S. Epatha Merkerson should win the Lead Actress Tony!

Call me crazy, but as of this point, I think S. Epatha Merkerson has given the best performance by a Lead Actress in a play this year.

If we are to compare certain performances, I just don't think there is any question of how brilliant her performance was compared to others.

I just saw AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY this weekend, and while I though the play itself was a masterwork, I don't think either Deanna Dunnagan nor Amy Morton were nearly as good as Merkerson as Lola. Dunnagan, while great onstage, especially seemed like a mere supporting player at times in her own play. And Morton's work, while intruiging, never really overwhelmed me or completely broke my heart the way Ms. Merkerson did in COME BACK, LITTLE SHEBA!

I'm sure most will disagre, and as of this point in time, (I know Linney & McDormand are still yet to come) S. Epatha Merkerson recreated a character in a play that would not be your typical Broadway fare in 2008, and completely reinvigorated an iconic role to perfection.

Ah yes, Anika. I saw CAT last week as well. The girl is good, but not nearly as good as the 3 ladies I mentioned in my first post. If Linney or McDormand completely screw up, I could see Rose getting a nomination. BUT, while she was decent, I just couldn't take sitting through that show one more time. And truth be told, she's in a poor production of it, and I think that will ultimately hurt her.

Ms. Merkerson is an amazing actress and certainly deserves a Tony.

However, I think August has that category sewn up.

---

who would knock Anika out? Even if everyone you mentioned is nominated she still has a spot in there. you have S epatha, Frances and and Laura, thats still 2 spots. I doubt BOTH deanna and Amy will get the nomination, so Anika has her spot. And even if its a bad production (i've yet to see it, im hoping to rush it this week or next), she has the talent to RISE above.

Morton, Dunagan, and Merkerson are locks, IMO. Liverpool, both ladies from AUGUST will certainly be nominated, it's just the kind of play that has the major buzz this season (kind of like two pair of actors from COAST OF UTOPIA getting nominated in the same category last year).
Rose is giving an exhilarating performance as Maggie, the Cat but I think McDormand and Linney are just the kind of actresses that the committee will want to acknowledge. If Morton or Dunagan had been considered featured, then Rose would undoubtedly be nominated.

---

Maybe Morton was off the day you saw it? I don't know, because I was certainly overwhelmed by her character.

Would Morton be considered for Supporting Actress and not lead. I will say that Ms. Merkerson gave a terrific performance that is worthy of a Tony nomination, but I think the Tony will go to Ms. Dunagan who was smashing!

---

Merkerson played up the subtext but not any of the naturalism of Lola. Unfortunately, (for me, anyway) it blended into the instantly forgettable nature of the production.

Dunagan has my vote and is my pick.
Most importantly, she'll be in the show when it transfers next door to the Music Box. Amy Morton will not-she'll be back in Chicago directing a play. This means less Tony voters will have seen her performance. (Did they tape it for the Library of the Performing Arts yet? or at all?)

Perhaps there will be a tie? (it has happened before)

---

A little OT - I didn't know Morton wasn't staying with the show when it transfers! That's too bad. I thought she was the best on that stage, which is saying a lot - I am crossing my fingers for her to not only be nominated but to win. She's definitely my favorite.

*ETA - we posted at the same time, Ray. Hope this rumor turns out to be true! I was planning a return visit just for her!

---

Updated On: 3/18/08 at 12:04 PM

my girl, s. epatha, should win. definitely. i don't know if she will, but she should. beautiful performance.