The one thing I took away from this thread is that I'm not the only one who dislikes NPH.
Broadway Legend Joined: 6/5/09
Not to thread jack, but if Audra wins what's the chances of her extending again?
Probably slim. The River is coming in right after Lady Day.
Broadway Legend Joined: 7/18/11
I'm surprised by the disparaging remarks about NPH. Maybe his very dry, sly sense of humor makes him seem aloof somehow. I have found him to be utterly charming, smart, grounded and very funny. You'd be hard-pressed to hear a bad word about him from anyone who has worked with him. Maybe he's just had too much success for some people.
The award should be about what the best musical is not the one that masses want to go to because they already know the music and don't have to think. The Tony's need another massive over haul and take away some of the tour presenters votes.
Very much this.
The idea that the voters so blatantly pull business decisions into their votes really taints the integrity of the award. I never remember hearing of Oscar voters basing their votes on altering the box office implications, and for good reason. It's sleazy.
I, too, wish they would get rid of the road tour influence if that's what's causing it.
BrerBear, unfortunately it's not just the road presenters. Plenty of people in the New York theatre scene vote for solely business purposes too (theatre owners, producers, etc...). While it certainly does taint the awards a great deal, they call it show business for a reason. The road presenters are just the most transparent and obvious about the whole matter.
Perhaps they should consider renaming some of the categories to something a bit more appropriate for a business decision rather than an acknowledgment of artistic merit?
"Best Musical" could perhaps become "Most Bankable Commodity (with songs)"?
"Best Revival" could be the "License to Print Money Award"....
Broadway Legend Joined: 6/24/09
""Best Musical" could perhaps become "Most Bankable Commodity (with songs)"? "
Amazing. And accurate.
Broadway Legend Joined: 6/24/09
""Best Musical" could perhaps become "Most Bankable Commodity (with songs)"? "
Amazing. And accurate.
"The only truly accurate and correct thing that After8 spouts: BRIDGES... is a big ol' stinking pile of SH*T. That much is undeniable."
He doesn't spout this at all. Despite his antagonism, he didn't actually hate the show [but he didn't love it] (from the preview thread). In light of his other posts, this is practically a rave review:
Iluv,
I see your points, but not being familiar with the source material, I did feel a degree of sympathy for Francesca. After all, she feels unfulfilled in several important areas of her life, and, in the end, we all only have one life to live.... or waste, right?
I thought the show had some moving moments, but it's really something of a mood piece, and the mood is drab. With all the talk of Napoli, I kept wishing Kelli O'Hara would burst into Victor Herbert's The Italian Street Song. It would have been a welcome relief ftom the relentlessly doleful and unmemorable score.
I thought both leads were excellent, and the supporting players as well.
I think it would have worked better as a straight play. The material really doesn't cry out for musicalization. At least, not to this music, anyway.
Adam Feldman and David Cote of Time Out NY have posted their predictions - I have to say, it's hard for me to disagree with any of these.
Time Out NY's Prediction
Swing Joined: 4/28/14
Richardson would be a real upset, and also undeserved. Though I think Audra has been overpraised. She impressed me more than moved me.
If Raisin deserves any award, it's Best Featured Actress for Sophie Okonedo.
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