Can We Talk About Leading Actress In A Play?- Page 4

[bobs3]

Posted: 4/24/13 at 7:42pm

Tyson (the winner) so the others really don't matter but in all probability:
Taylor (her performance was well received even if the play wasn't)
Metcalf or Morton (but not both)
Shaw (like Taylor, well liked performance in a play that received mixed reviews)
Midler (takes the fifth spot because they will want her to present an award or introduce a musical number at the ceremomy -- maybe Kinky Boots but they will probably ask Cyndi and Harvey to introduce that number)

Updated On: 4/24/13 at 07:42 PM

[bigbelterbaby]

Posted: 4/24/13 at 7:53pm

^^ Yep I agree with this I think Meltcalf gets left out and that's your five but who knows. I don't see how they can resist Bette Midler.

[lenstersf]

Posted: 4/24/13 at 8:22pm

Metcalf and Morton both gave such powerful, emotional performances...I will be disappointed if they don't get nominated. We'll see how Bette is reviewed, but let's hope she's not nominated just to attend the ceremony and present an award.

[wonderfulwizard11]

Posted: 4/24/13 at 8:24pm

I think they can resist Bette Midler as easily as they've resisted people like Daniel Radcliffe in the past. I have no opinion on her performance, as I haven't seen the show and likely won't, but simply being Bette Midler doesn't mean she'll get a nomination, especially in such a strong year.

[DAME]

Posted: 4/24/13 at 8:27pm

But it doesn't mean she won't. I have been hearing really good things about her.

[egghumor]

Posted: 4/24/13 at 8:41pm

Laurie Metcalf
Fiona Shaw
Holland Taylor
Cicely Tyson
Amy Morton (or Hecht or Light)

I'm surprised some posters think Laurie Metcalf might not garner a nomination. To me, the contest for the award is between Metcalf and Shaw.

I know anything is possible in Tony Awardland, but I don't see how a nomination for Midler can be justified. Outside of remembering a ninety-minute monologue, it doesn't appear the play makes much demand on her as an actress. A number of people have commented that it's very difficult to distinguish the character of Sue Mengers from the familiar persona of Ms. Midler. Real investment in character work was not required.
Updated On: 4/24/13 at 08:41 PM

[bobs3]

Posted: 4/24/13 at 9:13pm

The reviews are coming in and so far Midler's performance has been acclaimed even if some critics don't like the play (interesting that the West Coast based critics seem to like the play better than the East Coast based critics == probably something to do with the fact that Mengers is a legend in Los Angeles much as Mike McAlary was in New York).

[Playbilly]

Posted: 4/24/13 at 10:03pm

Cynical time: Taylor and Tyson are likely to take their show on tour if they get nominated. Theater owners may vote with their pocketbooks.

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 4/24/13 at 10:07pm

Cicely Tyson is going to tour? Really?

[bjh2114]

Posted: 4/24/13 at 11:18pm

Haha, yeah def not. I agree with Morton, Tyson, Shaw, Midler, and Taylor. Metcalf was great, but I don't remember her reviews being quite as good as those that Morton got. The only way I see these nominations differently is if Kristine Nielsen is ruled leading. If that happens, she gets nominated over Holland Taylor.

[SonofRobbieJ]

Posted: 4/25/13 at 9:36am

Having seen everyone but Midler on your list, bjh, my own personal opinion is that the showdown SHOULD be between Morton and Metcalf. Which, of course, means Tyson will win (which is fine. It's an absolutely lovely performance...but I did keep thinking 'I wish I saw Lois Smith do this!')

[bjh2114]

Posted: 4/25/13 at 12:23pm

Oh I 100% agree that the showdown SHOULD be between Morton and Metcalf, but I don't see them both getting nominated (though I'd be thrilled to be wrong). And because I don't see them both being nominated, I think Morton gets it since her reviews were ever so slightly better. But who knows, maybe it's Holland Taylor who doesn't make the cut.

What an embarrassment of riches in this category this season. This is by far the strongest of the acting categories. The others pale in comparison.