"Is there a precedent for a show receiving just one nomination and it being for Best Play or Best Musical?
I'm baffled how something can be nominated in that category without having any technical components or actors that are worthy of nomination. Is someone going to argue a "whole greater than its parts" theory?"
Since clearly I'm not the only one who is unclear of the category, I'll ask again. Does "Best Play" mean that this is the best written play, regardless of the production? Or does it really mean "Best PRODUCTION of a play"? And does "Best Musical" mean that it has the best score, lyrics, and book without regard to how good the scenery, costumes, and even acting and directing were? It would seem to explain a lot. Clearly a category like "Best Revival of . . ." would HAVE to be based on those other things, but I honestly question if Best Play is really only about the "written word" -- especially since the playwright is the one mentioned with it and not the producers, director, or anyone else. I can find no clarification of this matter on the Tony website.
Updated On: 5/1/12 at 10:01 AM