"How can he predict American in Paris if he thinks the only other major category it's going to win is Best Director? I will also be shocked if Fun Home doesn't win."
I wouldn't be shocked if either Fun Home or American in Paris wins best musical.
But as to how Brantley can predict American in Paris will win best musical and, in addition, only best director, that's far from unlikely.
Besides the fact that it doesn't have an original score to be nominated for, several shows have won best musical without winning best book or score, and some shows have won best musical while not winning a lot of other tony's.
42nd Street (not eligible for score, lost book to Woman of the Year, and only won one other Tony, for choreography)
Ain't Misbehavin' (not eligible for either book or score which went to On the Twentieth Century)
Jerome Robbins' Broadway (had no original book or score; no book or score awards given that year)
Crazy for You (lost book to Falsettos, not eligible for score, which also went to Falsettos; won just two other tonys for costumes and choreography)
Fosse (not eligible for either book or score, with those awarded to Parade; only other tony's were for orchestration and lighting)
Thoroughly Modern Millie (lost book and score to Urinetown)
Contact (that year best book went to The Dead, best score to Aida)
Jersey Boys (not eligible for score, lost book to Drowsy Chaperone)
Phantom (lost book and score to Into the Woods)
Updated On: 5/7/15 at 11:45 AM