New Tony categories announced

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.

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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...

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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