An Audra Upset?- Page 2

[LostLeander]

Posted: 5/17/07 at 1:47am

Yeah, I think it's silly to say who deserves it more, especially in the case of Ebersole v. McDonald v. Murphy.

They all DESERVE the Tony, none more than the other.

[D2]

Posted: 5/17/07 at 8:13am

Munk, I agree with you about Martin's performance being celebrated more had it not been for the astounding success of the film. Apparently, she gave the role a spark and sass that no one else has ever managed to capture.

And WW11, yes, I've heard that La Merm did walk through the show on more than one occasion, but (and here come the shrieks) the rumor mill is grinding out that someone else is also beginning to phone it in occasionally.

And, AGAIN, I'm not disagreeing with anyone about the outcome this year. All I am saying is that there have been a fair number of upsets in the past, and this year is an especially tight race.

[BroadwayGirl107]

Posted: 5/17/07 at 10:19am

I LOVE Audra as much as the next, but what she's doing in 110 in the Shade isn't even CLOSE to the level of work Ebersole is doing in Grey Gardens. That says more about how extraordinary Ebersole's work is than Audra's shortcomings. And truthfully, Ebersole is just in a more complex, deeper role, so while Audra does great work and elevates the bland material, it just is not in the same league.

[robbiej]

Posted: 5/17/07 at 10:24am

Of course, much of Ebersole's second act material was written specifically for her and her talents. McDonald worked magic with over 40-year-old material.

In many ways, it's impossible to compare. Both give extraordinary performances in VERY different roles and shows. Neither are giving the best performance I've ever seen by a woman in a musical (Natasha Richardson's Sally remains that for me)...but both are probably doing the best work of their careers...acting that goes beyond musical comedy conventions to the point of almost being Shakespearean in depth and scope. Both bring incredible psychological detail to their characters.

If a year ever called for a tie, I would say this is the year.

[BroadwayGirl107]

Posted: 5/17/07 at 10:28am

I'm not talking about work being tailored to anyone's talents. I'm talking about the complexity of Edie's situation vs. that of Lizzie's. One is a much heavier load to carry.
Updated On: 5/17/07 at 10:28 AM

[Piercemn]

Posted: 5/17/07 at 10:34am

While Lizzie Curry is a good role for Audra MacDonald, and she's undoubtedly a good choice for the role, Christine Ebersole plays two very distinct and different roles in Grey Gardens, and it's a bravura performance. I thought Grey Gardens was probably the most extraordinary musical I've seen since Follies, and expect both Ebersole and Mary Louise Wilson to be honored for their remarkable performances.

[nmartin]

Posted: 5/17/07 at 10:37am

This will never happen and shouldn't.

[robbiej]

Posted: 5/17/07 at 10:41am

But if the material (where the complexity lies) is tailored to a specific actress, it makes it more accessible to said actress. I've been lucky enough to have material tailored to me several times in my acting life. I've also had to blow the cobwebs off of older pieces and make that work as well.

Both have their own sets of challenges. Ebersole has also the double-edged of having a very specific set of outer physical traits established by the real life Little Edie from the documentary. They truly help guide the character...but could be an absolute trap for another actor.

I still think both performances are extraordinary and should be cherished. The older I get and the more appreciative I get of different actors' performances, the more I realize just how silly awards can be. Yes...they feel great and are great marketing...but in the end, are hold no meaning when it comes to art. And what both women are doing in their respective shows is creating magnificent works of art.

[unckristen]

Posted: 5/17/07 at 11:50am

It's hard for me not to believe that if SA does indeed win Best Musical, it's hard for voters not to reward GG by rewarding Christine. And for everyone who thinks GG only works because of Christine (and that she is irreplaceable), that's only another reason why Christine will (and should) win.

[wicked_mimi]

Posted: 5/17/07 at 11:57am

Updated On: 7/2/07 at 11:57 AM

[Jazzysuite82]

Posted: 5/17/07 at 12:04pm

Clearly you don't know Audra. If you ever get a chance to work with her or see her in a room I suggest you do it. Ego certainly isn't something she's all about.

