How to Fix the Tony Awards

[Gothampc]

Posted: 6/5/06 at 10:03am

Interesting article. But probably nothing that people on this board haven't already suggested.
Tony Awards

[Mandi Moo]

Posted: 6/5/06 at 10:04am

KICK OFF WITH A SHOWSTOPPER
Might we propose a humorous opening montage (rejected in the past as too costly)? Start with The Drowsy Chaperone’s Man in Chair: “Remember a purer time, when everyone had big hair and even bigger cell phones . . .” Fade in on Stephen Lynch singing “Hungry Like the Wolf.” Then Harry Connick and a Frankie Valli clone take over with “Oh, What a Night”—until Michael Cerveris and Alan Cumming slaughter them in cold blood. “Kiss my ass, Valli,” says Cumming. And the show has properly begun.


Hah! That would be amazing.

[Gothampc]

Posted: 6/5/06 at 10:06am

"Hah! That would be amazing."

The problem is that they would ask Debbie Allen to choreograph and that would defeat the purpose.

[best12bars]

Posted: 6/5/06 at 10:11am

Most of them just need a little Scotch tape at the base, and then they're good as new.

[Gothampc]

Posted: 6/5/06 at 10:22am

"Most of them just need a little Scotch tape at the base, and then they're good as new."

I've recommended they use the glue that Harvey Fierstein used on his false eyelashes in Hairspray.

[ThankstoPhantom]

Posted: 6/5/06 at 10:42am

I actually think that the show would be more bearable if they showed ALL the awards on TV during those 3 hours instead of what it has become ever since CBS took it over...

Here's my reasoning: The show is now long and dragged out because they have to fill in time with the lack of awards...seriously...watching Hugh Jackman's vomitable "Never Gawnna Dance" was torture...

If they were able to get through all the awards they get through in three hours into two in the past, why can't they add int he technical awards...I miss seeing the footage of the set designs, costume designs, et cetera...they should try to make it more exciting though with those awards.

[Gothampc]

Posted: 6/5/06 at 10:44am

I don't know why they keep rejecting my suggestion of "American Idol" Tony Awards, where the viewers call in and vote.

[CJWesselman]

Posted: 6/5/06 at 10:52am

*The show is now long and dragged out because they have to fill in time with the lack of awards...seriously...watching Hugh Jackman's vomitable "Never Gawnna Dance" was torture...*

Well, now with no official Host, there's really no way for them to fill time. I disagree with the no-host set-up, but maybe it's a way to speed up the process a bit. Presenters come out, present, peformance, presenters, presenters, performance, and so on and so forth. As long as you've got a solid opening number, the occasionally funny presentation (see: Christina Applegate last year. Short, sweet, funny.), solid performances by the nominated shows, and a no more than 3 hour time span, you should have a great show. Keep it simple.

[shesamarshmallow]

Posted: 6/5/06 at 11:07am

Awww, I liked his Never Gonna Dance routine.

Anyway, when I read the title I read it as if it said "How to fix a poker game." And I was all, "Really? How do I fix it so the Drowsy Chaperone wins?"

[ShuQ]

Posted: 6/5/06 at 11:30am

Hahaha that's priceless. The sad thing is...they need to take that seriously!

[MOXIEINTHECITY]

Posted: 6/5/06 at 11:42am

They need to cut the silly numbers like a death montage to a song from All That Jazz?.

I remember watching the show last year and seeing Jesse L. Martin warble through Razzle Dazzle. I cringed.

I also wish they'd just stick to the theatre community. Okay, Nicole Kidman is Australian. The Boy From Oz is about an Austrailan guy. We get it. Let the show stand on it's own without having to pimp it using a "star." It's like they're saying, when they include mega-celebrities to present, "We know we're too as important as the movie stars." Personally, I'd take theatre over films any day, especially lately.



Ever Crush On A Broadway Star?

[EponineAmneris]

Posted: 6/5/06 at 1:01pm

Interesting article.

Broadway is all about tradition. The Tony's are a HUGE tradition and part of the backbone of Broadway. When I attended in 2002, it was a dream come true. I loved every second.

But it's all about ratings and gimmicks and originality for the award shows these days.

And Hugh Jackman was wonderful.

[frontrowcentre2]

Posted: 6/5/06 at 1:14pm

The worst waste of airtime was last years 75th birthdat tribute to Sondheim with .... "Somewhere" ??? Were they making a comment that Sondheim hasn't written any memorable songs himself? And the performance was the worst I have ever seen in 30 yars of Toy telecasts.

Anyway, as to my suggestions:

1. Don't waste time showing us how contemporary singers can sing Broadway: All it proves is that they can't!

2. This being the 60th anniversary, use clips of the presenters from when they won in the past to introduce them.

3. Going into the breaks, show clips from previous Tony winning musicals.

4. Showcase the currently running shows

5. Do away with all tha scripted (and un funny) banter. Let the performers BE themselves.

[muscle23ftl]

Posted: 6/5/06 at 1:34pm

haha, that was hilarious! and as i always say, most people don't really know any Broadway star.

[ahimsa]

Posted: 6/5/06 at 3:44pm

That's what I loved about watching the show as a child. I had no idea who the performers were or what the shows were about, but the winners always seemed so elegant. They had poise, they had grace. They were well spoken and well versed. I'm not talking the over the top Phylicia Rashad type, but the kind that comes from training, experience and tradition. Stage acting was classy and I wanted in. Over time, I got to know who these people were and could appreciate them all the more.

In this day and age, the show just needs hyperlinks.

I think its a dis-service not to include the technical awards. Never underestimate the importance of talent in whatever form it takes.

[doodlenyc]

Posted: 6/5/06 at 4:03pm

I've thought all day that this was a thread about making sure LaChanze wins Best Actress in a Musical.