Company Reviews (and beyond) — Page 36

I always love reading your thoughts, ljay. I agree 100% re: Lenk and Elbourne being overlooked for their performances by the Tony nominators. Both performances are fantastic and were worthy of not only nominations, but wins in my book.

Count me in as someone shocked that Claybourne Elder was overlooked. I was expecting Matt Doyle's nomination, but the truth is, I really don't think he's doing anything special with the role. I think Nikki Renée Daniels is bringing the humor that he isn't even thinking about, and the reason people are so impressed is because that patter is, admittedly, difficult. But there really is no nuance or humor in his performance - just technical vocal skill and big hand gestures. I've seen this revival four times and every single time, Claybourne has killed me with what he's doing with Andy. I know where all the laughs are supposed to go, and I know the script, and he somehow finds a way to make me laugh every time. I would have given him the win, no doubt. Sad that he wasn't even nominated.

And I can't even talk about Katrina's snub. I'll add my voice to the choir of people saying that this puts a gigantic tarnish on the committee's reputation. She is a revelation and I can't wait to go back a fifth time and see her again.

Can we please get a cast recording?!?

I've said this before but.....if the nominating committee saw her either before covid or early during this time 'round, they didn't see what many of us did. She was struggling vocally and there were many here that had issues with her performance. Am I still bummed about her not being nominated? You betcha, but if things had stayed as they did pre covid, it seems justified. The reviews were not amazing for her either - and I suspect they might be now.

fosterfan2 said: "But don't the Tony voters/nominating committee see the shows again before they make their final decisions on who/what should be nominated? Or am I completely off? I follow theater very closely,but I'm not an expert."

Yes. The show didn’t even officially open pre-pandemic. The nominations would have to be based on the 2021 cast etc. I still can’t believe the Katrina snub and agree about Claybourne too. No offense to Jared Grimes but I would’ve nominated Claybourne as Andy over Jared’s Eddie Ryan. Elder has really made the part his own and found laughs where there aren’t typically laughs in that part. It’s lazy on the nominators part IMHO.

fosterfan2 said: "I agree with you about Katrina. I'm unable to see the show,but I've seen a lot of footage of her and she is amazing--I was really moved by what I saw of her singing,and especially her acting,in the recent PBS documentary. She had tears in her eyes at the end of "Being Alive." Katrina is SO talented,dedicated,and she even has a great attendance record."

For me its the part of the documentary where she describes how as a woman you adapt to play the part that certain people need that truly won me over. Katrina’s Bobbie is navigating her way thru and being adaptive for all her friends. She finally cancels that tact and becomes who she is. Its so perfect. I love it. xo

ATerrifyingAndImposingFigure said: "I just don’t understand the critique that Doyle isn’t adding anything to the song. I recently came across a recording Jonathan Bailey’s Olivier winning performance and Doyle brought our way more tics and laughs and character."

I just don't understand how anyone could watch a recording of Jonathan Bailey's Olivier winning performance and think Doyle is adding more, or anything, to the song. For me, Bailey delivered so much more nuance and laughs and character than Doyle's one-note twitching and flailing and wailing.

Different strokes and all that.

Updated On: 6/1/22 at 10:45 AM

I didn’t see Bailey but I get the impression Doyle plays it less flamboyantly than Bailey.

For me the biggest overlook (besides Katrina of course which I can't even talk about) is Chris Sieber. He is giving my favorite non-Katrina or Patti performance. I think what he is doing is nuanced and subtle and heartbreaking yet still funny. He would have been my next pick for a nom, even before Jennifer. I prefer Sieber's performance. I wish he were getting more acknowledgement.

mcsquared said: "Forgive me if there's already been another thread on this but does anyone know if this might tour?"

Seems doubtful even if it wins best musical revival. They would need a name as Bobbi and/or Joanne.

mcsquared said: "Forgive me if there's already been another thread on this but does anyone know if this might tour?"

I highly doubt a tour would go out. Sondheim is more of a niche ticket buying market. It would be a very tough sell around the country. Have any Sondheim shows toured?

Bill Snibson said: "mcsquared said: "Forgive me if there's already been another thread on this but does anyone know if this might tour?"

I highly doubt a tour would go out. Sondheim is more of a niche ticket buying market. It would be a very tough sell around the country. Have any Sondheim shows toured?"

The John Doyle Sweeney Todd toured. I think Company will tour. Especially if/ when it wins best revival.

I remember seeing the Doyle Sweeney in Denver in a pretty full theater.

The biggest thing is that Susan and Peter's balcony and the soloist in Getting Married Today come out of the ground on Broadway. That would have to change (although they definitely can, as many other shows with lifts do).

The orchestra being suspended above the stage might also have to go. IDK if that's tough to make structurally sound and work in all sorts of theatres.

I know they also automated a lot more when they moved from London to Broadway and I wonder if they might have to de-automate some of the movement too.

I'm sure that if Chris Harper decides that it makes financial sense to do it, Bunny Christie can make it work in the sets and Marrianne Elliot can adjust the staging.