Special Tony for Ali Stroker?

[disneybroadwayfan22]

Posted: 11/25/15 at 11:01pm

Ali Stroker may not be a major character in Spring Awakening. But, she is the very first wheel chaired performer on Broadway and that's something definitely worth remembering Tony-time.

[c0113g3b0y]

Posted: 11/25/15 at 11:04pm

If they want to give a special tony it should be for the entire cast. Not just Ali. I don't see why she should be singled out just because she happens to be in a wheelchair 

[IlanaKeller]

Posted: 11/25/15 at 11:04pm

Intriguing idea. I don't think it will happen this year (maybe in the future as a kind of watershed moment?), but being honored at the Tonys I could see. 

 

[gypsy101]

Posted: 11/25/15 at 11:06pm

is that true that no other performer in a wheelchair ever appeared on Broadway? I find that shocking.

[dramamama611]

Posted: 11/25/15 at 11:19pm

It's true. But no, it does.t mean she should get a Tony for it.....that's ridiculous.

[Jeffrey Karasarides]

Posted: 11/25/15 at 11:24pm

I could see the entire cast getting a Special Tony Award just like the cast of Big River back in 2004.

[disneybroadwayfan22]

Posted: 11/25/15 at 11:30pm

dramamama611 said: "It's true. But no, it does.t mean she should get a Tony for it.....that's ridiculous.

 

"

Why would it be ridiculous? That's a huge first for Broadway and a huge achievement for Ali

[gypsy101]

Posted: 11/25/15 at 11:37pm

what character does she play?

[JBroadway]

Posted: 11/25/15 at 11:39pm

I definitely see where you're coming from. Ali is an actress who has indeed faced incredible adversity and has come out if it successful, and with a history-making performance. 

 

But what I wonder is: would Ali really want to be recognized by the Tony committee just for being in a wheelchair? She's giving a perfectly good performance in the show, but far from Tony-worthy. The fact that it's 2015 and she is the only person in a wheelchair to perform on Broadway is something that Broadway as a community should not feel particularly proud of. The way I see it, Ali getting a special Tony for being in a wheelchair sends the following message: "Dear Ali, good job overcoming the many obstacles that we as a community/institution/business have put in your way." 

Updated On: 11/25/15 at 11:39 PM

[gypsy101]

Posted: 11/25/15 at 11:42pm

seriously what the f broadway, get your shiz together

[oncemorewithfeeling2]

Posted: 11/26/15 at 12:32am

I have to echo what JBroadway said. Ali is thrilled that she helped break boundaries and that she can be a role model for others. She's stated this multiple times. But if she gets a Tony, she wants it to be for being an outstanding actress. Not for being in a wheelchair or even for being an outstanding actress in a wheelchair. 

 

I have no no idea if the cast will get special recognition as Big River did. It wouldn't surprise me. But it'll be for taking accessibility in theater another step farther.

[ljay889]

Posted: 11/26/15 at 12:35am

She is excellent in what is basically an ensemble role, but I agree, I'm sure she'd much rather be recognized for her acting than for her disability. 

[c0113g3b0y]

Posted: 11/26/15 at 1:35am

gypsy101 said: "what character does she play?

 

"

she plays Anna, an ensemble role originated by Phoebe Strole in the OBC

 

[dramamama611]

Posted: 11/26/15 at 4:19am

This (like her accident) is something that happened to her.  The decision was the producers and the director.  It just happened to be her.(not saying she hadn't worked hard, but it could have easily gone to a different wheelchair bound performer. It just happened to be her)

I thought she was quite good in the show, btw.

[smidge]

Posted: 11/26/15 at 10:06am

Loved her since the Glee Project. She would be a wonderful Galinda

[tamra2]

Posted: 11/26/15 at 6:58pm

Being the first to do something is not a reason to earn a Tony award which is supposed to be for excellence in theater... Perhaps being noted in something like the Guinness book of world records... But definitely not a Tony award.

[Call_me_jorge]

Posted: 11/26/15 at 7:01pm

Totally agree about the Glinda comment. She would be perfection.

[Wilmingtom]

Posted: 11/26/15 at 7:07pm

Perhaps a special Tony for Bernard Telsey, the casting director who had the vision to bring Stroker into the mix.

[hork]

Posted: 11/27/15 at 11:48am

That's a terrible idea. "Good for you, getting a part in this show, handicapped girl! You get an award for that!"

[disneybroadwayfan22]

Posted: 11/27/15 at 3:35pm

Call_me_jorge said: "Totally agree about the Glinda comment. She would be perfection.

 

"

That's actually one of her dream roles. She'd be great!

[kade.ivy]

Posted: 11/27/15 at 4:10pm

I would say give the production itself (so I guess the producers and/or maybe director) Tony Honors or a Special Tony and have normal eligibility rules for the cast. Of course, it would hardly be fair to have a non-competitive award for the producers/director AND have them compete for the regular awards, unless the reason for the special awards is specified as the contribution to breaking down barriers, giving actors with disabilities the opportunity to shine, something like that.

Speaking of the cast-has the Tony committee met to discuss Spring Awakening? Will the deaf actors and hearing actors in the same role be considered dually eligible a la the Billy Elliots? 

Updated On: 11/27/15 at 04:10 PM

[Bwaydide92]

Posted: 11/27/15 at 4:36pm

They have made eligibility determinations for Spring Awakening. Only Austin P McKenzie and Sandra Mae Frank will be considered for best leading actor and actress. So Katie Boeck will not be considered as a lead. They may still nominate her for featured, but I'm sure that means that the Moritzs will be considered separately as well.

[MadonnaMusical]

Posted: 11/27/15 at 5:24pm

agree with Collegeboy... a special tony for the whole cast or no tony at all.