An anonymous Tony Predictons post from Datalounge- Page 2

[Sumofallthings]

Posted: 6/6/04 at 1:22am

Prove it.

[broadwaystar2b]

Posted: 6/6/04 at 1:26am

My predictions (not opinions) of who is least likely to win for Musical Categories
Best Musical: BFO
Best M Revival: Fiddler
Best Actor: Euan Morton
Best Actress: Stephanie D'Abruzzo
F Actor: John Cariani
F Actress: Jennifer Westfeldt
Score: Taboo
Orchestrations: Fiddler
Book: BFO
Choreography: Bombay Dreams

[nystateomind04]

Posted: 6/6/04 at 1:31am

i think wicked's score lacks even what the other blockbuster musicals of the past few years has (think about the music in the producers and hairspray, then think about wicked- IMO, wicked doesnt have that song-by-song greatness that they do.) but i dont really fault any of the performances. kristen is fantastic, idina has an awsome voice and i feel that she really does use a lot of disipline and possess an insane ammount of talent. best musical? im not sure, though it wouldnt break my heart if avenue q won. i havnt seen caroline, but im going to assume it's brilliant because of kushner's involvement.

[Plum]

Posted: 6/6/04 at 2:45am

Well, that's a negative way to think of it, broadwaystar. But I'll play the game anyway, just because I disagree with a couple of your choices. I'd say that Beth Fowler, though I love her, has the least chance of winning in her category, and that Hunter Foster is the least likely to win Best Actor.

[BroadwayPer4mer03]

Posted: 6/6/04 at 9:43am

those were the most unlikely, absurd, awful tony predictions I have ever heard! they made wicked sound like it doesn't deserve to win Best Musical, I mean really then why did it win at least 4 - 8 awards at the drama desks, audience awards,outer critic awards, etc. All the songs are delightful to listen to in Wicked not just two! The cast is amazing!along with its book, sets, orchestrations, lights, and costumes!

[Sumofallthings]

Posted: 6/6/04 at 10:44am

Those other Award shows don't necessarily influence the Tony award show nor do they actually matter.

[NYCbabe3789]

Posted: 6/6/04 at 11:20am

Those Tony predictions were ridiculous. This is obviously some one who HATES Wicked and LOVES Caroline or Change.

I can understand the people who don't like Idina's singing, as other people have said, she has a very different voice, tone, and style. But I just do NOT understand every one saying she "screams." One example, PLEASE. I can even see how some of those notes at the end of Defying Gravity could be portrayed negatively as "screaming," but other than this there is not one point in the show that I can think of where she is not SINGING.

I get so sick of all of the backlash towards things that are "popular." Yes, it is perfectly okay for people to dislike Wicked, Idina, Kristin, ANYTHING. But people seem to feel superior by disliking something that is generally liked by everyone else. I remember back when the show opened and Kristin got all of the raves and Idina was pretty much ignored, many people all fought on Idina's behalf, saying she deserved the good reviews too. Now that the show is being shared equally among them, they are both being constantly bashed. It's all backlash.

I found Caroline or Change DEEPLY moving, especially Tonya Pinkins in that big number in Act Two. However, I've thought about it more, and decided that one song just isn't enough to win a Tony. Tonya was incredibly one-note for the entire show until that song. If that one song had been the entire show, yeah, I'd give her the Tony. But again, one song just isn't enough. If she could've shown that energy and range of emotions in the rest of the show it would've been something else.

So I'm still rooting for Idina, though I will be happy no matter who wins; they all deserve it.

As for Best Musical, I'm hoping it will go to Avenue Q. I like that and Wicked equally, but Wicked's going to be around for a long time, Tony or not. And I really would like to see Avenue Q be "the little show that could."

Again, the backlash is just getting out of control. I'm not such a huge fan of Wicked that I would say that anyone who doesn't like it is a "basher." That's fine if you didn't like it. But SOME, not all, seem to feel that their disliking such a popular show makes them special and a true theatre-goer. Sorry, but no. You just didn't like it. Fine. Leave it at that. Your opinion is not the all-mighty declaration.

[Al Dente]

Posted: 6/6/04 at 11:28am

And furthermore, they're told to vote for the show "most likely to tour". That's all the Tony for best musical is about. It's not really about the "best" show, it's about what show is most likely to tour and make buckets of money for a bunch of greedy people. Ave. Q is a far better musical than Wicked but it most likely won't win.

