now i'm not some amazing theatre critic, nor have i seen many of these shows. but i think it's funny that we have such high hopes for 'the wedding singer' after it's out of town reviews! also, jersey boys and the color purple and the drowsy chaperon all look like locks but i think the show we're all underestimating is "tarzan". although most of us would love to hate b/c it will be a commerical success (think back to the wicked bashing) i think personally i have a little more faith in Disney. they have soooo much money and their past shows (lion king, aida) have been incredible and in many ways influenced adne enhanced theatre as an art form. Also, it's funny that anyone thinks anything has a chance in the tech categories over Tarzan, if there's one thing amazing about tarzan it will be the tech. so personally my bets (and ticket money) is going to tarzan. critical success or not (tony voters named the phenominal Lion King over the amazing and more traditional Ragtime) and if you want a tour friendly it is surely Tarzan.
Right now, I'd say:
Jersey Boys
Drowsy Chaperone
Tarzan
Wedding Singer
The Color Purple could replace either Tarzan or Wedding Singer, but I think it's book and score are simply not strong enough to pull it through. If it gets nominated (especially if it wins), I think it would be for its current and future commercial success.
Caught "The Drowsy Chaperone" last night at the first preview. It's been awhile since a laughed so much at a show (DRS was probably the last time). Def. an original show, people keep asking me what it reminds me of and I still can't think of anything I've seen that would help descibe it. LOVED it.
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