#1
Posted: 5/5/10 at 8:53pm
So torn this season... want Valerie Harper to win. Will it happen.
Updated On: 5/5/10 at 08:53 PM
Best Actress in a Play 2010?
#2
Posted: 5/5/10 at 8:53pm
You mean Vallerie Harper in Llooped?
EDIT: LOL, you fixed your typo.
EDIT: LOL, you fixed your typo.
"Jaws is the Citizen Kane of movies."
blocked: logan2, Diamonds3, Hamilton22
blocked: logan2, Diamonds3, Hamilton22
Updated On: 5/5/10 at 08:53 PM
#3
Posted: 5/5/10 at 8:57pm
Valerie won't win. She gave a strong performance in a crappy play.
I would vote for Viola Davis, who I think has a strong shot at winning. But I am torn as to who I think will take this prize. It's really between Davis and Linney, in my opinion. I think Lavin, Davis, and Linney each gave three of the year's strongest stage performances in any category so I wouldn't mind any of them taking home the gold.
I would vote for Viola Davis, who I think has a strong shot at winning. But I am torn as to who I think will take this prize. It's really between Davis and Linney, in my opinion. I think Lavin, Davis, and Linney each gave three of the year's strongest stage performances in any category so I wouldn't mind any of them taking home the gold.
#4
Posted: 5/5/10 at 9:04pm
I really hope Laura Linney wins. She gave a great performance and am looking forward to going to see it again.
#5
Posted: 5/5/10 at 9:07pm
I'm kinda shocked Viola is in the leading category. Having seen the original production with James Earl Jones and Mary Alice (twice), I can tell you it's NOT a leading role, even if it's a "starring" role.
"Jaws is the Citizen Kane of movies."
blocked: logan2, Diamonds3, Hamilton22
blocked: logan2, Diamonds3, Hamilton22
#8
Posted: 5/5/10 at 9:38pm
have to go with my fellow NMH alum, Laura Linney
#9
Posted: 5/5/10 at 10:09pm
Not that I can judge much because I've only seen one, but I would LOVE to see Jan win... Actress or Supporting. What a year it's been for her!
::bust a move::
#10
Posted: 5/5/10 at 10:09pm
Viola Davis. Fences is the event of the season.
Formerly SirNotAppearing - Joined 3/08
#12
Posted: 5/5/10 at 11:47pm
Either Linney or Harper...I think.
"People have their opinions and that doesn't mean that their opinions are wrong or right. I just take it with a grain of salt because opinions are like as*holes, everyone has one".
-Felicia Finley-
#13
Posted: 5/5/10 at 11:55pm
I'd never seen or read Fences until last week, but I thought Rose was definitely a leading role - at least in this production. Even though the overall focus is on Troy and his character arc, Rose is constantly around and the second act in particular focuses closely on both of them.
The only similar example I can think of at the moment is Promises, Promises. Chuck clearly has quite a bit more stage time than anyone else, and his is the main journey of the show, but Fran still has several big solos and is considered a leading role.
Many reviews have mentioned that Washington doesn't dominate the current production as much as James Earl Jones did in the original - maybe that's why Davis seems to have a more pivotal role now.
The only similar example I can think of at the moment is Promises, Promises. Chuck clearly has quite a bit more stage time than anyone else, and his is the main journey of the show, but Fran still has several big solos and is considered a leading role.
Many reviews have mentioned that Washington doesn't dominate the current production as much as James Earl Jones did in the original - maybe that's why Davis seems to have a more pivotal role now.
#14
Posted: 5/6/10 at 1:58pm
Laura Linney for me.
edit- i thought this was just play and not revival as well.
I love both Laura and Viola. Viola just may pull this one off. It was an excellent excellent performance.
edit- i thought this was just play and not revival as well.
I love both Laura and Viola. Viola just may pull this one off. It was an excellent excellent performance.
"it's a dirty little war"
Updated On: 5/6/10 at 01:58 PM
#15
Posted: 5/6/10 at 2:10pm
Having seen the original production with James Earl Jones and Mary Alice (twice), I can tell you it's NOT a leading role, even if it's a "starring" role.
