New Tony categories announced

[bjivie2]

Posted: 3/1/05 at 5:39pm

http://www.tonyawards.com/en_US/news/articles/2005-02-02/200502021107361686399.html

How do we all feel about the separating of designs for musicals and plays? I think it makes sense. I just hope that they don't present all these awards on the telecast. I love designers, but I'd much rather see people sing and dance then thank their parents.

[WiCkEDrOcKS]

Posted: 3/1/05 at 5:42pm

Hmm...interesting...I guess its better for the plays which dont really recieve the hoopla they deserve come Tony time.

[BwayTheatre11]

Posted: 3/1/05 at 5:45pm

I think it is great that they seperated the design categories. Lighting design for a play and lighting design for a musical are so different from each other...

[MargoChanning]

Posted: 3/1/05 at 5:48pm

I think it's good to spread the wealth a bit more. Not that money is everything, but play designers have often been at a disadvantage in competing for Tonys because the average budget for a play is typically a third or even a fourth of the average budget for a musical, giving musical designers the ability to come up with much more opulent and eye-popping creations. It's good that now play designers will be competing only with others who are on a similar financial playing field.

[BwayTheatre11]

Posted: 3/1/05 at 5:51pm

Very true, Margo...like I said, design techniques with music is much different.

[Mimi Imfurst]

Posted: 3/2/05 at 4:21pm

this is great news. i just hope music directors get an award soon.

[StickToPriest]

Posted: 3/2/05 at 4:25pm

Yes. Definetely need a Best Music Director Tony.
And I hope that they consider splitting the Best Score Tony back into Best Music and Best Lyrics.

[Gothampc]

Posted: 3/2/05 at 4:27pm

Tony people can't do anything right. What about the award for best ensemble (the one Harvey begged for when he accepted his award)?

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 3/2/05 at 4:32pm

Well, I do think the separation is good. Spreading the wealth a bit, like Margo said. I do wish they'd give awards for ensembles and for replacements, though. Maybe at some point.

[FOAnatic]

Posted: 3/2/05 at 4:34pm

I definitely hope they instate the "Best Replacement Tony" for next year. There are a GREAT DEAL of wonderful performers who take on roles that people have already created, who get no credit for it. I think it would be wonderful if these replacements were acknowledged with a TONY.

[MargoChanning]

Posted: 3/2/05 at 4:41pm

Not sure, in practical terms, how you administer a best replacement award. There are over 700 Tony voters and as it is, it's next to impossible to get them to see all of the NEW shows in a given season (a very large percentage don't bother to see all of the nominated shows). How do you get them to go back time after time after time to see every new Roger and Mimi in Rent, new Phantom, new Roxie, new Nala and Rafiki? Some of those roles change hands three and four times over the course of the year -- even critics can't keep up with every replacement, let alone the 700+ industry professionals who don't have the time or the inclination to revisit every long running show three or four times every single year. Under the current rules, it ust wouldn't work.

[FOAnatic]

Posted: 3/2/05 at 4:43pm

Well...I think it would work if they made certain rules about it. Perhaps someone could only be judged if they were stepping into the role for a certain period of time. Maybe they could even create a certain committee of voters, a small one, who's responsibility would be to see these replacements. With the right organization I think it could work.

[StickToPriest]

Posted: 3/2/05 at 4:47pm

I don't know. I am just fervently against a Best Replacement category. If a replacement is good in a role, then maybe they will soon be offered to originate a role in a new show, and then get that Tony or Tony nod. But a Best Replacement Tony would turn into nothing more than an award to give to big names who step into roles.
I just do not think it would be a good idea at all.

[FOAnatic]

Posted: 3/2/05 at 4:50pm

Meh...I still think it would work.

[StickToPriest]

Posted: 3/2/05 at 4:57pm

Even if it could work, I would be against it.
Winning a Tony is something special, and I just don't think that they need to start adding random categories just so more people can win a Tony.

If it makes sense, like in separating the Design awards or Best Musical Director, then sure, add the category.
I mean, I'm all for replacements getting recognition they deserve, but that doesn't mean there should be a Tony category for replacements.
I'm probably in the minority on this, but that's how I feel.

[FOAnatic]

Posted: 3/2/05 at 5:02pm

Well...I'm still for a Tony.

BUT...if they decide against it...maybe they could show some sort of video montage during the awards showing some short clips of the replacements in action. That would be a nice way to recognize their efforts and performances.

[MargoChanning]

Posted: 3/2/05 at 5:08pm

Having had friends who have been replacements on Broadway, I know from them that in most cases (unless you're a star, eg Harvey Fierstein) you are expected to do a precise imitation of the person you're replacing, down to physical and vocal mannerisms. There's often very little room for you to bring your own unique interpretation to the role. Because of that, I don't think, in most cases, a replacement performance merits Tony consideration.

[IMsooHyprToday]

Posted: 3/2/05 at 5:12pm

hahaha FOAnatic... you just want BarretT to WIN it

[FOAnatic]

Posted: 3/2/05 at 5:13pm

Darn you IMsooHyprToday!

Not only him, though. Lots of shows I've seen in the past I saw with replacements who really blew me away. I really think they deserve some recognition. A TONY would be nice, but if that wouldn't work...I still think a small video montage of them on the award show would be a nice gesture.

Updated On: 3/2/05 at 05:13 PM