Best Musical 2017 - already interesting

I know that it's kinda tacky to make a post like this, given how early it is. However, this year's race is utterly lacking in suspense, and this upcoming season's new musicals are already shaping up to produce an interesting and divisive race.

Most of this season's upcoming new musicals have had (or will have) pre-Broadway tryouts, so I think it isn't too difficult to look forward and see which ones are real contenders. Though there are several strong-looking contenders, I predict and hope that the race will ultimately come down Dean Evan Hansen vs. Great Comet.

In pains me to compare these 2 beautiful and wildly different shows, but I think it's an inevitability given the nature of the awards season. Plus they are both musicals that are opening around the same time, and they will both be ineligible for the other NY awards due to their Off-Broadway runs - a factor which will make the race even more interesting and difficult to predict.

Though I love both shows, my heart will ultimately be with Great Comet next year. I think the show is more compelling, original and polished than Evan Hansen. As for predictions though? I really don't know. I think they both have a good shot at the award, though I think Comet might have a bit of an edge. Best Score will be a really interesting race too. Again, I'm rooting for Dave Malloy, though I'm concerned his music might be a bit too strange for the Tony Voters.

Dave13 said: "Both of those shows could turn out to be flops. Way too early. Also you could always have a show come out of nowhere. There are several shows that are rumored to be opening or scheduled to be opening that also look promising. "



I agree with both of those things, but I still think it's worthy of discussion and prediction.

Evan's book is the strong point, the score is merely better-than-most. The adaptation and music and lyrics for Great Comet are extraordinary.

Will Groundhog Day be open by then? Tim Minchin is a critical darling.

Call_me_jorge said: "You never know if we will have another economic slump in October causing the tony voters to pick the bigger and more eye catching show which appeals to mass audiences and could tour well, sponge bob."

LOL

Dave13 said: "Both of those shows could turn out to be flops. Way too early. Also you could always have a show come out of nowhere. There are several shows that are rumored to be opening or scheduled to be opening that also look promising.

Dear Evan Hansen will not be a flop. It played to both sold out houses and across the board rave reviews at Arena in DC and Second Stage.



"

Owen22 said: "Evan's book is the strong point, the score is merely better-than-most. The adaptation and music and lyrics for Great Comet are extraordinary.



"

Beg to differ. I liked "Evan" a lot but that ending definitely needs work and a couple of the characters could use some fleshing-out, whereas I'd argue the songs won't need to change much at this point. That opening song, in particular, is killer.

I really do worry that without Soo and Malloy, I really won't enjoy Comet. The show is starting to feel bloated to me as well. It started as a small, intimate show and I feel like the simplicity of the original was what made it so wonderful.

I haven't seem Evan or Come From Away, but they both look incredibly interesting.

Is it possible for War Paint to transfer during this upcoming season? If it does, this will be a tough year.

Updated On: 5/26/16 at 10:10 AM

Holiday Inn is already confirmed by the Roundabout- it's being done in the fall and opening in November, I believe.

I don't know about anybody else, but I'm super excited for the Bandstand.

I would be very surprised to not see Great Comet make it to the spring. Yes, it's an odd show, but Josh Groban is a big star with a large amount of fans and name recognition. Plus, given the unique nature of the show, I think it will do well in terms of word of mouth. I don't think it's a sure thing, but it's coming to Broadway with a lot more going for it than many new musicals.

Updated On: 5/26/16 at 05:24 PM

At this stage, I predict the nominees as: Anastasia, Dear Evan Hansen, Great Comet and Groundhog Day. (Noting that this is wildly too early to really know, but it's fun to think about).

I think it is currently Anastasia's to lose (only because it is a known and strong commercial property), but I could see any of the other three with the potential of coming in and killing it and being the more unique and novel choice for the Tony.

¿Macavity? said: "I can already see the thread...Way Too Early 2017 Tony Predictions"

I've actually been looking forward to that thread TBH, the one that we had for this year's was fun (and fun to look back on and see how wrong some things were). Last year's was posted the day after the Tonys so I hope the same happens again.