9 to 5 Tony Placement

I wish I lived in NY so I could see this show. I am really looking forward to seeing this one. Can't wait for the cast recording.

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I've yet to see the show but from the clips I've seen Stephanie plays a very layered Judy which is great for the role, her acting is always spot on, and well, have you heard her voice? I've heard from people who saw it in LA that Stephanie has a huge chance of getting it. I'm not sure what's gonna happen.

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Madbrian- at least moreso than Janney and Hilty.
I really would have loved to have seen more Broadway veterans cast in more prominent roles this show, aside from as window dressing "featured ensemble". (see Ann Harada, who's dreadfully underused) Even the ensemble is mostly green.

Stephanie gives the best performance of all the ladies, and if it comes down to two of them, she and Allison will probably get it.

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It'd be a mistake to put anyone besides Allison Janney in leading. Stephanie and Megan both have excellent chances in featured, but if forced to choose between Block and Janney, there is no doubt in my mind that Janney would get the nod.

Oh, and for the record, I saw the show in Los Angeles. Allison is very clearly the lead in this show. Block gives a lovely, nuanced, and interesting performance as Judy, but Judy is clearly written as being a featured part, as is Doralee. Megan also gives a VERY funny, very spot-on performance, so I wouldn't count her out either. But Allison is far and above the best part about this show, and that is a compliment to her, because there are many, MANY very very wonderful things about 9 to 5.

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Updated On: 1/7/09 at 04:52 PM

Judy isn't a featured part. She has the best story arc in the whole show.

And yeah, they'll definitely do that on the telecast.

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I agree with Kelly. I saw it twice in LA and Janney is definitely the lead in the show, with Block and Hilty probably going in as featured.

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What are the chances of Dolly getting nominated?

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I think Dolly will almost absolutely be nominated for score, wouldn't surprise me if she won either. And they will, of course, do the opening number on the Tony's. Though I'd LOVE to see "Shine Like the Sun", I think 9 to 5 will be a better advertisement for the show.

"Judy isn't a featured part. She has the best story arc in the whole show. "

That's seriously your opinion, but Allison is not only listed above Stephanie in the credits/website/playbill, but she also has MUCH more to do in the show. If only one woman is going to be in leading, there is no way it will be Stephanie.

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Elton John's score is deffinitely not Tony winning stuff...so i think Dolly has a very good chance. The score for BE was always the weak link i feel.

I think if all 3 boys are nominated together, then the Best Actor is theirs for the taking. Also the choreography is almost a dead cert, but from what people have been saying about 9 to 5, i think they might just take Best Musical.

Hello everyone! I've been reading the boards for a while but never joined until now. I haven't seen many shows (although I hope that will change) but I did see 9 to 5 in previews so I thought I'd humbly add my two cents.

I think this show could win Tonys for set design, choreography, and score (there may be more). Dolly Parton wrote music that has more appeal than people might think. It's very catchy and fun, and the arrangements by Oremus (and Lacamoire) were full-bodied and beautiful.

As for the acting categories, I think Stephanie has a strong case for getting nominated as a lead. I respectfully disagree that she has less than Allison to do in the show. Her character has such an arc, and some of the most touching and laugh-out-loud funny lines in the show, which she delivers with skill. Her songs seem more difficult, and she has two completely by herself, whereas even Violet's big number, "One of the Boys," has some back-up. Judy's choreography also seems more advanced. (But I am no expert...)

Of course, Allison Janney does do a fabulous job and I don't mean to detract from it. I was pleasantly surprised when I heard her voice and her acting chops and comedic timing are undeniable. She is a wonderful Violet! I was also so excited to see Megan Hilty, who was bubbly and had a tremendous voice. I love when she uses her lower range in "Well-Oiled Machine." This is a top-notch cast and ensemble.

That said, I think that both Allison and Stephanie should get nominated for lead. For some reason I can't articulate, the line with Megan's role seems clearer.

If only one can be nominated, I would totally understand if they pushed Allison to the fore. She turns in a great performance. And, I understand the show wanting to increase its chances of getting more awards. I just can't help thinking that it is a disservice to Judy's role, and to SJB. I don't like this strategic maneuvering, but I also want SJB to be recognized. If she has a better chance in the featured category, so be it.

This is coming from a newbie though, so I'd be interested in hearing your thoughts some more! (sorry for the length, too)
9 to 5 Program

9 to 5 needs to win set. It's amazing, albeit a little much for a show about office politics.

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