And for those worshipping at the altar of Menzel, she's been around for 8 years, where were all the fans and casting powers and producers, etc... for the past decade? Suddenly, she's brilliant? Seems to me, she's been singing the EXACT same way whether playing Maureen, or Amneris or Elphaba. I didn't hear a word about Menzel (other than that she was the girlfriend of a B-list "movie star"), since Rent. It's a matter of luck and timing, that's all. Same thing with Anika Noni Rose. She's been around forever and probably been just as good in far less popular projects but suddenly people are "discovering" her. It make sme laugh and shrug at the same time.

[Unknown User]

Posted: 6/6/04 at 11:43am

I was chating with a business colleague the other day. I mentioned I was about to see I AM MY OWN WIFE. He said he found it not to his liking and that he saw nothing special about it. He said he was checking his watch throughout the evening.

I then mentioned that I would be seeing CAROLINE OR CHANGE, too. He replied that he had taken his parents and his cousin who was visiting. He had heard much about Pinkins' performance and figured it should be seen. Then he said the performance and the show were way overrated. He commented that he didn't see why her performance was being praised--her character doesn't change at all throught the show. She is sour and pouting at the beginning of the show and the same at the end, according to him. She has one number but that's it, he said. The other women were better in his opinion, and he thought they were more deserving of higher praise. He went on further to say that he couldn't understand th hype about the show and even Kushner. He proceeded to tell me he saw ANGELS way back when and had the same reaction: overrated. Finaly he says, "Kushner is the Emperor's new clothes."

Those are the opinions of one New York theatre-goer who happens to see many shows and who has a preference for the non-traditional.

There is no right or wrong when it comes to taste. Everyone's opinion is his/her own.

I am seeing CAROLINE this week.

[Al Dente]

Posted: 6/6/04 at 11:45am

It's not backlash, it's stupidity and ignorance which was what I was pointing out in my last post, which was answering Sum. After her big star turn in Rent and a Tony nomination, Menzel didn't originate another lead again, for EIGHT years. Also, her only other Broadway stint was as the 4th Amneris. It's the fickleness of the B'way community. And I don't just mean the fans. It's the powers that be, who are hot for someone for a minute and then cool on them until someone else "reminds" them that they "used" to like this person and suddenly they're "back" and suddenly, they're "brilliant". Idina is the same now as she always was. Kristen...well I don't think I've EVER seen her play a differnet character, including things i've seen her workshop. In short, What I'm attempting to express is that I find the sudden hype and worship ridiculous. You either like someone or not. People aren't fashion (something, I should know), you're either a supporter for the length of a career, or you're not. I like Menzel, the same lukewarm way, I liked her then. She's no more brilliant to me now just because she's in a hit show. Now Ave. Q, THAT'S a "discovery". And Pinkins' turn in Caroline is in my opinion, a major revelation and departure from what i'm used to from her. More worthy of the "hype", regardless of your feelings about the show itself. Updated On: 6/6/04 at 11:45 AM

[NYCbabe3789]

Posted: 6/6/04 at 11:46am

I agree with EVERYTHING your friend said with respect to Ms. Pinkins. A one-song performance, however amazing that one song was. It's just not enough for a Tony.

[NYCbabe3789]

Posted: 6/6/04 at 11:52am

Don't really understand what you're talking about in terms of Idina only just being "discovered." Many people haven't been following her career, and have only just seen her in WICKED. So obviously, her talent is a new discovery to THEM. And those of us who did see her in RENT, TWP, AIDA, etc...because it has been so long since she has originated a role, there obviously wouldn't be much hype about her during the times when she was not performing in anything. After 8 years it's really no surprise that so many people are just now recognizing her talent and talking about it.

[MasterLcZ]

Posted: 6/6/04 at 12:01pm

See, and I thought that Ephelba was alternately glum and grumpy, earnest and glum, sad and glum, angry and glum and finally wet and glum. I never bought her friendship with Galinda one bit. For a heroine, I thought she was pretty charmless and so darn unhappy all the time.
I wanted to say, "Lighten up, honey. Have a malted."

Like Al, I don't dislike Idina. Shes OK. She doesn't make me scratch my head like I do over everyone wetting themselves over how awesome Sutton is.

And I know many posters here think similarly about Tonya.

Updated On: 6/6/04 at 12:01 PM

[Al Dente]

Posted: 6/6/04 at 12:11pm

Thank you Master, you "get" it and me. How rare that is in Broadwayworld. I'm still scratching my head over Contact(that entire Tony season, actually) and more recently, Winoker. I fear I might, for some time to come.

[NYCbabe3789]

Posted: 6/6/04 at 12:17pm

Bernadette was ROBBED...but that's another story...

