Elisabeth Withers-Mendes and a Tony

[bella cantato]

Posted: 4/27/06 at 1:53am

I was just wondering what people were thinking of her chances of winning a Tony this June. I saw her in Purple back in January, and she totally sold me. (She seriously had me in tears and I never, ever cry at musicals, or movies, or anything, really.) Her performance was amazing and so soulful, and I would love to see her win the award. Is she a lock-in for the nod? What is her competition for the actual win?

Thanks all!

[Wanna Be A Foster]

Posted: 4/27/06 at 1:59am

I've said this before and I'll say it again. She has the best songs in the show and she delivers them with precision and grace. She shows us the heart of Shug and turns in a beautiful performance. She made the show for me. I would hand the Tony to her in a second.

Updated On: 4/27/06 at 01:59 AM

[munkustrap178]

Posted: 4/27/06 at 2:17am

I agree.

She made the show for me. The best performer, the best part, the best lines, the best book, and hell - the best costumes. This woman is wonderful in the role, yet in my probably (by this time) jaded opinion, I would give the award to Cyndi Lauper.

[catstagestud]

Posted: 4/27/06 at 2:43am

I think it'll be a tight race; even without seeing Lauper I felt that Mendes embodied all that Shug is. She doesn't need a Tony to prove to anyone that she's a born artist though; she was stunning in The Color Purple and I felt that no one turned in a more memorable performance during my week in NYC than she.

Cheers,

Christopher

[MrBundles]

Posted: 4/27/06 at 3:06am

she most definitely deserves it. May I also say that she is a sweetheart. She ran out of the theatre as fast as she could to get home to her child and got in her car, but then a woman ran by and wanted to say hi to her, and she actually got back out of the car and took a picture with her.

[bella cantato]

Posted: 4/27/06 at 4:28am

I totally agree, catstagestud. She doesn't need any award to prove how fabulous she is. Still... it would be nice for her to win, to give her some future career stability and a promise that we'll see more of her in years to come.

[Wanna Be A Foster]

Posted: 4/27/06 at 6:29am

Aww, Christopher, you just made me smile.

[Sleeper2]

Posted: 4/27/06 at 8:38am

She is soooo much better in the role than Adriane Lenox was in Atlanta. She really brings that character to life.

[ozone20]

Posted: 4/27/06 at 10:13am

would this be a supporting or lead nominiation for her? i havent seen the show.

[Wanna Be A Foster]

Posted: 4/27/06 at 10:33am

She would be eligible for Best Featured Actress in a Musical.

[BSoBW2]

Posted: 4/27/06 at 11:33am

/the more I think about it...I originally wanted Felicia. But now I think I would prefer Elisabeth to win.

But, in all, Cyndi Lauper has my full support (like that means anythng).

[All_For_Laura]

Posted: 4/27/06 at 11:52am

Elisabeth deserves a tony like none other. Incredible performance. I am hoping she gets nominated.

[uncageg]

Posted: 4/27/06 at 12:07pm

I also agree. She was wonderful.