1985 King and I revival and the Tony awards

[musicaltheatreman2]

Posted: 3/20/15 at 2:16pm

Why was Mary Beth Peil who played Anna the lead female role in the King and I nominated for featured actress in a musical instead of leading actress?

[SonofRobbieJ]

Posted: 3/20/15 at 2:19pm

In 1985, the Tony Awards eliminated the categories of Best Lead Actor and Actress in a Musical. It was deemed there were not enough lead performances to fill the categories. I also imagine that Piel was billed below the title for that production.

[Smaxie]

Posted: 3/20/15 at 2:21pm

>I also imagine that Piel was billed below the title for that production.<

Indeed.

[Smaxie]

Posted: 3/20/15 at 2:21pm

Double post.

Updated On: 3/20/15 at 02:21 PM

[musicaltheatreman2]

Posted: 3/20/15 at 2:22pm

Thank you :)

[Jeffrey Karasarides]

Posted: 3/20/15 at 2:48pm

"In 1985, the Tony Awards eliminated the categories of Best Lead Actor and Actress in a Musical. It was deemed there were not enough lead performances to fill the categories."

Which would probably explain why she is the only Anna to have ever lost a Tony race (we'll have to wait and see if Kelli O'Hara will be joining her in June).

[musicaltheatreman2]

Posted: 3/20/15 at 4:50pm

well you would think she would have had a better chance of winning the tony since she was the only one in a lead actress role in the supporting actress category

[Mr. Nowack]

Posted: 3/20/15 at 6:10pm

I've always found it fascinating the way the focus shifted for this show based solely on the charisma of Yul Brynner. Gertrude Lawrence's tailor made star vehicle quickly became a showcase for a previously unknown supporting player, who rode the show throughout the rest of his career!

How is the show billed for the revival? Both above, both below, just Kelli above? I can't imagine just Watanabe would be billed above.

[Musical Master]

Posted: 3/20/15 at 6:12pm

Currently, there is no billing version of the 2015 poster of THE KING AND I, but in the commercial it says Kelli's name first, then Ken's.

[Mr. Nowack]

Posted: 3/20/15 at 6:22pm

I meant like in the Playbill. Or do they not put official billing in during previews?

[OKBroadwayFan]

Posted: 3/21/15 at 12:32am

Neither are above the title.




Updated On: 3/21/15 at 12:32 AM

[Mr. Nowack]

Posted: 3/21/15 at 1:05am

Thank you for that! Both below the title seems appropriate I think.

[ljay889]

Posted: 3/21/15 at 1:24am

They'll both surely be petitioned to the leading categories though.