LETS TALK - Leading Actress in a Musical at the Tony's — Page 4

I've got a sinking feeling the WAITRESS might not be well received and Mueller could get lost in the shuffle.

The newcomers have a better chance this year cause some people are tired of the old favorites like Laura and Jessie. Audra is, of course, Audra.

I'd like to see Cynthia, Carmen and Ana in this category.

I wouldn't be surprised if there was a tie in this category. There are just so many wonderful lead actress in a musical performances this year (similar to last year). I am curious to know how Cusack's performance will be received by the critics since so many people on here are raving about her. I think Benanti will get a rave from the Times similar to Kristin Chenoweth's in ON THE TWENTIETH CENTURY. So at least so far, I'd say Soo, Benanti, Erivo, and Cusack seem like very likely locks. But it's so hard for me to imagine Audra McDonald or Jessie Mueller being left out. Then again I never in a million years would have thought that Laura Bland Bundy's performance in LEGALLY BLONDE would be recognized over Kristin Chenoweth's star turn in THE APPLE TREE. An exciting year in this category for sure.

It's not likely they'd give a six-time Tony Winner a supporting role, but it hasn't been confirmed that Audra's role is leading yet. Still, I think Shuffle Along would have to be truly terrible for her not to get recognized- especially since it seems like it's a new kind of role for her.

VotePeron said: "I absolutely preferred her performance over Philippa Soo, who I still believe should be placed in Supporting Actress."

Alrighty, but the Tony committee has already decided that ain't happenin'. So.

wonderfulwizard11 said: "It's not likely they'd give a six-time Tony Winner a supporting role"

Why not? Tony Winners plays supporting roles all the time. Angela Lansbury recently returned the supporting role she played in Blithe Spirit. But she's only won 5 Tonys, so maybe the 6th one is the tipping point?

Updated On: 3/10/16 at 11:57 PM

Paulus' last show was finding neverland. So the answer would be zero, squat, nada. Lol.

Audra is above the title and listed before all of her co-stars. She will undoubtedly run for lead. I just can't see the producers petitioning her to be taken down to featured. She'll compete as lead and will likely get in. Of all the times she has been eligible for a Tony, she has only not gotten in once (for the LCT production Henry IV, which had a huge ensemble). Right now, I'd say six nominees will get in: Benanti, Cusack, Erivo, McDonald, Mueller, Soo. I think McDonald and Mueller are the weakest simply because there is a chance their shows might not get well-received. I don't get why people think Soo is playing a supporting role, she is Eliza Hamilton, has two of the most fantastic numbers in the show, and gets to sing the last number in addition to that. She does a spectacular job in HAMILTON. I expect her to get in and will be very happy when she does.

If it comes down to Soo vs. Cusack (which very well might NOT be the case if Jessie or Audra aren't well received), Cusack ABSOLUTELY deserves the spot of Soo. What Phillipa is doing is charming, but it doesn't come anywhere near the performance that Carmen is giving vocally or emotionally. That being said, Soo has a good shot if Hamilton dominates the nominations, even in categories it doesn't deserve.

bjh2114 said: "What Phillipa is doing is charming"

Also, this is a pretty terrible review of her performance. Ana Villafañe as Gloria Estefan is "charming." Soo as Eliza isn't "charming." She is heartbreaking and meaningful and loyal and devoted and delivers an emotional punch to the gut. Go listen to "Burn." I'm really frustrated by how many people on here are mistaking a subtle/subdued performance as an underperformance.

Updated On: 3/10/16 at 11:41 AM

BroadwayConcierge said: "Soo as Eliza isn't "charming." She is heartbreaking and meaningful and loyal and devoted and delivers an emotional punch to the gut. Go listen to "Burn." I'm really frustrated by how many people on here are mistaking a subtle/subdued performance as an underperformance. "

With Concierge on this one. I have heard Burn upwards of 100 times, and cried at least 95 of those times. Live - she was one of the few performers who was reacting to every single thing happening in front of her, and there's a LOT going on on stage. It's an incredible performance, and her voice is gut-wrenching. I can see her take on really revered female roles in the future.

I actually think Phillipa's performance is extremely enhanced in person rather than on the recording. Eliza has great songs but if you're just judging her character on the words she says she can seem quite stale until the finale. In person, Soo transforms Eliza into an interesting and loveable character through her physical acting. It is a very subdued performance but that's absolutely what the role calls for in contrast to Renee's Angelica. I've said it before, Soo had by far the most emotional effect on me of all the performers and I'd be most disappointed to see her understudy than any other. It really surprises me when I see people not enjoying her performance to the same extent as I do but that's opinions for you.

Updated On: 3/10/16 at 01:02 PM

I could see Jessie or Audra being shut out since they already won a tony award. So the tiny awards would probably nominate a newcomer.