Too bad it really makes no difference. That's how Christine Ebersole (mysteriously) won for 42nd Street. And Dorothy Loudon for Annie. It's all about billing, not the size of the role, which really sucks for actors who have to carry a show, but get nominated as "featured" because they are not as famous as someone who may be appearing in 25% of the show.
Too bad it really makes no difference. That's how Christine Ebersole (mysteriously) won for 42nd Street. And Dorothy Loudon for Annie. It's all about billing, not the size of the role, which really sucks for actors who have to carry a show, but get nominated as "featured" because they are not as famous as someone who may be appearing in 25% of the show.
"What can you expect from a bunch of seitan worshippers?" - Reginald Tresilian
#16
Posted: 5/6/10 at 3:08pm
^in this case Viola didn't have top billing though- i still get your point
"it's a dirty little war"
#17
Posted: 5/6/10 at 7:18pm
"Many reviews have mentioned that Washington doesn't dominate the current production as much as James Earl Jones did in the original - maybe that's why Davis seems to have a more pivotal role now."
theatreguy---you have a very good point there. James Earl Jones was "gigantic" on that stage. A larger than life presence. I was always aware of Mary Alice as well, but she sort of snuck up on you and then POW in Act II. I've said this in other threads, but I went back to see it a second time because of her, not Jones. Her performance was so realistic, and even the "big drama" in the second act grew so naturally out of her. There was nothing "theatrical" about her performance. She was completely real, and it's very rare to see than on any stage ... when it feels like you're watching a person in their backyard (in this case), and you just happened to be sitting there during this moment in her life. It really was breathtaking.
I have no doubt that Viola is turning in a terrific performance in an award-worthy role. I just don't think of her character as being a "leading" presence on stage or in the story. It's not about the two of them, as it is (say) in Virginia Woolf? or On Golden Pond, or Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, etc. Those are two equal leading roles, and the story is about both of them. The wife in this story feels more like the mother in "Picnic," but with a much more powerful scene in Act 2.
But, as you say, without a dominating presence such as Jones in the driver's seat, the balance may have shifted, even if the writing hasn't.
theatreguy---you have a very good point there. James Earl Jones was "gigantic" on that stage. A larger than life presence. I was always aware of Mary Alice as well, but she sort of snuck up on you and then POW in Act II. I've said this in other threads, but I went back to see it a second time because of her, not Jones. Her performance was so realistic, and even the "big drama" in the second act grew so naturally out of her. There was nothing "theatrical" about her performance. She was completely real, and it's very rare to see than on any stage ... when it feels like you're watching a person in their backyard (in this case), and you just happened to be sitting there during this moment in her life. It really was breathtaking.
I have no doubt that Viola is turning in a terrific performance in an award-worthy role. I just don't think of her character as being a "leading" presence on stage or in the story. It's not about the two of them, as it is (say) in Virginia Woolf? or On Golden Pond, or Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, etc. Those are two equal leading roles, and the story is about both of them. The wife in this story feels more like the mother in "Picnic," but with a much more powerful scene in Act 2.
But, as you say, without a dominating presence such as Jones in the driver's seat, the balance may have shifted, even if the writing hasn't.
"Jaws is the Citizen Kane of movies."
blocked: logan2, Diamonds3, Hamilton22
blocked: logan2, Diamonds3, Hamilton22
#18
Posted: 5/6/10 at 7:33pm
It's LINNEY'S year. The woman is one of the best actresses working in film, tv, and theatre, she's been nominated several times before, turned in a master class of a performance and has the overdue factor going for her. LAVIN & DAVIS each have a previous Tony win, and are both giving wonderful, solid performances. MAXWELL was downright brilliant in THE ROYAL FAMILY, but they will more than likely reward her in the Featured Actress category. I dont see HARPER winning at all, for that mere fact that her play didn't run nearly long enough for most voters to get to see it. I just feel like the WANT to give it to LINNEY for a star turn performance is stronger, plus it bodes well that she's returning with her play and continuing to work, Davis & Lavin's plays will close shortly after Tony time.
