Seperate Tony for lyricist and composer?

[rKrispyt]

Posted: 6/4/05 at 4:28pm

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...

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 6/4/05 at 4:30pm

Well, I think the strength of the score should certainly have some basis in how well the two elements work together. That said, I'm not sure how I feel about it, honestly. I feel like last year, Avenue Q won on its lyrics. The actual music of it is great, but not really all that earth-shattering. The lyrics are brilliant. But, again, in the long run, I don't know how much benefit could come of splitting the two.

[riv]

Posted: 6/4/05 at 4:32pm

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

[theatreguy]

Posted: 6/4/05 at 4:43pm

They tried it once in 1971. Stephen Sondheim won both awards for COMPANY.

[MargoChanning]

Posted: 6/4/05 at 4:57pm

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.

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

[rKrispyt]

Posted: 6/4/05 at 5:02pm

Margo, I have to ask...

how the hell is it that you know everything? and I'm not being sarcastic, you now EVERYTHING!!!

Can I be your apprentice? Will you take me under your wing and teach me so I can be a human encyclopedia for all things theatrical? I'm so jealous...

and another thing, why aren't you working for this site or doing something likewise in the theatre? (or perhaps you are, how would I know)

[Ourtime992]

Posted: 6/4/05 at 5:03pm

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.

[MargoChanning]

Posted: 6/4/05 at 5:04pm

It's not deep. I have a Tony Award book. I went over to the shelf and opened it.

[WiCkEDrOcKS]

Posted: 6/4/05 at 5:17pm

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'

[MargoChanning]

Posted: 6/4/05 at 5:27pm

Oh and as for my working for this site, if Rob and Craig would like to pay me for my posts, I certainly wouldn't say "No" to the money