LETS TALK - Leading Actress in a Musical at the Tony's — Page 3

I believe she should be nominated, but I can see Soo not being nominated because though her role is the female lead, she's more of a supporting character. She is fantastic, but she's not in nearly as much of the show as Laura Benanti or Cynthia Erivo.

Jeffrey Karasarides said: "Please keep in mind that if there is a two or three way tie in the nominating process, the number of nominees can be expanded."

Of course, but also remember that the difference between the 5th place and 6th place vote getters has to be fewer than 3 votes, which is incredibly unlikely, statistically speaking. I would honestly be thrilled if we saw 6 nominees in that category this year, but it's highly unlikely.

bjh2114 said: "Jeffrey Karasarides said: "Please keep in mind that if there is a two or three way tie in the nominating process, the number of nominees can be expanded."

Of course, but also remember that the difference between the 5th place and 6th place vote getters has to be fewer than 3 votes, which is incredibly unlikely, statistically speaking. I would honestly be thrilled if we saw 6 nominees in that category this year, but it's highly unlikely.

"

Ya, but aren't there only like 25 or so people on the nominating committee? So, the possibility of the difference between 5th and 6th being 3 votes or less maybe isn't as unlikely as it may seem at first...

Laura Benanti is giving one of the great musical theater performances in SHE LOVES ME. It's not "nice" or "charming." It's an absolute delight and a tour de force from the moment she enters to her last line, there isn't a false moment in the entire performance. Her singing is simply sublime, I just can't rave about this performance enough. I was expecting it to be a great performance, but wasn't prepared for it to be one of the best, most carefully and beautifully rendered portrayals I've seen in a musical.

I saw Erivo basically 24 hours after seeing Benanti and was once again treated to a stunning, gorgeous performance. I don't think one is better than the other. They are simply delivering two brilliant, great performances in what is sure to be a great season for this category. Benanti is certainly a lock for a nomination.

@wickedfan: you are totally correct! Thank you, that makes it a little more interesting.

"tour de force from the moment she enters to her last line"

Simply put, I disagree with this. I enjoyed her, but I don't think anything she is doing could be described as a tour de force. Obviously it's a matter of opinion, but I've seen other Amalias who have done exactly what Laura is doing. If anyone else is giving a "tour de force" right now, it's Carmen Cusack.

Let me put it this way. I RARELY cry at the theatre. The last time I remember crying at a show was during Cynthia Erivo's "I'm Here" when I saw The Color Purple back in December. Before that, the last time I can remember crying at a show was the off-Broadway production of Once in 2011 at New York Theatre Workshop. Carmen had me sobbing in Act 2 during "I Had A Vision" and "At Long Last". It was like an emotional punch to the gut for me.

bjh2114 said: "Let me put it this way. I RARELY cry at the theatre. The last time I remember crying at a show was during Cynthia Erivo's "I'm Here" when I saw The Color Purple back in December. Before that, the last time I can remember crying at a show was the off-Broadway production of Once in 2011 at New York Theatre Workshop. Carmen had me sobbing in Act 2 during "I Had A Vision" and "At Long Last". It was like an emotional punch to the gut for me."

I certainly hope that the measure by which people get awards recognition is not how much you cried during their performance. I was emotionally wrecked after THE COLOR PURPLE and Erivo's stunning work, I was elated and filled with immense joy after SHE LOVES ME and Benanti's glorious performance, both feelings are equally valid and require an enormous amount of talent and dedication to achieve. I got to see Soo, Erivo, and Benanti this past few days and would love to see them all recognized.

bjh, I disagree re Benanti but understand and respect your point/opinion. I was enthralled by Benanti and would put her performance up there with Christine Ebersole and Alice Ripley as the most beautifully rendered I've seen. I can't say enough good things about how much I adored Benanti's screwball heroine take on Amalia, and God that voice.

I'm glad you brought up Levi and Krakowski, who should both get nominated. Krakowski gives one of her best performances in SHE LOVES ME. Levi is ideally cast as Mr. Novak.

Jessetenny said: "Now that I have seen Benanti and Erivo both, its safe to say they are ABSOLUTE LOCKS. I think Erivo really edged out Benanti though.

"

I agree, now that YOU have seen it, we are all totally in the clear to make that call.

Ado Annie D'Ysquith said: "If Errivo won, it'd be one of the few times that two different performers won Tonys for the same role, yes? I can only think of Pseudolus, Mama Rose, and Anna Leonowens?"

There's some others: Marge in Promises Promises, Leading Player in Pippin, Albin in La Cage aux Folles, Emile from South Pacific and Finch from How to Succeed... Désirée in A Little Night Music. The Emcee in Cabaret (one was featured and one was leading actor). That might be all but I'm not sure.

Here's a thread on the subject

Updated On: 3/9/16 at 06:37 PM

^Even with other candidates such as Jessie Mueller, Phillipa Soo, and Ana Villafane.