2019 Tony Award Nominations and Snubs — Page 8

I was shocked by Caitlin’s nom but I think it’s very much deserved! She truly is the heart of the show and has to ground it all to deliver a meaningful message. And she’s hilarious! I think more musical comedies need a character/performance like hers to show an actual theme. *cough cough*

bwayphreak234 said: "victoriafr said: "The nomination that shocked me the most was Caitlin Kinnunen for Best Leading Actress. In my opinion, she didn't deserve it: her performance was fine, it wasn't particularly bad, but it seemed to me like the epitome of an average performance. I would have MUCH preferred the nomination go to Rebecca Naomi Jones for Laurey in Oklahoma. I thought her performance was much more unexpected (I mean, it is this new revival of Oklahoma)."

COMPLETELY agree here. I found both Caitlin Kinnunen and her role to be entirely bland."

While i COMPLETELY disagree re Network (easily the most horrible show I saw this year), i very much agree re Kinnunen and Noblezada for that matter. Leavel's performance wasnt my cup of tea (I am on Team Block at this point, i guess, by default) but shes injecting so much personality and power and fun into her performance, I cant help but be happy for her. Kinnunen was totally adequate playing a relatively thankless, dull role.

Noblezada, too: she sang gorgeously but in a role we've seen performed a billion times. I haven't seen Oklahoma (and likely won't see Beetlejuice) but the reviews for RNJ and Caruso indicate bolder, more distinct performances. Seems like a real miss to overlook them- esp the former, who has been so wonderful in so many great projects for the better part of a decade.

As for those Oklahoma! snubs, I really like the insight I read above from whoever posted that the Tony nominators avoided the most divisive, least traditional aspects of this production: Rebecca Naomi Jones, Patrick Vail and the choreography.

Mister Matt said: "11 nominations for Tootsie! Yay! Surprised and sad that John Behlmann wasn't one of them.

To Kill a Mockingbird received a score nomination over Be More Chill. Oof."

I think Be More Chill received a score nomination. Isn't it the show's one nomination?

I do wonder if supporting actress in a play is closer than I thought with both Gary ladies being in there now. I thought Celia had this all but locked up, I'm not so sure now.

Mike Barrett said: "yesraccoons said: "Am I the only one who is most interested in featured actress? Who do y’all think will win it? I think it’s between Ali Stroker and Amber Grey but Stroker will win in the end.

Thoughts?"

I agree here. Everyone has said Gray is a lock forever and I just disagree."

I do believe it will be a photo finish, but I still think Gray takes this in the end. I feel like there's good will from how deeply she attached herself to this show (now in her fourth production with it), AND it's a really showy part. Stroker is fantastic, but while she finds a new approach to Ado Annie, it's not a role that feels as meaty, if you will. I don't know that, if pressed, I could choose one of them that I felt was "better," but I could vote for the person who had more to do and makes a larger overall impression, and to me that's Gray. I won't be surprised if I'm wrong, but that's what my head is saying as of today!

I always love how so many claim how close a race it will be - we'll never really know. It's not like we se the final tallies.

dramamama611 said: "I always love how so many claim how close a race it will be - we'll never really know. It's not like we se the final tallies."

That is so true, and I do this all the time. For example, I perceived it was neck and neck between Ferryman and TKAM, guess it isn't neck and neck whatsoever!

FYI. I completed my Audience Rewards Tony ballot and got 500 points for it:

https://tonyawardschallenge.com/home

Could not agree more with the above.

The TKAM snub is laughable. Its such an obvious attempt at making some sort of statement, its pathetic. And while I dont doubt Scott Rudin is difficult/obnoxious/tough, he brings fantastic works to the stage, gives opportunities and cash to many of the people we all support/love. The idea that Tony nominators would "punish him" (or Sorkin for an obnoxious interview) while they recognize the actors, director, music, production elements, etc., is simply childish and hurts the authenticity of the Tonys, not TKAM (which will continue to do gangbusters with New Yorkers based on ecstatic word of mouth, who could care less about this sorta thing).

Beetlejuice? No

I'm rooting for DeShields (but thought Page was terrific)

Sondheim? Yes. (And I wish I'd done the same - as did many of my students.)