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

[bwayphreak234]

Posted: 3/9/16 at 7:43pm

^ Agreed. She was good, but she is not turing in a performance that is even close to the performance that the other three mentioned actresses are turning in.

[CurtainPullDowner]

Posted: 3/9/16 at 9:59pm

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.

 

[BroadwayConcierge]

Posted: 3/9/16 at 10:22pm

Ana Villafañe gave a very endearing performance as Gloria, talent bursting at the seams—but certainly not Tony nomination-worthy. Count her out of the mix.

 

I maintain my five prediction: Phillipa Soo, Jessie Mueller, Laura Benanti, Audra McDonald, and Cynthia Erivo. Carmen Cusack would be the only person this season I think who might be able to snag one of those spots—I can't think of anyone else who might possibly take one.

[ray-andallthatjazz86]

Posted: 3/9/16 at 10:23pm

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.

[pupscotch]

Posted: 3/9/16 at 10:24pm

Mueller probably will NOT get lost in the shuffle. Her performance was the highlight of the show at ART. I'd like it if all six could get nominated, but unless the show completely changes and Mueller's performance dramatically decreased in quality, then I think she has a really good shot at a nomination.

[wonderfulwizard11]

Posted: 3/9/16 at 10:25pm

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]

Posted: 3/9/16 at 11:33pm

Having seen Bright Star today, I cannot imagine Carmen Cusack not getting a nomination. She truly deserves it and is giving an award-worthy performance. I absolutely preferred her performance over Philippa Soo, who I still believe should be placed in Supporting Actress.

[BroadwayConcierge]

Posted: 3/9/16 at 11:42pm

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.

[Call_me_jorge]

Posted: 3/9/16 at 11:51pm

I WANT LINDSAY MENDEZ TO WIN! oh wait... too late. 

[JBroadway]

Posted: 3/9/16 at 11:57pm

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

[CurtainPullDowner]

Posted: 3/10/16 at 12:07am

How many Actors were nominated from Paulus' last show?

 

[Call_me_jorge]

Posted: 3/10/16 at 12:13am

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

[CindersGolightly]

Posted: 3/10/16 at 12:25am

Call_me_jorge said: "I WANT LINDSAY MENDEZ TO WIN! oh wait... too late."

 

Wow. Unfunny, unoriginal, and a desperate attempt at getting a laugh. A triple threat.

[ray-andallthatjazz86]

Posted: 3/10/16 at 3:50am

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.

[aaaaaa15]

Posted: 3/10/16 at 4:58am

You could argue that Soo's amount of time on stage should put her in supporting but Eliza is such an important and integral role (her, Hamilton and Burr are surely the most important characters) that it would seem completely odd to call it a supporting role and to have her compete against Renee whose stage time she probably almost doubles.

Updated On: 3/10/16 at 04:58 AM

[bjh2114]

Posted: 3/10/16 at 11:35am

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.

[BroadwayConcierge]

Posted: 3/10/16 at 11:38am

^ I respectfully and yet wholeheartedly disagree.

[BroadwayConcierge]

Posted: 3/10/16 at 11:41am

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

[Kad]

Posted: 3/10/16 at 11:51am

Whatever one thinks of the role of Eliza, Soo will be riding the Hamilton tidal wave. And that counts for a great deal.

 

It's an extremely competitive category. Errivo has certainly earned her nomination and I would consider her a lock. I am hesitant to label Soo a lock at this point due to competition from Benanti, Mueller, and Audra.

I can't imagine Benanti being poorly-reviewed, and she is turning in an exemplary performance.

Mueller was well-received in Boston, but if the show doesn't take off, who knows?

Audra's part is a mystery. Is she at the level of Streep in terms of nomination just for showing up? Updated On: 3/10/16 at 11:51 AM

[Valentina3]

Posted: 3/10/16 at 11:58am

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.

[bjh2114]

Posted: 3/10/16 at 12:26pm

"Go listen to "Burn." I'm really frustrated by how many people on here are mistaking a subtle/subdued performance as an underperformance. "

 

Clearly I'm incapable of distinguishing a subtle performance from an underperformance.  Thanks for that cute insult.  Here's the deal.  I've seen Hamilton twice, once with Soo and once with her understudy Alysha.  I actually liked Alysha a lot more, but I STILL wouldn't nominated her over Carmen Cusack who is tearing the house down at the Cort.  Burn is a beautiful song, don't get me wrong.  But having a beautiful song written for you doesn't mean everything.  In fact, it's actually not a good idea to tell people to "go listen to Burn" because it is much better on the recording than it was live.  I thought her acting was flat on stage during that song (actually my LEAST favorite Soo moment in the show...she was actually MUCH stronger in the Stay Alive reprise and Quiet Uptown), but it's much more nuanced on the recording.  You don't nominate someone for Tonys based on a recording.

[aaaaaa15]

Posted: 3/10/16 at 1:02pm

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

[starcatchers]

Posted: 3/10/16 at 1:09pm

bjh2114 said: "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.

 

"

150% agreed here. Carmen Cusack's absolutely brilliant performance is one that needs to be recognized. Philippa Soo is giving a fine performance in Hamilton, but nowhere near that level. I could see her potentially snagging a sixth spot because Hamilton (or 5th if McDonald is put in featured), but if they keep it to five - I think she's out.

I loved Villafane as Gloria, but she hasn't got a chance.

My prediction for five would be: Laura Benanti, Jessie Mueller, Audra McDonald, Cynthia Erivo, and Carmen Cusack.

 

[Call_me_jorge]

Posted: 3/10/16 at 2:12pm

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.

[Kad]

Posted: 3/10/16 at 3:11pm

The Tony awards may not be as big and heavy as an Oscar, but they're not tiny.