All this speculation is a bit early but not toatlly out of line because a lot of the shows coming in have been seen Out of town or Off Broadway.
What no one has mentioned is the politics of the awards.
Michael Cervaris is well liked in the Theare world and if his show is any good he is certainly a force to be reckoned with and after losing to that little falsetto guy last year, he certainly has a sympathy effect going on (not that his talent needs it).
I can't see MARTIN SHORT... being a "special event" because of the size of the cast, original music and book. And Martin too is very well liked, so don't count him out.
Gavin Lee got amazing revues and is the real deal as far as Musical Comedy Triple Threats go, so he too can't be counted out.
Esparza will certainly get a nomination, Bobby is a difficult role to sing and act and He certainly has the talent to spare.
On the other hand, he is not the most liked performer on Broadway.
His unprofessionalism on Taboo (not that I blame him) and his lack of interest during CHITTY do not bode well for him.
if Talent was all he would be hard to beat, but...
The actor with everthing going for him is Hyde Pierce, loaded with talent, well known, well liked, "all the gifts"
But surprises are always fun too and there could be someone out there in a show we don't know about or even mentioned for Braodway this season.
If THE TIMES.. had a longer run and been better received, Arden would certainly be a contender (His time will definitely come)
Will Chase is also great but the show looks to disapoint so he is an outsider at this point.
I think the young actor from SPRING AWAKENING, Jonathon Groff would be fun to see in this category.
And the Actor who will play Starbuck in 110 (I don't know his name, shame on me)could also have a chance.
I almost forgot, D'Arcy James is no sloutch either.
All in All a terrific race is starting to heat up.
Updated On: 11/20/06 at 11:46 PM