Is Great Comet dead Tonys-wise? — Page 2

@Cfried, walk us through that. Who are these Tony voters who will "remember" and who don't already have a reason to vote against the show? And why feel sorry for Ars NOva? They got what they asked for, and a heck of a lot of additional free publicity to boot.

@MM, totally agree.

@PT nothing that needs to be added. It's all sitting there as clear as day.

There are months between now and the Tonys and a lot of shows yet to open. I never listen to Reidel.

I interpreted the Riedel's comment only in terms of the Best Musical nod, i.e. the one that would go directly to Kagan. I didn't think he meant any of the other categories. I could be totally wrong of course, but that was my take on it...

Please keep in mind that if Riedel met with "a few" Tony voters, it was probably three of his friends who love to bitch and stir up sh*t as much as he does. And probably the same three friends who always serve as his "Tony voters" reference for his sh*t-stirring articles. I can't believe people still fall for his schtick.

I even tried watching Theater Talk. The fantastic guests are wonderful, but can't make up for the rest, which I find unwatchable. It's such a shame.

The thing about Riedel that's always left a bad taste in my mouth is the glee with which he wants to see shows fail (and fail spectacularly) well before the show has even opened. If a show is bad, write a bad review. But Riedel will attach himself to a show in development that he finds particularly offensive, or opposed to his sensibilities, or produced by someone he has a beef with, or with a good enough chance of being popular that he can milk his contrarian dislike for drama and page views, and then he will do everything in his 'anonymous-sources-tell-me' power to destroy a show's chances before it has played a single preview. This perverse glee in destruction, this desire to wield whatever power he can to manufacture bad word of mouth for a shows he has never seen nor heard, I will never understand. I love a big old flop as much as the next queen. But give a show a chance to finish developing and solidify into its final form before declaring it dead on arrival.

@sorry,

the man is a gossip columnist. that's how he makes his living. You (and I) may find that a loathsome way to make a living but surely it is not that hard to understand it. Similar to the (equally offensive) telemarketers, if he did not get readers this way, he would not do it. I can't think of a show in which Riedel's gossip hurt a show so I guess it is just entertainment. P.S. When you react to it, you are helping him.

sorry, it's an act. like certain other people, he says outrageous things to attract attention. because it works. that's all that's going on here.

Actually...this article from New York Magazine (2004) implies that he's always had something of a mean streak. He's definitely an opportunist, but it's not all an act, either.

I have a feeling COME FROM AWAY might steal the Tony for Best Musical in the end. It it the show that will feel like the underdog which never hurts, but it also is the material with the most emotional gratis. I think its NY connection to 9/11 will push it over the top for the win.

neonlightsxo said: "I wouldn't put your money on that."

I'd be more inclined to sell it short. The show has a distinct lack of mojo, and I think the idea that New Yorkers are pining for a 9/11 show is tone deaf. But we shall see.

I don't think NYers are "pining" for a 9/11 musical. But I think if they emotionally connect with the material, the 9/11 connection may make the show feel like the 'lofty' choice. Voters often vote with their hearts.

QueenAlice said: "I don't think NYers are "pining" for a 9/11 musical. But I think if they emotionally connect with the material, the 9/11 connection may make the show feel like the 'lofty' choice. Voters often vote with their hearts."



Which is why they'll vote for Dear Evan Hansen.

Updated On: 11/4/16 at 11:36 AM

I was under the impression Evan Hansen was fairly divisive in reaction to it. At any rate, I don't think there is a clear front runner at this time, and anything could happen. Nice change from last year.