It may end up that Chita will snag a nomination. The Best Actress category started off nicely - LuPone, La Chanze, Friedman, then sort of just came to a grinding halt.
At this point, I don't know how much of a lock Friedman is. I think that it's likely that she will snag a nomination, but Chita may take her slot. I think it will pan out like this:
Patti LuPone, SWEENEY TODD
La Chanze, THE COLOR PURPLE
Kelli O'Hara, THE PAJAMA GAME
Chita Rivera, THE DANCER'S LIFE
Maria Freidman, THE WOMAN IN WHITE
Laura Benanti could sneak in, but it's not probable. It's also possible that Nellie McKay could take Chita or Maria's slot.
"If you are going to do something, do it well. And leave something witchy."
-Charlie Manson