We also have to remember that the Tonys don't always reflect what is artistically the best -- but what could make the most money or bring in the most viewers.
Although I agree that artistically
Young Frankenstein and
The Little Mermaid aren't on par with the other shows (assuming that
A Catered Affair and
Cry Baby are better), but unless the Tonys are revamped as they have discussed to allow non-Best Musical nominated shows to perform, I would have a hard time believing neither would be nominated.
I am sure that they would love to be able to market a performance from a new Mel Brooks musical based on a beloved film comedy, or a performance from one of Disney's most beloved movie musicals over shows that have little appeal outside of NYC and the theatre community.
I am not saying that I think either of these shows deserve to be nominated -- but both of them do have name recognition, value to road producers, and it could be perceived that they would bring in more casual viewers. This is probably one reason why
Marry Poppins was nominated over
Lovemusik last year.
"You pile up enough tomorrows, and you'll find you are left with nothing but a lot of empty yesterdays. I don't know about you, but I'd like to make today worth remembering." --Harold Hill from The Music Man