#19
Posted: 5/6/10 at 7:36pm
^granted. I also know you saw the original but I can only guess that Viola would make it natural. I can't see her "acting" this. I sort of see Denzel doing that though. I know he is fantastic, but in a different way.
also, the lead category has to do with billing unless it is changed right? so i am wondering if her being the only female actor in an all male cast and clearly the leading lady has anything to do with her put there as well. does it have to go to a vote when petitioned? do they have to put forth their reasoning?
also this is for revival right? not play?
i know a lot about stage but not the inner workings of the Tony's as many of you do. thanks
also, the lead category has to do with billing unless it is changed right? so i am wondering if her being the only female actor in an all male cast and clearly the leading lady has anything to do with her put there as well. does it have to go to a vote when petitioned? do they have to put forth their reasoning?
also this is for revival right? not play?
i know a lot about stage but not the inner workings of the Tony's as many of you do. thanks
"it's a dirty little war"
#20
Posted: 5/6/10 at 7:42pm
As great as Viola is, it's a supporting role. Linney deserves to win. She gave one of the most nuanced, slow-burning performances I've ever seen.
"You travel alone because other people are only there to remind you how much that hook hurts that we all bit down on. Wait for that one day we can bite free and get back out there in space where we belong, sail back over water, over skies, into space, the hook finally out of our mouths and we wander back out there in space spawning to other planets never to return hurrah to earth and we'll look back and can't even see these lives here anymore. Only the taste of blood to remind us we ever existed. The earth is small. We're gone. We're dead. We're safe."
-John Guare, Landscape of the Body
#21
Posted: 5/7/10 at 12:16am
Having just returned from Fences, I really hope the stunning Viola Davis wins the Tony. Absolutely remarkable performance. Washington was excellent too, but Davis rips the show right out from under him.
#22
Posted: 5/7/10 at 3:33am
I also saw Fences tonight. Davis was pretty incredible. Such a heartbreaking and powerful performance. It sure felt like a lead role to me.
#23
Posted: 5/7/10 at 8:35am
Piper- I'm a little confused as to what your confusion is. I think I know what you are asking.
FENCES is a revival. Viola Davis is nominated in the category "Best Actress in a Play." All categories honoring acting, design, and direction make no distinction between original and revival. Only the overall production categories (Best Play, Best Revival of a Play) make the distinction.
FENCES is a revival. Viola Davis is nominated in the category "Best Actress in a Play." All categories honoring acting, design, and direction make no distinction between original and revival. Only the overall production categories (Best Play, Best Revival of a Play) make the distinction.
"If this is going to be a Christian nation that doesn't help the poor, either we have to pretend that Jesus was just as selfish as we are, or we've got to acknowledge that He commanded us to love the poor and serve the needy without condition and then admit that we just don't want to do it." -Stephen Colbert
#24
Posted: 5/7/10 at 11:23am
^thanks.
"Having just returned from Fences, I really hope the stunning Viola Davis wins the Tony. Absolutely remarkable performance. Washington was excellent too, but Davis rips the show right out from under him. "
I am still torn between her and Laura and if either one wins I will not be disappointed. Viola draws you in without a doubt (pardon the pun) and you forget you are watching a play, no?
"Having just returned from Fences, I really hope the stunning Viola Davis wins the Tony. Absolutely remarkable performance. Washington was excellent too, but Davis rips the show right out from under him. "
I am still torn between her and Laura and if either one wins I will not be disappointed. Viola draws you in without a doubt (pardon the pun) and you forget you are watching a play, no?
"it's a dirty little war"
#25
Posted: 5/7/10 at 11:40am
I think Laura will win. The announcement of her returning with Time Stands Still works in her favor because it means people will have the ability to go see a Tony winner. She's also due for some theatre award recognition. She consistently turns in breathtaking performances. I honestly didn't feel like Fences was Viola's show. I couldn't take my eyes off of Denzel the entire time.
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