Chorus Line - B They were lip synching for the first part, but they danced well. It was a little lame, and predictable, but well done I suppose.
And I HATED the head shot opening - and the "Maybe this star is behind the headshot, maybe NOT!" I felt like I was playing Broadway peek-a-boo.
Curtains - B Good performance of a very generic and forced "Broadway Anthem". It was nice.
110 in the Shade - A- Audra, of course, is fantastic. And showed her brilliant acting in those TERRIBLY awkward "before the break previews". She sang well, but the end is always a little awkward for her, as she is mixing those notes, and not belting, or using her soprano. It's an appropriate vocal choice given her character choices, but always leaves something to be desired. (And I am the BIGGEST Audra McDonald fan. Seriously. I own everything she's ever recorded) Anyway, she's a fantastic actress, and she had a lot of fun with a great number.
Mary Poppins - B- Boring. Ashley Brown is one of the most generic performers I have ever witnessed. Lovely voice. Not a thing going on in her head. The performance felt muddled, and it couldn't really keep my attention. And, I too, wanted to see the bitch fly.
Company - A- Raul's a fantastic actor - but did anyone else notice that he wasn't playing the piano? The chords would always come in a second before he actually pressed down on the keys. Whatever - it's not that important. Sang the hell out of the song, acted it well too. I'm sorry he lost.
Grey Gardens - B+ I was underwhelmed. I know she's tired, and sick, and I know that she's brilliant, but this was not her best performance, and not a terribly good song choice for the Tonys. Happy she won, though.
Jersey Boys - D. They sounded tired, their presence was completely unneccessary, and I don't like the show. SO, needless to say, I did not enjoy this.
Fantasia - A. Best performance of the evening, I think. I was most impressed with her, and I actually kind of hate Fantasia. Her voice didn't get on my nerves so much (except when she was singing really high). I'm glad she did it out of context (which allows for more R&B church lady screaming she does so well), but she connected with the song extremely well, and gave a powerful performance. Kudos to her.
All in all, I thought it was a fairly unexciting telecast, with only one true surprise - Best Actor in a Musical, but otherwise, predictable and mediocre.
They really need to get a host.
Personally, I think I have too much bloom.