7 hours and 40 minutes!

[MasterLcZ]

Posted: 6/6/04 at 12:48pm

Has anyone seen Carly Jibson yet?
I like Marissa, but every one of my friends who has seen Carly says she ten times better and more convincing than Marissa (think Bernadette/Reba in AGYG).

[Plum]

Posted: 6/6/04 at 1:18pm

People aren't fashion

I think people shouldn't be fashion, but sadly they often are. Being in the right (or wrong) place at the right time can make a person seem great or awful, when really they've always been something in between.

You know what? If Wicked leads to great things for Menzel, good for her. But I'd like to see if her popularity remains beyond this show, much like I want to see if the show's popularity will remain without her and Chenoweth. We'll see.

[Al Dente]

Posted: 6/6/04 at 2:12pm

You're absolutely right Plum. There are countless examples where the actor is blamed for the material or, on the flipside, revered while turning in a "decent" performance in a "hot" show. I truly believe that any combo of "above average" gals in the 2 leading roles of Wicked, would be having the same golden moment right now. And remember I said, "above average", so don't start throwing the same 8 names around for the roles. No where in my "casting mind" do the names Kerry Butler, Alice Ripley, or amy Spanger, come into the picture. So, stop right there.

[Mattio98]

Posted: 6/6/04 at 2:38pm

I would kill to see Stephanie J. Block in the role. Definitely not impossible...

[Borstalboy]

Posted: 6/6/04 at 2:43pm

I kinda hope Taboo wins best score...I think it was the most ambitious of the group and if Boy George wasn't already a celebrity, he would be hailed as the heir apparant to Jonathan Larson. Ah,well...let's hope someone gives him another chance. Second choice would be Caroline...I just don't think the scores for Wicked (which I haven't seen but heard the CS) and Avenue Q (which I saw and loved) are award-worthy.

Updated On: 6/6/04 at 02:43 PM

[Plum]

Posted: 6/6/04 at 3:04pm

I'd like to see the very talented Ms. Block originate another role rather than being known as Menzel's replacement. Now there's a fine example of someone managing to make a big impression despite so-so material.

And Al, that's who the great ones are, isn't it? The ones who last beyond being the flavor-of-the-season, who dazzle in many different shows, not just the ones made perfectly for them. Time will tell.

[secret-soul]

Posted: 6/6/04 at 3:30pm

ALRIGHT!

This thread has gone on ridiculously for way too long (and it's not even that long, it's just RIDICULOUS).

1) Who the hell cares whether or not Idina Menzel screams on the CD. The nomination and win (should it occur) have nothing to do with a scream on the CD, but with her PERFORMANCE in the SHOW. For those of you who didn't understand before this moment, a PERFORMANCE consists of singing as well as ACTING in the case of musical THEATRE which this IS. THEREFORE the award should go to the best ACTRESS as this is the BEST ACTRESS category.

2) Wicked is a case of specacle gone green which has the ability to drive out the competition with it's flashy ideas and...IMHO...crappy score. At least two of the other shows nominated for best musical are able to move the audience without the distractions that Wicked utilizes. Maybe Wicked will win. But that's because the voters are stunned. They go into the theatre with the intention of looking for a winner and come out dazzled...they don't even know what happened to them. There were bright happy lights and cheery little songs and a cute (well not really) bubbly blonde to make all their problems go away. They forget what they came to the theatre for. The award for Best Musical should go to a show that touches the audience without blindsiding them.

3) I see EXACTLY were Al Dente is coming from. Idina's been around for a while. Agents and Talent resources and directors and the like have been around. They've seen her before. Yet, in the time she's been around (mind you, I DO appreciate her talent, she has a great voice that's gone unrecognized until now) she hasn't changed anything ABOUT her performance. She's still Idina singing the same way she always did. WHY, then, is she picked up now? Because Wicked is a spectacle. It's not, for me, a true example of GOOD musical theatre and YET spectacle pulls through. This is the American Musical Theatre. Unfortunately.

4) There are many fantastic shows out there. I'm not saying that shows which utilize spectacle can't be good. I'm saying it has to be a great show first. THEN use spectacle. I.E. POTO is fantastic...but when you add the pyrotechnics, it's so much cooler. Another I.E. Assassins can be read in many different ways and every person comes out of that show thinking something different. It's moving and honest and THAT makes it a good show. The bright flashy carnival lights make it amusing musical theatre...there's your use of spectacle.

And so ends my rant. Enjoy the Tony's. I'll keep my true opinions about who should win and who probably will win to myself, though I touched on it here.