Hypohetical question about alternates

[rougeduck]

Posted: 9/5/11 at 7:33pm

So I recently saw Spider-man with Mathew James Thomas who was just better than Carney in every way and I wondered, even know he would in no way get it, what tony ruling would be on original alternates. They play official scheduled performances with the original cast but are not above the title so would they technically be considered featured if ever deemed worthy?

[AC126748]

Posted: 9/5/11 at 7:42pm

Except for special circumstances or rulings (a la BILLY ELLIOT), Tony eligibility is based on the cast that performs opening night/listed in the opening night Playbill. This is why, for example, David Bologna was eligible for a nomination for BILLY ELLIOT but the other Michael, who didn't perform opening night, wasn't. So in this case, Reeve will be the only Peter Parker who is eligible.

[CapnHook]

Posted: 9/5/11 at 7:44pm

Tony rules are that the actor listed as playing on Opening Night is eligible for the Leading/Featured category.

There have been exceptions to this, which is prompted when the producers request one. Most recently, this occurred when the three alternating Billy Elliots shared the nomination, even though only one performed on Opening Night.

So unless the producers request an exception to also include Matthew James Thomas in sharing the nomination, only Reeve Carney is eligible.