Laura Linney/Cynthia Nixon Tony Eligibility

My guess is that they'll be eligible for which role they play on opening night. (That's from a technical viewpoint) The committee can choose to consider them any way they choose and we'll have to wait to hear their verdict.

Are they alternating between two roles or just the role of Regina? In other words, are both of them in every performance or do they sit out altogether when not playing the lead? If I'm understanding Dramamama's reply correctly, it sounds like the former (though I somehow managed to miss that in the press releases).

When Philip Seymour Hoffman and John C. Reilly alternated roles in True West, they both received nominations for Best Actor. I wonder if both actresses might be eligible as Best Actress for their performances as Regina and as Supporting Actress for Birdie. I very much doubt that they'll bundle them ala Billy Elliot.

Wilmingtom said: "When Philip Seymour Hoffman and John C. Reilly alternated roles in True West, they both received nominations for Best Actor. I wonder if both actresses might be eligible as Best Actress for their performances as Regina and as Supporting Actress for Birdie. I very much doubt that they'll bundle them ala Billy Elliot.



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I think the problem arises because, unlike TRUE WEST (where both roles are leading roles), we have a case of one role that is clearly leading (Regina) and another that is really a featured role (Birdie). I highly doubt that they will be deemed doubly eligible for both roles. I think it's more likely to follow opening night rules.

Probably a Matilda/Billy Elliott special Tony...

It makes sense that they'll be considered based on opening night, but it still feels so odd since both of them feel so much more suited for Birdie than Regina.

The producers could decide to go with the roles as assigned on opening night, and all Tony voters would have to request tickets for performances when they are playing those roles. If the producers wish to make each actress eligible for each role, they would have two make two sets of tickets available to each voter so they can see both permutations.



Of course, any decision other than the opening night billing would have to be petitioned by the producers and approved by the Tony committee.



(I suppose there is a chance the producers would petition for a joint nomination, but I highly doubt that would be approved.)

Yes, but as Yero pointed out - that means all Tony voters will have to watch the show twice, once with each lady playing the parts. That just seems extremely expensive undertaking from a producers pov

I imagine all of the actors from Sweat will be considered featured. It really is an ensemble piece.

Valentina3 said: "Yes, but as Yero pointed out - that means all Tony voters will have to watch the show twice, once with each lady playing the parts. That just seems extremely expensive undertaking from a producers pov



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Did True West provide two sets of tickets? I would imagine that most voters would only see the show once and be happy with that; perhaps some might request another set of tickets and that would be up to the producer's discretion. I don't think this is that complicated an issue.

As for whether they get nominated - too early to say. It depends on reviews for Menagerie, A Doll's House - Part 2, and The Little Foxes itself, as well as whether someone from Indecent gains traction. Right now I'd predict both get in with Blanchett, Ehle, and Metcalf rounding out the slots. If the show and both actresses are good, my guess is nom com members will be impressed by the technical feat of double casting.

While technically in accordance with the opening night show, I'm skeptical that the committee would grant such a request, and even more skeptical that Tony voters would go for Nixon in supporting.

M.O.A.I. said: "While technically in accordance with the opening night show, I'm skeptical that the committee would grant such a request, and even more skeptical that Tony voters would go for Nixon in supporting.



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Why are you skeptical? Birdie is absolutely a featured role. If the decision is to have them considered based on opening night, then Nixon would be most appropriately placed in the featured category.