Is John Lloyd Young the Tony Frontrunner?- Page 2

[worrell4077]

Posted: 4/14/06 at 1:47pm

I haven't seen Sweeney yet, so I can't comment on Cerveris, but I have seen Drowsy and Jersey, and I still think that John Lloyd Young is going to get the tony because although both are fantastic performances, JLY's performance is just a tad bit better. I mean that one part of the show where they deal with Tommy's debt is like one of his best non-singing scenes in the show, and being able to sing like he does every night, makes him deserve it more.
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"All it took was two takes on a Sunday afternoon, and then the whole world exploded!"
-Jersey Boys

[RentBoy86]

Posted: 4/14/06 at 2:28pm

Cerveris was just flat-out brillant. I thought he was so good. Plus he played his own instruments, which was really cool to see. I thought the overall production was great - a little hard to follow - but still just plain brillant. I think he should win. Its a revival, yes, but it doesn't just copy the original.

[neomystyk29]

Posted: 4/14/06 at 2:45pm

Contrary to opinions raised in this thread I thought Cerveris' Sweeney was a refreshing change and excellent interpretation of the character. He played a much more vulnerable man and eventually became a numbed man. That's how I read it anyway. His deliveries and songs were filled with emotion and riddled with layers and complexities.

I can't comment on who I think should win because I won't see The Pajama Game and have yet to see Jersey Boys. However, I can't imagine a performance much better than the one Cerveris delivers night in and night out.

[The Distinctive Baritone]

Posted: 4/14/06 at 2:55pm

Young will likely win. Even though this is the year of Sweeney, Michael Cerveris won only two years ago, and that is SERIOUSLY going to count against him.

[jerseyboyslover]

Posted: 4/14/06 at 3:11pm

ddtruitt what do you do?

[FindingNamo]

Posted: 4/14/06 at 3:19pm

"... and being able to sing like he does every night, makes him deserve it more..."

Even if it appears he is not able to "sing like he does every night," at least somebody is singing the notes live. Unlike the lipsynching pop stars who mime to recordings that the kids all love nowadays.

[nomdeplume]

Posted: 4/14/06 at 3:27pm

Updated On: 4/15/06 at 03:27 PM

[thespian geek]

Posted: 4/14/06 at 3:28pm

Even though, by all damn technicalities, Jersey Boys is a "jukebox musical" ... it's certainly NOTHING like ASU, Good Vibrations, Mamma Mia, etc. The show is the story of who made those songs what they are. The songs are (for the most part) used in chronilogical order and are performed on stage either in a performance/concert setting, writing or studio recording setting, and when the song had an impact on a character's life.

I think that fact alone gives it and JLY a better shot than you think. :)

And FindingNamo, John DOES sing like that every night. Go read the entry on his blog which is probably where The Post/Reidel got their information to twist words and smear his name.

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 4/14/06 at 3:29pm

and being able to sing like he does every night, makes him deserve it more...

Don't they all um, do a lot of singing every night? Well? So that makes him more deserving than what, my desk lamp?

[TimeSuckage]

Posted: 4/14/06 at 4:05pm

Have you seen the show? JLY's role is incredibly demanding, from both an acting and a singing perspective. He sings 26 songs. Of all the guys discussed for the Tony this year, I'd say he and Michael Cerveris are doing the most difficult, taxing roles. But that's why these awards are so inane. To compare different performers in different roles is ridiculous, because there is no basis for comparison.

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 4/14/06 at 4:10pm

No, I haven't yet. And I'm sure his role is difficult and taxing -- that's a LOT of music to sing, absolutely. But that's what I was getting at -- it's ridiculous to compare. I think Cerveris' role is... I don't want to say "just as" demanding, because I don't really know, but it's certainly demanding as well.

[erinrebecca]

Posted: 4/14/06 at 4:20pm

I happened to see all three shows in the span of one week, recently. In my humble opinion, it's a race between John and Michael. Although Harry was fun to watch, and I enjoyed the show, his performance is just not in the same league as EITHER John or Michael.

Having said that, their two performances are so different, as are the shows, that it is difficult to say which is better. Personally, I enjoyed John's performance (and show) more than Michael's. I think John's role, as a whole, is more 'substantial', and that he gives a powerhouse, near-perfect, performance of Frankie Valli. Every minute of that performance, he's in the spotlight, and he is *on*, as to character, every second of the show. The nuances in the role may seem simplistic when compared to the artsy interpretation of Sweeney, but, in truth, they are not. His role, the acting, singing, and choreography components, are incredibly demanding.

