Here are Brantley and Isherwoods' Tony predictions for this year...lot of interesting choices and love for shows that didn't make it to Broadway.
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Updated On: 5/8/14 at 01:27 PM
Broadway Legend Joined: 7/29/08
I've never understood their inclusion of off Broadway into these lists. They can't be nominated for Tony Awards, it's impossible. So why waste time including them?
On the other hand, I completely agree with Brantley's picks.
I agree with most of their picks except Beautiful winning for Best Musical.
I just don't see that even being a possibility.
But I'm so bad at these predictions who knows?
I love that Isherwood mentioned Lisa O'hare who should be winning every supporting actress award this season, imo.
I agree with Brantley's acting, book, and score predictions. But I don't think Beautiful will take Best Musical, Act One will get Best Play, or Raisin will take Best Revival of a Play.
It always amuses me when the "experts" opinions don't match. I think there are a LOT of categories this year that are really up in the air. Exciting!!!
Broadway Legend Joined: 7/29/08
^ That's because Isherwood doesn't know what he's talking about.
I misread Brantley's play choice as All the Way. I think All the Way will win, not Act One.
I'd love Mare Winningham and/or Reed Birney to win the Featured Categories. Casa Valentina needs to be honored somewhere for all of those incredible performances. I still think it has a fair shot at Best Play as well, but Mare and Reed would be completely justified should they win. Do the Tony voters really want to hand Mark Rylance a third Tony already when Reed Birney is giving the performance of his career?
^ In what capacity do you work for MTC? You only ever post about their shows.
I think Rylance will win for the production as a whole. It was an incredible production.
I thought Mare Winningham was fine, but the men outshone her. I think one of the ladies from Raisin might slip in or Celia Keenan-Bolger will win for the performance of HER career. She was incredible.
I think leading actress in a play is very, very tight.
Mark Rylance absolutely is deserving of a third Tony. His Viola was one of the finest performances I have ever seen, and maybe the definitive take on the role.
I would LOVE to see Celia Keenan-Bolger win this year!
Broadway Legend Joined: 7/18/03
It is the policy of the Times that its critics do not vote for arts awards. Not theatre, film or television. Since this is their policy, I think the Times needs to stop trying to influence people who actually do vote which is what their articles like this say to me.
Its time to let your critics vote or just shut up about the whole process.
Broadway Legend Joined: 10/16/11
I think I agree with Isherwood's predictions more than Brantley's. I do not think Beautiful will win Best Musical.
Stand-by Joined: 2/21/14
"Mark Rylance absolutely is deserving of a third Tony. His Viola was one of the finest performances I have ever seen, and maybe the definitive take on the role."
Um, Mark Rylance didn't play Viola in Twelfth Night, that was Samuel Barnett (who is also nominated for best lead actor in a play). Rylance played Olivia.
You're correct. It was an error on my part.
I feel that way over Brantley not Isherwood. Agree with Isherwood except where he gushes over the snorefest called jones. What a waste of acting talent. Sort of like preparing for a good steak dinner at Smith & Wollensky or Sparks and getting The special at Tad's instead.
My favourite New York Times article of the year, but was better when they did it in previous years, when their picks were side by side.
Last year both said should win and will win and that was Matilda.
Swing Joined: 3/24/14
I agree that she should have been nominated. Lisa O'Hare, is outstanding.
Swing Joined: 3/24/14
I completely, agree.
Broadway Legend Joined: 6/24/09
I mean Sutton is fantastic but it would be insane if she had 3 Tonys. She's like Hilary Swank. They deserved it when they won and they are always great. But THREE?
I think the inclusion of off-Broadway shows in the "should have been nominated" feature is to remind readers that some of the best, most laudable work in New York isn't on Broadway at all. Just to add context to the Tonys, which I think is always beneficial.
Just had a look at last years predictions and Isherwood tranced Brantley 9-7.
http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2013/05/12/theater/theaterspecial/20130512-tony-awards-picks.html?_r=2&
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