It’s funny because if you had asked me a month ago, I would’ve predicted Illinoise. But the more I talk to people, the more love I am hearing for SUFFS. I am starting to grow more fond of it after listening to the cast album. I was somewhat lukewarm to the show when I first saw it. But it does have a very strong original score.
I don’t think we are all seeing the same HK show. I’ve seen all the musicals this year, and I think HK is the best (although I do think Illinoise is very unique and revelatory, and would be very happy if it wins).
I actually quite like the book. Most books try to cover too much superficially but this zooms in on the mother/daughter relationship in a heartwarming, believable way.
I saw Moon’s understudy so I can’t comment on her performance specifically. But I thought she’s excellent and so is the entire cast. I’m not at all surprised by the acting nominations.
I'm still holding out hope for quite literally any show other than Hell's Kitchen to win Best Musical this year. The odds seem increasingly more unlikely as time goes on, but I'm just not ready to throw in the towel yet.
For my money, HK was by far the worst musical I saw this season. A stale, bland, completely ineffective book in search of a central plot or theme to follow, vocal performances that were certainly impressive, and actors having to work overtime to make terrible dialogue and unclear motivations seem reasonable (to middling success). The physical production is unappealing, the whole evening was a waste for me aside from the vocal performances which were, indeed, very good.
Maleah Joi Moon is the only actor in that show I wouldn't mind seeing win, a wholly unlikable character but a charismatic performer. I don't entirely understand the heaps of praise for Kecia Lewis, she's doing the most she can with what's on the page. But nothing about the performance/role sticks out to me.
Final prediction is SUFFS. It feels like the community is really rallying behind Shaina Taub & all the work she has put into the show. Not to mention starring in it as well. There could be a surprise … but I’m sticking with SUFFS.
starlightlocamotion said: "Final prediction is SUFFS. It feels like the community is really rallying behind Shaina Taub & all the work she has put into the show. Not to mention starring in it as well. There could be a surprise … but I’m sticking with SUFFS."
Yes, very positive article in the NYT today about the changes. I’d link it if I knew how. That narrative is definitely out there.
Dreamboy3 said: "starlightlocamotion said: "Final prediction is SUFFS. It feels like the community is really rallying behind Shaina Taub & all the work she has put into the show. Not to mention starring in it as well. There could be a surprise … but I’m sticking with SUFFS."
Yes, very positive article in the NYT today about the changes. I’d link it if I knew how. That narrative is definitely out there."
On Broadway, ‘Suffs’ Has a New Tune (and 6 Tony Nominations)
I'm currently watching Live with Kelly & Mark. Idina Menzel is the guest right now, and she just confirmed that she will be presenting on the telecast.
getatme said: "Maleah Joi Moon is the only actor in that show I wouldn't mind seeing win, a wholly unlikable character but a charismatic performer. I don't entirely understand the heaps of praise for Kecia Lewis, she's doing the most she can with what's on the page. But nothing about the performance/role sticks out to me."
Totally agree with this on both counts. Moon makes you at least not HATE a character that is easily hateable on the page and in the hands of another actor. Lewis is grabs your attention and has a killer voice, but I just despised everything about Miss Liza Jane's role in the show and it made me so much less enamored with her than others seem to be.
getatme said: "I'm still holding out hope for quite literally any show other than Hell's Kitchen to win Best Musical this year. The odds seem increasingly more unlikely as time goes on, but I'm just not ready to throw in the towel yet.
For my money, HK was by far the worst musical I saw this season. A stale, bland, completely ineffective book in search of a central plot or theme to follow, vocal performances that were certainly impressive, and actors having to work overtime to make terrible dialogue and unclear motivations seem reasonable (to middling success). The physical production is unappealing, the whole evening was a waste for me aside from the vocal performances which were, indeed, very good.
Maleah Joi Moon is the only actor in that show I wouldn't mind seeing win, a wholly unlikable character but a charismatic performer. I don't entirely understand the heaps of praise for Kecia Lewis, she's doing the most she can with what's on the page. But nothing about the performance/role sticks out to me.
We'll see I guess!"
I am with you. I want absolutely any of the 3 aside from Water for Elephants or Hell's Kitchen. I know which one it won't be, so at least there's that.
Presenters have finally been announced. Among them are…
Utkarsh Ambudkar Nate Burleson Cynthia Erivo Jesse Tyler Ferguson Josh Gad Renée Elise Goldsberry Sean Hayes Taraji P. Henson Julianne Hough Jennifer Hudson Angelina Jolie Nick Jonas Idina Menzel Ashley Park Jim Parsons Wendell Pierce Ben Platt Anthony Ramos Andrew Rannells Solomon Thomas Taylor Tomlinson Pete Townshend Tamara Tunie Adrienne Warren Patrick Wilson Jeffrey Wright
Gotta reach that sports crossover audience! (Solomon Thomas & Nate Burleson)
Hope Taylor Tomlinson kills it as an audition to be a future Tony host, since she's also within the CBS family.
If Jeffrey Wright isn't presenting George Wolfe's lifetime achievement award, what are we even doing here? Perhaps Patrick Wilson or Andrew Rannells will present Jack O'Brien's. Someone like Nathan Lane would make more sense for O'Brien but you can't always get your first choices.
Surprised they don’t few Illinoise as a contender. Honestly shocked anyone could watch HK and Illinoise and think HK is the winner but I guess everyone can have their own opinions…
Outsiders seems to be the show that has developed the biggest reaction among young audiences this season. I read the line for people hoping for rush seats was about 100 people the other day - even though obviously there weren't going to be that many rush seats. Will that effect voters? Especially ones who may have been in theatre alongside school groups etc of kids being very emotional? How could you not be effected & maybe swept along?
If The Outsiders takes Best Musical, what else does it win? I think it might have Lighting Design over Illinoise. But nothing else. It would have to make a surprise win in either Book or Score I think. Or maybe take Choreography away from Illinoise too for the The Rumble...but that seems less likely.