Are you seriously talking about nomination pins? You can not be a fan that's fine, but there's nothing in your post about her work...

[wicked_mimi]

Posted: 5/17/07 at 12:07pm

Updated On: 7/2/07 at 12:07 PM

[ken8631]

Posted: 5/17/07 at 12:13pm

I think it's a tie.....

[lildogs]

Posted: 5/17/07 at 12:26pm

I've said it before: don't underestimate the GG cult--its fans are RABID, which is probably not the case with 110 fans...the mere association with a cult fave like GG (both the film and the show) could carry Miss Christine to the podium, even if she weren't amazing. I found myself voting for it in the BWW polls, even though I don't necessarily think it's the best--my Little Edie love carried me through.

[BobbyBubby]

Posted: 5/17/07 at 1:13pm

But the fans aren't voting.

[RentBoy86]

Posted: 5/17/07 at 1:19pm

I'd feel abs. horrible if Ebersole didn't win. She's been talked about for a year non-stop. The award is hers, and she deserves it. Audra, of course, is wonderful I'm sure, but this is Ebserole's year. And as boring as it is to know who is already going to win, I think she deserves it.

[H.Higgins]

Posted: 5/17/07 at 1:38pm

D2- you wrote the following:

"the rumor mill is grinding out that someone else is also beginning to phone it in occasionally."

Just out of curiosity, who would the rumor mill be referring to?

[lildogs]

Posted: 5/17/07 at 1:47pm

Not what I meant Bobby--I meant that GG has a cult base that has nothing to do with the show itself, unlike any of the other noms...and the people who support GG REALLY support the show--I doubt 110's fans are as adamant--of course, I could be wrong...

[munkustrap178]

Posted: 5/17/07 at 2:20pm

Higgins: Ebersole.

[bwaygal1]

Posted: 5/17/07 at 2:39pm

And Munk that rumor would be untrue-she's been very strong of late. The whole cast has.

[Gypsy9]

Posted: 5/17/07 at 3:33pm

Back to Merman supposedly sometimes "walking through a performance" or "phoning in a performance", where is THAT rumor coming from? It surely didn't happen the five times that I saw her in my beloved GYPSY. She was tremendous at the Broadway Theatre, the Imperial Theatre, and in her first tour stop in Rochester, NY. What star of today would stay with a musical for its entire NYC run of 702 performances AND a six month tour immediately following Broadway? (Florence Henderson toured with THE SOUND OF MUSIC).

As for Mary Martin beating Ethel Merman for the Tony in 1960, Merman's endearing response: "How can you buck a nun?" I think they were good friends. They did two concerts together--one legendary performance on TV for the Ford 50th anniversary in the 1950's and one at the Broadway Theatre in the mid 1970's.

[lildogs]

Posted: 5/17/07 at 3:38pm

I also think Gypsy, that many people thought Merman was "playing herself" a sentiment I hear far too often on these boards--as if any of us knew Eth!

[alwy15]

Posted: 5/17/07 at 3:44pm

There hasn't been a tie since 93 when Tommy and Spiderwoman tied for score. Wouldn't it be absolutely fantastic if the first tie to happen since then happened between Audra and Christine? How thrilling would that be.

Anyway, I'm rooting for Audra. I tend to think that four Tonys isn't enough for her. I'll draw the line at fifteen Tonys. I'd say that's where we'd draw the line. No more than fifteen.
And as wonderful as Christine Ebersole is, I'm still angry at her for beating Marla Schaffel the first time around.

[bwaygal1]

Posted: 5/17/07 at 4:03pm

Don't be mad at Christine for beating Marla Schaeffel. Plus, her past win should play no part in this whatsoever. I doubt there will be a tie.

[robbiej]

Posted: 5/17/07 at 4:09pm

So why do so many think Audra's past 4 wins should be taken in to account?