Ali Stroker may not be a major character in Spring Awakening. But, she is the very first wheel chaired performer on Broadway and that's something definitely worth remembering Tony-time.
If they want to give a special tony it should be for the entire cast. Not just Ali. I don't see why she should be singled out just because she happens to be in a wheelchair
The thing is, besides being an utter toad of a human being, Riedel usually has the least knowledge of the topic in the room. He doesn't usually understand the content or approach of a show, and is always completely and unfailingly socially ignorant, which makes it really infuriating when Susan can't get a word in edgewise. A definitive mansplainer; it's always painful when he has female guests. I watch the show sporadically when I really want to see a guest, because it's the only theatre talkshow we have, but it would be so much better without this hateful clown in a dadcoat. (thanks ScaryWarhol)
Intriguing idea. I don't think it will happen this year (maybe in the future as a kind of watershed moment?), but being honored at the Tonys I could see.
It's true. But no, it does.t mean she should get a Tony for it.....that's ridiculous.
If we're not having fun, then why are we doing it?
These are DISCUSSION boards, not mutual admiration boards. Discussion only occurs when we are willing to hear what others are thinking, regardless of whether it is alignment to our own thoughts.
I definitely see where you're coming from. Ali is an actress who has indeed faced incredible adversity and has come out if it successful, and with a history-making performance.
But what I wonder is: would Ali really want to be recognized by the Tony committee just for being in a wheelchair? She's giving a perfectly good performance in the show, but far from Tony-worthy. The fact that it's 2015 and she is the only person in a wheelchair to perform on Broadway is something that Broadway as a community should not feel particularly proud of. The way I see it, Ali getting a special Tony for being in a wheelchair sends the following message: "Dear Ali, good job overcoming the many obstacles that we as a community/institution/business have put in your way."
I have to echo what JBroadway said. Ali is thrilled that she helped break boundaries and that she can be a role model for others. She's stated this multiple times. But if she gets a Tony, she wants it to be for being an outstanding actress. Not for being in a wheelchair or even for being an outstanding actress in a wheelchair.
I have no no idea if the cast will get special recognition as Big River did. It wouldn't surprise me. But it'll be for taking accessibility in theater another step farther.
she plays Anna, an ensemble role originated by Phoebe Strole in the OBC
The thing is, besides being an utter toad of a human being, Riedel usually has the least knowledge of the topic in the room. He doesn't usually understand the content or approach of a show, and is always completely and unfailingly socially ignorant, which makes it really infuriating when Susan can't get a word in edgewise. A definitive mansplainer; it's always painful when he has female guests. I watch the show sporadically when I really want to see a guest, because it's the only theatre talkshow we have, but it would be so much better without this hateful clown in a dadcoat. (thanks ScaryWarhol)
This (like her accident) is something that happened to her. The decision was the producers and the director. It just happened to be her.(not saying she hadn't worked hard, but it could have easily gone to a different wheelchair bound performer. It just happened to be her)
I thought she was quite good in the show, btw.
If we're not having fun, then why are we doing it?
These are DISCUSSION boards, not mutual admiration boards. Discussion only occurs when we are willing to hear what others are thinking, regardless of whether it is alignment to our own thoughts.
Being the first to do something is not a reason to earn a Tony award which is supposed to be for excellence in theater... Perhaps being noted in something like the Guinness book of world records... But definitely not a Tony award.
Totally agree about the Glinda comment. She would be perfection.
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I would say give the production itself (so I guess the producers and/or maybe director) Tony Honors or a Special Tony and have normal eligibility rules for the cast. Of course, it would hardly be fair to have a non-competitive award for the producers/director AND have them compete for the regular awards, unless the reason for the special awards is specified as the contribution to breaking down barriers, giving actors with disabilities the opportunity to shine, something like that.
Speaking of the cast-has the Tony committee met to discuss Spring Awakening? Will the deaf actors and hearing actors in the same role be considered dually eligible a la the Billy Elliots?
They have made eligibility determinations for Spring Awakening. Only Austin P McKenzie and Sandra Mae Frank will be considered for best leading actor and actress. So Katie Boeck will not be considered as a lead. They may still nominate her for featured, but I'm sure that means that the Moritzs will be considered separately as well.