Seperate Tony for lyricist and composer?

Does anyone else think that perhaps this is a good idea?

There are so many shows that I think the lyrics are brilliant but the score doesn't match taht genius, and it's a shame to see such talented lyricists (or vice versa as the case may be) unrecognized because the award is given to the show with the best combined strength of the two.

Just wondering...

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No. Don't do it.

Actually, I believe this was done for a brief while at the Tonys. Didn't Frank Loesser win for his lyrics to How To Succeed and Richard Rodgers for his music to No Strings.

Updated On: 6/4/05 at 04:32 PM

The Tonys never had separate categories for composer and lyricist [Edit: except 1971]. 1962 was an odd year, though. There was a separate category for "Best Composer" (which didn't honor the lyricist; there was no separate award for lyricist) and Rodgers won for "No Strings." However, when "How To Succeed" won Best Musical, Loesser, the book writers and the producer all took home the trophy.

The Drama Desks have long had separate awards for lyricist and composer. As for whether the Tonys should adopt that, I don't have any strong feelings about it either way.

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Updated On: 6/4/05 at 04:57 PM

there are years like this one where there are a couple of great scores, and I wish there were some way to honor them all, as this split might accomplish, but other years what would be the point? For example, in 1995 Sunset Boulevard would have won TWO awards for its score by default. And while I like the score alright, the idea of it getting two awards is sort of ludicrous.

Totally in agreement with Margo.

If this was in effect, last year wouldve probably went something like this:
LYRICS: 'Avenue Q'
MUSIC: 'Caroline, or Change'

This year:
LYRICS: 'Dirty Rotten Scoundrels' or 'Spelling Bee' (probably DRS)
MUSIC: 'The Light in the Piazza'