Closed Shows Performing at the Tonys

I doubt White Christmas will be nominated.

---

Mr Roxy, I don't think either will (though [title of show] making it in as a dark horse would be a pleasant surprise.)

I'm just citing both as examples pertaining to this year.

---

There are no "rules" that I am aware of. If you are nominated and invited to perform, then it is your option (not obligation) to accept or reject the opportunity to showcase a performance from your production.

In years past, there have been performances by shows which had already closed (ie, SIDE SHOW).

It wouldn't make much sense for a production to perform at the Tonys if they have already closed. It costs money to pay the actors, designers, director, choreographer, etc. You have to construct a new set for the performance (shows cannot remove their set pieces from the theatre, but they can move costumes and props), too, which also costs money.

It WOULD make sense for a closed production to perform, however, if that production were to go on National Tour.

---

I seem to remember back in ....1996(?), there was a huge fuss because Swingin' on a Star was nominated over Victor/Victoria and Big even though it fan only lasted like two weeks. I think there was another closed show that was nominated as well, but the name escapes me. Anyway, the performed and V/V, Big, and one other show was offer to do short bits (ala Little Mermaid and Catered Affair last year). I know Big accepted, but it was quite a public thing that Julie Andrews banned the Tonys that year because of the treatment of V/V.

[title of show] could very easily perform IF nominated. Much like Side Show, where Alice and Emily performed "I Will Never Leave You" wearing the black version of their wedding costumes. It's not too hard or expensive to rehearse a handful of actors to do a song when having even a Tony nomination and some national exposure would be beneficial in helping the show to have a future life in regional stagings.

White Christmas could also conceivably perform something (though I think the odds of that getting a nomination are slim to none). That show is packed in storage to be sent to whatever cities they are planning on putting it up in each year, and there are enough different cast members from the various companies that they could easily assemble enough to do one of the various production numbers ("Blue Skies" or "I Love a Piano" are the ones I think would showcase the choreography best without feeling out of season) with minimal rehearsals.

And to answer TonyVincent, I cannot see Equity allowing them to do it without being compensated in some way, even if they wanted to.

Hallelujah, Baby had been closed for months and, not only was nominated for but won the Tony for best musical because the competition was vile (Golden Rainbow, How Now, Dow Jones, and, I think, The Happy Time -- not sure about the last). I recall that they did do an number on the show. Not only did it take best musical, but also Best Actress (Leslie Uggams), Best Supporting Actress, and best score (only time that Jule Styne ever won).

---

Lea...you are correct. For the sake of the Telecast, it was decided during this decade that no closed nominee may showcase on the Telecast.

---