Last night was a complete fairytale for me. It was such a once-in-a lifetime experience for me and I’m still floating over it. And bonus: Tina Fey said hi to me and I gave Marissa Janet Winklour a quick Congrats while I was walking out of the bathroom. They were so nice.
Despite that I had an excellent time, I’m furious with the Tony voters.
If you want to give a serious show Best Musical over three comedies that are based on franchises, that is perfectly fine. However, you can not disrespect the other 6 musicals to make the point that you don’t like commercialism by kissing the show’s butt. And no, the fact that you generously gave all of the musicals (except Mean Girls and Frozen) one Tony each doesn’t excuse your unfairness.
I’m fine with The Band’s Visit getting Best Musical, Best Actress, Best Score, Orchestrations (omg, phenomenal) and Best Lighting Design. I’m fine with Best Book, but shout out to Tina Fey for making a funny book with satire, social commentary, and sass. TBV’s other wins were unfair.
Best Sound Design right there should have been Spongebob’s. The designer himself actually went on stage during commercial break to demonstrate his talent. The choice of sounds for each character’s single movement and other comedic noises were spot on and the sounds were on time each time. Listen to Bikini Bottom Day and see how quick & funny they are. I’m shocked at this point Spongebob get Best Scenic Design and praise God, it did!
With their direction, Arden and Ladeu both created two phenomenal, beautiful fantasy worlds with unique characteristics. Arden took the advantage of the Circle of the Square and used the actors to their full advantage. He brought literal sand, water, and boats to make a post-earthquake Haiti area. He brilliantly used voodoo in his direction to fit in the island theme and explain the power of the gods. For heck’s sake, THERE WERE LIVE GOATS AND CHICKENS TO MAKE THE PLACE AUTHENTIC. He was so dang out of the box. Spongebob could failed miserably easily. Ladeu rose above the challenge and made the show a joy-fest from start to finish. She made the characters human-like as possible with every day outfits with sea twists, more human like voices, and just insane movement. With the set designer’s help, she made Palace Theater unrecognizable. We were immersed in Bikini Bottom all around us with every day objects and brilliant mechanics. If the Tony voters were so ashamed of giving Spongebob another Tony, then hand it to Arden! Cromer’s direction in TBV was nice, but uncomparable to what Arden and Lamar did.
The biggest insult in my book are the acting winners. Keep in mind, I’ve seen all of these shows except My Fair Lady, so I’m not saying this out of being bias. Ari’el Stratchel was lovely in TBV and I honestly did feel happy for him. His happiness was contagious and his speech was beautiful. However, all he had going on was two recurring jokes and a nice solo that was it. From what I saw in the Tonys, Norbert Leo Butz was unrecognizable by voices and looks and his solo was amazing. Gavin Lee was the true winner. He was an incredible Squidward with a spot-on voice, amazing movement (Watch his Tony performance!), and just a knockout, comedic presence. Grey Henson was hysterical as Damian. Full of sass, spunk, and great great solos for him. Like Ari’el, Alex G from Carousel was fine and didn’t deserve the last spot at all. That should had been Alex Newell’s spot and he deserved that Tony as well. He was just magnificent and everyone went crazy during Once on this Island because of his incredible vocals. Second time I’m saying this: If the Tony voters were that ashamed of giving Spongebob another Tony, then hand it to Butz or Henson.
Tony Shalhoub winning Best Leading Actor was infuriating. I actually saw his replacement. Shalhoub’s role is gorgeous, but it isn’t nearly as hard as what Henry, Patton, and Slater does 8 Times a week. Like Ari’el’s role, he gets one song and one dramatic moment and that’s it. Somehow, they made Shalhoub win the Tony. Can’t speak for Patton, but I saw Carousel on Friday. Joshua Henry was moving as Billy, oozing with desperation, shame, and confusion. His Soliloquy was a treat from start to finish. And Ethan as Spongebob. He 100% deserved that Tony. Being my older sister’s age and making a debut like this acknowledges how brilliant he is. Slater transforms completely into Spongebob. He IS Spongebob. He may have the voice down, but the physical stunts that he does in this show is incredible. He climbs a mountain, singing upside down completely. Ethan is always on the go on the stage, running, clowning, and doing aerobatic stunts. Above all, Ethan’s Spongebob must be the most joyful performance I’ve seen. Period. So endearing, uplifting, sweet, and hopeful. For the millionth time and say it with me now, if the Tony voters would rather die than giving Spongebob another Tony and celebrating an actor’s work, then give it to Henry or even Patton!
I don’t care if TBV is a serious piece of art. Yes, it is a moving show with a great message and we do need a show like this in Trump’s America. But, 1) We can’t overlook comedies that have great energy and a great heart like Spongebob, Mean Girls, and Frozen. They’re just as needed as TBV to give people a smile and laughter and a message of hope. 2) I don’t care if the biggest competition is Spongebob freaking Squarepants. If a show has extraordinary elements that’s better than your previous play, you give it. You give ALL musicals their recognition it deserves: funny, dramatic, romantic, or edgy. That’s what it should be. No politics! Only equality and fairness.
Again, congrats to Band’s Visit for its awards. It is a good show that deserved some of its wins. But, shame on the Tony voters for being unfair, bias, and possibly damaging to the other shows.
Updated On: 6/11/18 at 12:37 PM
