Avenue Q: Media claims it as a critical upset

[BroadwayPer4mer03]

Posted: 6/7/04 at 7:45am

According to several newspapers, it says that winning Best Score against Wicked wasn't the smart choice. Along with it's dull plot it shouldn't have won BestBook against Wicked. The overall musical of Avenue Q is okay.The other three nomminees were all better than it except for maybe, Boy from Oz. Avenue Q was the biggest upset of the night. This is the one year wher tony voters may have voted wrong

Thats what I heard from the media. what do you think?

[bernadette88]

Posted: 6/7/04 at 7:53am

I disagree greatly. While I LOVE Wicked and was rooting for them to win everything they were nominated for, it is not to see a show like Avenue Q walk away with what they did. Besides the Tony's wouldn't be that much fun if they were that predictable. Congrats to everyone who one and a special congrats to Idina Menzel.

[Broadwaylilhead]

Posted: 6/7/04 at 7:59am

Which "media" is this you speak of?

[BlueWizard]

Posted: 6/7/04 at 10:13am

That's strange. Avenue Q was perhaps the most critically-acclaimed musical of the year. While Wicked and Caroline Or Change received mixed reviews, and Boy From Oz was panned, Avenue Q received amazing notices across the board.

So the media is wrong about itself on this one. Just because Avenue Q was the underdog this year, doesn't mean it wasn't loved by the critics; quite the opposite.

[Corine2]

Posted: 6/7/04 at 10:14am

The media was wrong. And I hope TIME OUT NY gives Stephanie her own cover!

[Plum]

Posted: 6/7/04 at 12:49pm

Which, uh, medium said that? Because the newspapers I've read this morning mostly praise the Avenue Q as a charming show with foul-mouthed puppets.

[DAME]

Posted: 6/7/04 at 12:53pm

Interesting. I have read nothing but praise for Ave Q from the media. Can you perhaps post some links so we can see what you are talking about?

[CapnHook]

Posted: 6/7/04 at 12:55pm

AVE Q's Score was better than WICKED.
WICKED's Book was better than AVE Q.

WICKED got robbed of the Book Tony.

It was a toss up between WICKED and Q for the Tony.

[Sunfish]

Posted: 6/7/04 at 12:56pm

The media? When quoting media, it is advisable to either attach a link to an on-line news story or say "I heard Critic AB say on the XYZ Morning Show...."
Yahoo Tony news item Updated On: 6/7/04 at 12:56 PM

[FindingNamo]

Posted: 6/7/04 at 1:06pm

Wicked's BOOK. I was prepared to throw a heavy object if Winnie Holzman's disaster of a book was awarded a Tony award. But since it was clear that Wicked was going to be nearly shut-out, it did not come to pass.

[Plum]

Posted: 6/7/04 at 1:31pm

And furniture everywhere heaves a sigh of relief.

[bythesword84]

Posted: 6/7/04 at 1:33pm

I don't think Wicked got robbed of either book or score, Avenue Q was better on both aspects.

[BlueWizard]

Posted: 6/7/04 at 1:51pm

I haven't seen Wicked, but I have heard many people, both critics and regular folk, say that the script is a muddle, and that it even contradicts events that later happen in the movie.

I do want to add that Avenue Q's book is wholely original; it's not based on a book or anything, which is very rare for a musical (especially one on Broadway). The fact that the show works so well without having a previously-tested structure is testament to the strength of the book.

[broadwayguy2]

Posted: 6/7/04 at 1:58pm

Wicked is more about BAUM's OZ.. not MGM's......



I am DELIGHTED that Avenue Q took home the prizes..

[wendy72]

Posted: 6/7/04 at 2:00pm

I agree.. the book was strong...especially reading how the songs were already written and Jeff Whitty had to create a story line, which, in turn, validated the use of certain songs and eliminated others.

[CurtainUp]

Posted: 6/7/04 at 2:47pm

Ill admit I havent seen either but what I think it is about wicked is that when you strip away the gaudiness there's not much left, except the amazing actors. The music's contrived, which works for Galinda's songs - and I love Defying Gravity - but some of the other one?

Avenue Q - seems to be no gaudiness. Just flat out talent, great book, great score. What truly makes up a great show.

*THIS IS ALL MY OPINION! PLEASE NO FLAMING!*

[ChristineDaae]

Posted: 6/7/04 at 3:30pm

"According to several newspapers, it says that winning Best Score against Wicked wasn't the smart choice. Along with it's dull plot it shouldn't have won BestBook against Wicked. The overall musical of Avenue Q is okay.The other three nomminees were all better than it except for maybe, Boy from Oz. Avenue Q was the biggest upset of the night. This is the one year wher tony voters may have voted wrong

Thats what I heard from the media. what do you think?"

Well I'm going to have to agree with the several newspapers!!! A perverted show about puppets shouldn't have won against WICKED!! I expected WICKED to won a lot more... I'm glad Idina won though, she deserved it.

[BroadwayPer4mer03]

Posted: 6/7/04 at 5:36pm

I read about it in Usa Today, internet boards and news, and the grapevine.

[Sunfish]

Posted: 6/7/04 at 5:51pm

Internet boards and the grapevine don't count. It depends on whose board and which vine. One newspaper does not consititute "the media". Especially that one.

Too bad your fav show didn't win. Mine didn't either. I think I'll shoot myself, or better yet start foundless rumors. That'll get 'em, by god.

[Corine2]

Posted: 6/7/04 at 5:54pm

Avenue Q WON!
WOO HOO!
I am glad, it does not suck to be them.
Although it still sucks to be me. Updated On: 6/7/04 at 05:54 PM

[MargoChanning]

Posted: 6/7/04 at 6:28pm

From BroadwayPer4mer03:

"According to several newspapers, it says that winning Best Score against Wicked wasn't the smart choice. Along with it's dull plot it shouldn't have won BestBook against Wicked. The overall musical of Avenue Q is okay.The other three nomminees were all better than it except for maybe, Boy from Oz. Avenue Q was the biggest upset of the night. This is the one year wher tony voters may have voted wrong.

Thats what I heard from the media. what do you think?"

When pressed, the only newspaper you could name that you claimed held that opinion was USA Today.

Here's what's in USA Today:

"The biggest upset of the night was puppet showcase Avenue Q's triple crown of best musical, original score and best book of a musical. Q triumphed over blockbuster crowd-pleaser Wicked, plus Caroline and The Boy From Oz."

That's the only mention of Avenue Q in the entire article or the entire USA Today for that matter (see link below). Nowhere does the article state that Avenue Q winning "Best Score against Wicked wasn't the smart choice" or that Q has "a dull plot" or that the "tony voters may have voted wrong."

Care to cite another source -- other than a chat board or the grapevine?

It's fine to disagree with the award result, but there's no reason to fabricate sources and stories in some weak attempt to bolster your opinion.

USA Today Tony coverage

[broadwayguy2]

Posted: 6/7/04 at 6:29pm

I just about jumped out of my seat when they said "Avenue Q". I was so ready for the Wicked machine to win since it would seem to be the biggest tour property... but Q won and I could NOT be happier!