The confusion really happens because it's handled differently for plays and musicals. It makes sense that it doesn't make sense to some.
I think the Tony committee needs to make a distinction between "Best Play" (recognizing authors) and "Best Production of a Play" (considering all elements associated with a given production with an award for the producers) ... and change the other award to "Best Production of a Musical" (again recognizing all elements combined in the production and giving it to the producers).
For example, I thought the writing of "Ragtime" far outshone "The Lion King," but the overall production and impact of the latter was enough to garner it the top award of "Best Musical." As much as I loved (and love) Ragtime, there were elements of it that just didn't gel with the Broadway production. I've said before that the show worked much better in Los Angeles with a different cast (save two principals). It was a really close call in my book, but since Best Musical does and should take into consideration all aspects, not just the writing, direction, etc., which are recognized in their own categories, it should be for overall production, and the name should change to "Best Production of a Musical." (Or even Best Production of a New Musical)
And non-musical productions should be the same. "Best New Play" (for authors) and "Best Production of a New Play" for the top award.
"Jaws is the Citizen Kane of movies."
blocked: logan2, Diamonds3, Hamilton22
