Best Actor - Musical and Play -- Upsets?

Both Best Actor races seem to be very competitive categories this year... Does anyone think there will be "upsets" in both or either categories?

For Musical - I really cannot see Rannells or Gad winning (Rannells would at least be somewhat warranted, but Gad does an impression of Dan Fogler in Spelling Bee... frankly it is a really obnoxious performance that I wouldn't have even nominated). I really think it is between Sheldon and Butz, with Butz having the edge... However, if enough voters went to see at least the Archive recording of Scottsboro, there could be split votes all over the place, because Henry was fantastic. It seems like this is the only real 5-way race.

For Play - Rylance and Mantello will be battling it out, but I honestly think Cannavale may win... I saw all 3 of them and it is the most nuanced of all of them (though I will hand it to Rylance that he does an exquisite job simply maintaining the energy... I liked him better in BOEING BOEING though, which is truly the best comedic performance I've seen on a stage in my life).

Updated On: 6/5/11 at 06:02 PM

I completely agree about Josh Gad- one of the more irritating performances of the season. Nothing more than William Barfee re-tread, with a splash of Chris Farley thrown in for good measure.

As for the Tony race, given that there's no clear front-runner for Best Actor in a Musical, can it really be considered an upset if any of them win?

Bobby Cannavale was Bobby Cannavale--the same performance he's given throughout his professional career.

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Didn't want to start another thread, but after watching the BWW interview with the Morman nominees, how could would it be if Rannells and Gad did tie in the Mormon sweep? I think that would be awesome. It's po

They're both very strong categories.
I don't really know that there is a clear frontrunner for musical. With the exception of maybe Henry, I think they all have a shot. I simply say that becaues I don't see best actor going to a show that's been closed nearly six months.
On the other hand, for plays I think it's also a very close race. Rylance is probably the frontrunner but I don't think anyone would be shocked if Mantello took it. I'd be a little shocked if Cannavale won, but it's far from inconceivable.

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I think it's between Gad and Sheldon for musical. I'm giving the edge to Gad, but I wouldn't be surprised at all if Sheldon wins.

In a less crowded season where Catch Me might have gained some traction, Butz would probably be the front runner. But I don't think that show is going to win anything.

So, I'm going with Gad for the showier role as part of a Mormon sweep.

The real race in a musical acting category is supporting actress though. I'm going with James but Benanti could very well take it.

Despite the Mormon wave there is still some real competition this year in many categories.

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I would love nothing more than to see both Joe Mantello and Joshua Henry sneak up and win in their respective categories. I'm a little behind on the plays but I've seen all of the musical nominees and don't feel that Rannells or Gad are giving an award worthy performance. I would much rather have seen Daniel Radcliffe nominated in either one of their places.

As for Joe Mantello, he is giving a brilliant and moving performance unlike any I have seen in a LONG time, if ever, and I would gladly hand him every award possible.

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Updated On: 6/7/11 at 07:01 PM