While much has been discussed about best actress in a musical, I find the Best Actor race a bit more of a conundrum. . Who do you think will take home the tony on June 7th? My personal favorite is Tony Yazbeck, but i wonder if Michael Cerveris could go all the way.
I'm pretty sure it's between Cerveris and d'Aarcy James at this point (though I'm pulling for Brian). I would be thrilled if Fairchild pulled out the upset win, or even Yazbek for that matter.
Broadway Legend Joined: 9/1/14
I would say that Fairchild is more competition than BDJ at this point, actually. Everyone seems to think it's Cerveris' award to lose, but I'm not convinced.
Broadway Legend Joined: 6/5/09
Michael Cerveris.
Fun Home all the way down the line.
What are Ken's chances?
AE you are too funny, sticking to your guns, three way tie for featured ladies?
I would say Cerveris is the favorite.
My preference would be:
1. Robert Fairchild
2. Tony Yazbeck
3. Michael Cerveris
4. Ken Watanabe
5. Brian D'Arcy James
But I expect Michael Cerveris will be who Tony voters award.
I would love Yazbek to win for his "Lonely Town" alone.
When he sang that it was transcendent.
But I don't really see him winning.
This has to be the most mysterious Leading Actor in a Musical race we've had in a long time.
Michael Cerveris-This is his 10th Broadway show as well as his 6th Tony Nomination (and a previous winner for Assassins back in 2004).
Robert Fairchild-A ballet dancer making his musical theatre debut in a role made famous onscreen by Gene Kelly.
Brian d'Arcy James-This is his 12th Broadway show as well as his 3rd Tony Nomination.
Ken Watanabe-A Japanese movie star making his American stage debut in a role made famous on both stage and screen by Yul Brynner.
Tony Yazbeck-This is his 8th Broadway show as well as his first Tony Nomination (in another role Gene Kelly played onscreen).
It should be interesting to see how it will all turn out.
I'd say Cerveris is in the lead.
Updated On: 5/1/15 at 09:15 AMBroadway Legend Joined: 7/29/08
Cerveris is definitely the favorite, and he has already received a Lortel Award for this role. But personally, I'd love to see Brian finally win one.
Understudy Joined: 5/8/09
This is a very interesting race. I'm a HUGE fan of "Fun Home", but I don't think Cerveris is the lock that many are predicting. I think Fairchild or Yazbeck have a decent shot. It will be fascinating to see this one play out.
Broadway Legend Joined: 6/24/09
Yazbeck actually didn't make an impression on me, but I feel like he has a great deal of community good will behind him. Everyone seems to like and respect him, and I didn't realize it's his first nom, which is pretty big.
Broadway Legend Joined: 9/1/14
Broadway Star Joined: 9/22/14
I actually feel like Fairchild has a very good shot at taking the award, but Cerveris will have his share of supporters as well.
Cerveris also wasn't eligible for the OCC or Drama Desks this year, so if Fairchild or BDJ picks up momentum with wins that could help them surge ahead for the Tony.
I think it'll go to Cerveris, but I wouldn't count out either Fairchild or Yazbeck, even. Yazbeck was stellar. ON THE TOWN is excellent production, but some of those performances veer into "mug city" a little bit, and Yazbeck's was grounded, nuanced, and touching. Of course, his is the least "zany" character, too, so he had no time to mug.
I have yet to see Fairchild and D'arcy James.
Of the three I've seen, Yazbeck's performance is by far the most impressive.
I agree with Tazber, I would give it to Tony Yazbeck on the strength of his rendition of "Lonely Town" alone. I loved his performance from the start to the finish. I'm just disappointed that more of his co stars didn't receive nominations.
Having said that, I won't be disappointed with whoever wins in this category. Having seen all the performances, I am astounded at the work of all the nominees this year. They all deserve the award.
I have my money on either Robert Fairchild or Tony Yazbeck...
I pretty much loved all the performances in this category but I think it's gonna go to Fairchild. It's a real shame they all can't win.
I've seen Cerveris, Yazbeck, and BDJ. I'll be rooting for Yazbeck.
Understudy Joined: 5/8/09
It's interesting. On nomination day I wrote this off as a done deal for Cerveris. A few weeks later, this race feels like it has broken wide open. It's nothing more than my gut feeling, but today I would say this is actually neck-and-neck between Yazbeck and Fairchild. The only one who I don't think has any chance is Wantanabe.
Chorus Member Joined: 5/18/15
I agree. It's quite possible it's down to the two dancers. Fairchild & Yazbeck seem to be gaining momentum since the nominations were announced. I think Fairchild has the edge. Yet four are clearly in the running.
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