Patrick Page or André de Shields

Awhile back if seemed like everyone considered Patrick Page to be an undeniable lock, but now that André de Shields has gotten quite a bit of love for his performance as well, it seems like this might be more of a race than once expected. Which one of the supporting men from Hadestown do you think will and should end up taking home the tony?

Updated On: 5/17/19 at 10:28 PM

I think whoever gets the most votes from Tony voters will win. But, only if either of them has the most votes for their entire category. Otherwise, someone else might take it...

GeorgeandDot said: "I really think Andre will take it. I loved both of them, but Andre is a theatre legend. I also think it's possible that they split the vote and one of the gentlemen from Ain't Too Proud win, but I'd put my money on a win for Andre."

This. He has a that bit of a "living legend" edge but I can very much see splits happening both here as well as with the Ain't to Proud actors so really it's anyone's game. I loved both of them in the show and really I thought I would be backing Page all the way but Shields really did surprise me in a good way. It also helps that the role of Hermes has more to do then the role of Hades. While Hades is the more important character to the plot itself and has a few really great moments, Hermes gets more to do and play with to stand out.

Andre DeShields

It's interesting to have two nominees from Hadestown and two from Ain't Too Proud. Taking a look at recently history in this category, having two nominees from the same show generally has meant neither person from the same show wins (excluding juggernauts like Hamilton). But this was the scenario in 2015 too (2 shows each getting 2 nominees, and 1 show taking the last slot). There could be a surprise with ATP because this category has anointed newcomers before. And Pope IS a double nominee. But Page and De Shields both have solid arguments for rewarding career longevity. I'd give the edge to De Shields on that front but not having seen it since NYTW, I thought Hades was the more compelling part.

"I like Hadestown a lot but can’t for the life of me understand why Andre is getting so much attention. He’s a narrator. That’s a really easy part. There’s no arc or acting involved-it’s just singing. "



That's kind of a crappy statement. maybe you think it's easy because he MAKES it look easy. When you are doing an emcee/narrator role, you are not hiding behind a character to influence your choices. You have to rely on your own personal charisma and talent to entertain and to move the show along. Charisma is rarer and more special than acting chops IMO.



There are many great actors. there are far fewer great entertainers. There is a difference. It's a special skill set that should not be looked down upon or shrugged off as being "easy" to do. that's not fair, and it delegitimizes the pedigree and pure entertainment factor that Andre is bringing to the show.



In the hands of a lesser actor/entertainer, the show may have suffered.



so my vote goes to Andre.

Updated On: 5/18/19 at 10:56 AM

Music_Maker42 said: "That’s your opinion. I don’t think he’s giving anything special. It’s not an acting role. He just prisses around the stage and sings big notes. Not acting. I’d rather anyone else win. He’s not owed an award-no one is."

I was more or less giving a reason why I think he will win, which was the point of the thread. I wasn’t attacking someone’s opinion, but you’re free to have your own opinion without putting down someone else’s. I disagree that André is just “prissing around the stage.” He’s giving a very calculated performance with the added natural charisma and presence that only be possesses. I don’t think he’s owed anything by being an unawarded legend, but in my opinion it would be deserved for his body of work and this performance, which I thought was tremendous.

Both are incredibly worthy, and I believe they would both win if they weren't against each other. That being said, Andre will win. The "Living Legend" idea that someone mentioned earlier will propel him to the win. I'm thrilled for him!