Linney or Metcalf for the Tony

Really fascinating race and two incredible performers. The general impression from this board and most critics seemed to be that Metcalf had this locked, making Linney's Drama Desk and Outer Critics wins are both surprising. Also interesting as both are on their 4th nominations. Thoughts on who will win? Also sorry if this feels like yet another tony thread-this seemed like such a specific thing to discuss, that I thought it might warrant its own thread.

It's a tough call. I thought both gave excellent performances, and both are overdue for a Tony. If I had to pick though, I think I'd pick Linney, mainly because I think she has better material to work with. I think Regina is far more interesting and 3-dimensional than Hnath's version of Nora, and Little Foxes is significantly more well-written. For me, Metcalf elevated the material and demonstrated her excellent acting chops, while Linney disappeared more fully into the role. I personally prefer the latter.

I just saw both on Friday (Linney) and Saturday (Metcalf). I have to admit that I don't get all the raves for Metcalf, a performer who I like. I thought she was excellent, but i didn't feel she was playing a full-blooded character. I know a lot of people on this board loved ADH2; to me, it was entertaining, but it seemed more like an outline for a play rather than a full play. The points raised were very interesting and thoughtful, but that didn't make it a play...at least for me. And that impacted my view of Metcalfe's performance.

On the other hand, I thought Linney gave a remarkable performance as Regina (and Birdie, for that matter). She played a full-blooded character and, for me at least, made Bette Davis's performance seem almost one-dimensional.

I will really be disappointed if Linney does not win, as I think it may be the best performance I have seen her give to date in any medium.

Both are doing excellent and exciting work, such different plays and performances though. Metcalf gets my vote, what a tour de force! But Linney is a commendable choice. I still expect the Tony to go to Metcalf.

Still believe Blanchett gave the best performance of the season.

That said, I would vote Linney over Metcalf. Regina is a far more interesting and complex character. She's also giving this performance while alternating roles, which is insane.

Updated On: 6/5/17 at 09:52 AM

Does anyone think Metcalf being in Three Tall Women next year gives Linney an advantage? Would voters maybe hold off so they can reward Metcalf next year and give Linney the win this year?

The more likely scenario is Tony voters will want to reward both Laura Linney and Cynthia Nixon. So if we're to assume Nixon is a lock for featured actress, then I think Linney would have the edge over Metcalf.

My money's on Metcalf!

I loved both performances and would be so happy if either of them one, but I think I'm pulling a little more for Linney. What has stuck with me since seeing The Little Foxes a few weeks ago was the subtle movement she made to sit back in her chair when Horace was dying. That one small movement made such a HUGE impact on me.

I just don't think Metcalf's role was nearly as complex as Linney's. I felt occasionally that she was not playing a real character (think A Doll's House by Ibsen), just a lot of ideas, whereas Regina was a real character and Linney brought so much to the role. I expect Metcalfe to win (surprise hit, midnight performance), but really don't think it will be deserved.

wonderfulwizard11 said: "givesmevoice said: "I loved both performances and would be so happy if either of them one, but I think I'm pulling a little more for Linney. What has stuck with me since seeing The Little Foxes a few weeks ago was the subtle movement she made to sit back in her chair when Horace was dying. That one small movement made such a HUGE impact on me."

See, this is what I was missing from Linney's performance. Maybe I was just too far back, but it felt like a mostly surface portrayal of the character. It's a good performance, but it didn't really strike me as...surprising, if that makes sense? It was all the technical elements of Regina, but something was just lacking for me."



For what it's worth, I was sitting in the last row of the mezzanine, and I agree with givesmevoice. I found her Regina to be fascinating and fully fleshed out. Maybe you saw her on an off day? Or maybe her take on the role was just not to your liking, which is fine too. To each their own!

Metcalf will WIN the TONY

I hope Linney, just because ADH2 was so disapponting for me. My full review is here:

http://poisonivywalloftext.blogspot.com/2017/06/spring-diaries-dolls-house-part-2-sab.html