Possible new Tony for replacements...

http://www.nypost.com/entertainment/37801.htm

I think this is an idea that's needed to get into action for a while now. I'd like to see this happen; these people deserve recognition, too. It looks like it might just take off.

Discuss!

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Good for them! Many of them deserve it!

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It's a fascinating idea but fraught with peril. So much depends on the role itself. One of our theatre awards in Australia nominates the same long running shows year after year, and if a comparable leading man role doesn't turn up in a new show, how many times can you give different actors the prize for playing the Phantom or Velma Kelly? Those sort of parts have awards built in to them.
Also, Producers and directors of hits encourage replacements to fit into the fabric of the production as seamlessly as possible (why else do you think every Max Bialystock has been asked to do a carbon copy of Nathan Lane's performance? Because it WORKS). Now if a new star thinks there might be an award waiting for him for being unique, surely he's going to find ways to make himself stand out from his predecessor, possibly unbalancing the entire production and making the production staff very cross indeed.

I think it's great. I'll put my vote in now for Jennifer Laura Thompson.

There are a lot of replacements over the years who would have deserved this, so it's kind of sad for them.

On the other hand, imagine if they ARE eligible to run against the "regulars"...it's going to make the competition a LOT tougher - because all the long-running shows could have a new person every year...imagine how many people could be eligible for each acting award each year.

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And Andrea Martin.

Updated On: 1/7/05 at 10:04 AM

I agree, umgeo. Not that replacements don't pour their whole heart and soul into a part, but I know it's different. I just think it will be too much if they are competing in the regular categories. Just one award for Best Replacement, or if they feel they must, one male and one female. Not one for each of the four categories (Actor, Actress, Featured Actor, Featured Actress).

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i think thats a good idea because jlt really deserves recognition cuz she rocks as glinda

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If the replacements have their own category, then I'm all for it. However, I don't think they should be against the originators.

I'm pretty sure JLT has it all wrapped up, tho lol

Note that Harvey, JLT, and Andrea wouldn't be considered. The earliest Tony broadcast this would be effective for is in 2006.

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Best Actor We Got After Our Famous Actor Left?

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Sorry kids, it's a no-go according to Playbill.com.

The reason that there was never an award for replacements is because in the days when Broadway was your only career and shows didn't run a vulgar decade and a half, there were no replacements save the last few months of a run or something.

But very rarely would a star leave their vehicle for Hollywood or just because their contract was up. Often they might stay the entire run, maybe taking a vacation or some time off. Ethel Merman always stayed the entire run of her shows and in addition never missed a performance. Alfred Drakes, John Raitt, Gwen Verdon, Mary Martin, Chita Rivera, and others would normally stay the majority of their shows run and then leave when their next show was ready to go up, while their former show winded down.

Now, since ever person in theatre stays their eight-month contract and then rushes to the other coast like a stampede, we have become accostumed to replacements and don't think them eventful at all.

And in a time when there was such a wealth of rich material on Broadway it didn't seem necessary to honor replacements because most of the top talent was already on Broadway in an original cast.

Now, since good material is seriously waning and shows run forever and a day, it might take five years to get to originate a role in a Broadway muscial, which is absolutely ridiculous. So big stars, not wanting to have to go through the whole proccedings, replace other stars.

It's quick, easy, two weeks rehearsal and a two month run.

I just think that implementing this category would be the final say that there is nothing good that opens on Broadway and that we need to honor TV stars who "slum" it by doing Broadway with some sort of reward.

That's just stupid.

Article on Playbill

Did we read the same article? Playbill says it's not a part of the January 20 discussion, which is just about this year's Tonys. I wouldn't be shocked if it got implemented in May. It's a great idea.

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