I love Michael and I think he's a brilliant actor, but my vote goes to John this year.

[nomdeplume]

Posted: 4/14/06 at 5:43pm

Which is better? John's singing or his acting?

[wickedrentq]

Posted: 4/14/06 at 5:45pm

I've actually been wondering about the same thing Em brought up with Jersey Boys. I don't think they'll be snubbed noms, and I don't think JLY would be denied a Tony as much as I wonder about the show itself. Everyone says it's a favorite to win the tony...I'm sure it will get a nomination, but everyone thinks the Tonys biased towards Jukebox musicals might affect Jersey Boys winning the best musical tony?

[YankeeGal#24]

Posted: 4/14/06 at 5:45pm

It's really difficult to say whether his singing or acting is better nomdeplume--both are superb! And he sings more than 20 songs so that tends to stand out more than his acting I think.

[BroadwayChica]

Posted: 4/14/06 at 5:52pm

I'm obviously rooting for Michael, but I thinkg JLY's going to win this one. The Tony bias might affect "Jersey Boy" in terms of the Best Musical race, but not acting. Michael is fantastic in Sweeney, but his performance has polarized audiences, and he won the Tony recently. JLY had a breakthrough performance this year, and received near unanimous praise. It's going to be a close race, but JLY's taking this one.
Updated On: 4/14/06 at 05:52 PM

[Elphaba984]

Posted: 4/14/06 at 5:59pm

i have to agree.... JLY will most likely win the Tony this year. I saw Sweeney, Jersey Boys, and PJ Game... as much as I love Cerveris, he won a Tony already, his performance was good. Connick Jr. ... I thought was a major disappointment, I was not pleased with his performance at all. JLY blew me away though. The man has a voice and talent that is incredible. If I had to pick though I'd say the race will be between him and Cerveris.

[camthom]

Posted: 4/14/06 at 6:07pm

Anyone think Stephen Lynch will get a nomination? The material is pretty weak, but I think he's doing all he can with it? I don't see him winning, but could he fill the 5th slot sooner than Panaro or someone else?

[RentBoy86]

Posted: 4/14/06 at 6:18pm

Its actually kind of interesting if you think about it. Both Cerveris and JLY are both getting raves for pre-existing material. Ones a revival and ones a jukebox. And yeah, I think Lynch will get nominated. I think he just wins the audience over and can only get better in the role. I doubt he'd win, but I think he'll get nominated.

[Theaterlover2]

Posted: 4/14/06 at 6:27pm

What made John Lloyd Young's performance so incredible? I haven't seen him, so I'm curious.
I did see, though, Michael Cerveris in Sweeney and he was incredible. mindblowing. Dark, heartbreaking, hilarious..he was astounding. Honestly, having seen the video of the original Sweeney Todd, I would even say I prefer Michael's interpretation. (don't kill me)

[nomdeplume]

Posted: 4/14/06 at 6:59pm

Can anyone describe what made John's performance so memorable to them, having seen the show?

What sticks out in the memory?

[Katurian2]

Posted: 4/14/06 at 7:20pm

Well, as many of the reviews have said, he didn't mimic Frankie, but created a very strong character of his own. I thought his character progession was wonderful. From a young 16 year old to a tormented star, he was totally convincing. Plus, have you HEARD his voice?

[nomdeplume]

Posted: 4/14/06 at 7:49pm

No, Katurian2, I haven't seen Jersey boys yet and haven't heard his voice.

That's why I'm asking for descriptions of what makes him so great in the role that people might be jealous of his chances for the Tony.

What's his voice like? I assume he's a tenor? What kind?

[YankeeGal#24]

Posted: 4/14/06 at 7:52pm

<< what makes him so great in the role >>

His voice, his acting ability, his charisma, his interpretation of the material, his connection with the other actors and the audience.

[Bohoboy]

Posted: 4/14/06 at 10:15pm

when the new Tony Administration Committee rules came out regarding the distribution of swag and campaigning, they also stated that talking trash about another show could be punishable up to disqualification of a show or nominee. Reidel's response in his next column basically said let me do the trash talking for you. Really, this is Reidel being Reidel at his worst. Hopefully this doesn't effect the Tony voter's opinion of the show or Mr. Young. We'll have to see how it plays out, both in industry reaction to the article and how many columns Reidel is willing to devote to the subject. I love the man on Theatre Talk and find it hard to believe its the same guy who writes such trash in a lousy rag like the Post.