Best Tonyless performers — Page 4

Charles Busch. His play writing is flawless.

Did Barbra take your cookie at lunch JohnBoy2? Always a negative word. It is not doubtful that Barbra would have gotten Fanny Brice if "People" hadn't become a hit. It helped, but even the song "People" was shaped around the talents of Barbra, as was the entire show. I didn't see either Funny Girl nor Hello Dolly! simply because I wasn't alive, but I'll say this: Barbra was coached through-out all rehearsals for Funny Girl and all through out of town tryouts. She triumphed on stage on Broadway after many shakey changes etc in the show out on the road. People left the theatre taking about THAT VOICE. With Carol Channing, people knew what to expect, got magic, loved the show, and cheered as a veteran theatre actress. Barbra got bored doing the show and turned out lousy performances on purpose. Translation, the right woman won.

Why don't people check the Tony Awards site before posting on this topic?

I nominate Charlotte D'Amboise and Susan Egan...both women are phenomenally well-rounded talents who have paid their dues and who have been Tony-nominated. Not to say that Susan Egan's portrayal of Belle in 'Beauty and the Beast' was Tony-worthy (unfortunately I don't know that she's planning a return to Broadway anytime soon), but hopefully Charlotte will get some attention as Cassie in the 'A Chorus Line' revival. Also, West End really needs to share Ruthie Henshall with Broadway...she's phenomenal.

As a fan of her work, I'm well aware of Miss Henshall's Broadway credits...I was simply indicating that it would be nice to get her overseas for something new. I overheard her husband Tim Howar discussing how she's "waiting for the right project" to make her Broadway return at the 'Rent' stagedoor, and that came to mind when I was thinking of "Tonyless" performers.

Without question, Orfeh.

Updated On: 7/12/06 at 05:45 PM

Having seen Julie Andrews in MY FAIR LADY, CAMELOT, PUTTING IT TOGETHER and VICTOR-VICTORIA, I would have to go with her. She was robbed, of at least one! And, yes, I know PUTTING IT TOGETHER doesn't qualify.

and Alice Ripley

I read somewhere that Sus is taking a few years off to start a family, but I agree with you. I bet-- were the replacement Tony category functioning at that point or ever-- that her Sally Bowles would've taken the take.

Lucie Arnaz - I was appalled when the then Tony nominating committee didn't nominate her for her wonderful performance in THEY'RE PLAYING OUR SONG (1979).