have imagined. And no matter who is nominated or wins, nothing will change that. Oh, and I suppose one other thing is certain as well, “Hamilton,” is going to win…a lot.
…just for fun:
A few of my favorite potential and definite nominees…
