It might turn out to be depending on the work, which we haven't really seen as a group yet. Certainly there is a crowded field of beloved Broadway stars this season (and in general one hell of a season).
But it will be hard for anything to ever live up to 1964: Channing as Dolly, Barbra as Fanny, Inga Swenson in 110, Bea Lillie (nominated) and Tammy Grimes (not nominated) in High Spirits (Louis Troy was nominated as featured) plus Viveca Lindfors and Rita Gardner in Pal Joey (revival), and Julia MIgenes in West Side Story (revival).
The field was so crowded that - not only did a legendary performance, Streisand's in Funny Girl, not win a tony, BUT three leading lady performances by Broadway stalwarts in three of their best roles weren't nominated. In each instance, the divas got rave reviews in shows which received raves and a great deal of tony attention in other categories.
Barbara Cook's Amalia in She Loves Me which in any other year might have been considered not only hands down a performance for the ages but a clear tony favorite. It was that year considered a performance for the ages in a show for the ages. And still is!
And Florence Henderson in The Girl Who Came to Supper.
And, as stated above, Grimes's Elvira in High Spirits.
I MEAN, COME ON!
Updated On: 2/21/14 at 09:29 AM