Will someone explain how Kristine got into the Leading Actress category? I had read that the producers wanted her as Featured, her name is very prominently below the title, and it would have been a slam-dunk for her to win. Now I fear her chances are slim. What happened? And that would have also cleared the way for Bette or possibly Fiona to get a nomination.
Loved her in the play, as well as Mrs Witherspoon several seasons back. Hope she wins!
The character Nielsen plays is the female lead of the play, no matter what Nielsen's billing. However she got there, she's in the right category. Featured would have been category fraud.
Her performance is one of the most beloved of the season. She has a very good shot at winning.
I'll pee myself if she wins. And I'll post pictures to prove it.
Broadway Legend Joined: 4/22/04
At Lincoln Center, all the names of the actors were below the title. On Broadway, the show put ONLY Sigourney Weaver and David Hyde Pierce's names ABOVE the title, because they knew the rules: That having them above the title meant they would be considered eligible for the Leading Actress and Actor categories.
It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that IF the producers wanted Kristine Nielsen considered for Leading, they would've billed her that way. Plus, they didn't want Sigourney and Kristine to be competing against each other for a Leading slot. Nor did the producers petition to put Nielsen in Leading.
From what I hear, that was the Tony committee's doing. They have the discretion to bump performers up OR down, regardless of their billing. They often follow the producers' preferences. But not here. Personally, I don't think it would be 'category fraud' to put Nielsen in Featured. It's a judgment call. Notably, the Outer Critics Circle nominated Nielsen for Featured Actress.
If Nielsen were in Featured, she would've been a slam-dunk and a victory for 'Vanya.' ... But in Leading Actress, Nielsen faces stiffer competition against the beloved Cicely Tyson, who's 88 and probably the front-runner. ... When Nielsen got bumped up to Leading, that opened it up for Shalita Grant to get a Featured nod, but I think Judith Light is now the one to beat there.
And don't forget momentum. Tyson is up for Leading Actress at the Outer Critics AND the Drama Desk. Nielsen is up for Featured Actress at Outer Critics, but was snubbed by the Drama Desk. If Tyson wins both the OCC and DD, she might sweep up the Tony, too.
It's possible that both Nielsen and Grant could lose, leaving 'Vanya' with no acting wins in those categories. Whereas if Nielsen were still in Featured, 'Vanya' would have a sure win.
Fascinating, Wayman. Now we know how rocket scientists spend their spare time.
Broadway Star Joined: 7/5/10

thank you for your analysis Wayman. I have a lot to think about now.
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