* I havent seen A Strange Loop, but in a very weak year for new musical works (on Broadway anyway) i was relieved to see it win, for the sake of New Work Encouragement alone.
* The Lehman Trilogy was the most entertaining three hours I've spent in a theater in a while, and Simon Russel Beale really was remarkable (though any of the three leads deserve all the kudos possible).
* Happy for Jesse Tyler Ferguson, who was a highlight of Take Me Out (though I'd have given the award to Oberholzer or Chuck Cooper). I remember people on these boards saying he was "doing his same ole shtick" and theres truth to that but, you know, he was cast in this role because that shtick works here?
* Joaquina Kalukango is super talented but MAN that was a rough performance. She brings the house down with that number (i was in awe when I heard it live) but she was off key and ragged to the point of wincing last night. I say this as a fan, but yikes. I'd be shocked if her win keeps the show open past July, but if that was the goal, I'm not sure why we didnt see way more of the one thing the show has going for it-- the choreography. In my mind, it should have won that award, and Sharon D. Clarke should be boarding her flight back to London with a Tony right now. Should it really be that the Tony Awards only reflect shows that open in the Spring? Is there any doubt that if Caroline had opened in April these awards (and nominations in the supporting categories) would look alot different ? Such a broken system.
* Based on the Music Man performance, I'd be livid if I had $500 tickets burning a hole in my digital wallet. Jackman looked and sounded rough, Sutton showed up to smile and dance for 30 seconds, and then they had an ensemble of people marching around without explanation. Head slap.
* I have never seen a minute of SIX or had any desire to see it, but i thought that number was easily one of the best of the night, and set up the show beautifully. Doesnt look like it needs it, but that absolutely piqued my interest and I hope sells some tickets. Also gave the show itself quite a pick up when it was lagging on.
* The cast of Spring Awakening sounded and looked the best out of anyone that performed and really reminded me of the weakness of the new musical scores we have been seeing of late. Am I wrong to assume that Skylar Astin's new cheesy CBS sitcom is why he/they were given this big moment? He still sounds incredible.
* I did NOT like Girl From the North Country when I saw it in 2020, but this performance reminded me of how searing Mare Winningham was and how vocally incredible the cast is generally (that shot of Luba Mason drumming away made me think about a revisit this week). Yes it was an odd choice out of context but theyre not trying to sell tickets here.
* I know we all worship Saint LuPone, and shes phenomenal dont get me wrong, but I echo those who would have simply loved to have seen Simard win. She's doing alot more nuance and creativity. I thought Patti would give Lenk more of a shoutout- such an obvious and frankly stupid snub of such a worthy performance that carries the show (Joanne does not). Thought Doyle gave a nice speech, and got choked up at his shoutout to Etai Benson and his partner. Cannot for the life of me figure out why Company would do that opening number, AGAIN, without showing off its incredible cast and impeccable score.
* Simply WILD to me that in a night celebrating inclusivity and demanding/lauding progressive changes to the industry, MJ is actually up there in the mix. Like we're actually talking about this with a straight face. That someone portraying a sanitized MJ won Best Actor is going to be such an embarrassment in near history. (And the performance was really slick/impressive, but reminded me of a Las Vegas revue, with a lip syncing lead caricaturist)
* Not much better to see Phylicia Rashad up there (shame she couldn't find a classy FREE COSBY shirt to wear), but thats at least separate artist/art, and she gave a fine performance having nothing to do with her ugly personal views (though I woulda given the award to Rachel Dratch)
* Tribute to Sondheim was pretty insulting. Bernadette can barely sing at this point, and someone thought "lets trot her out and have her croak one Sondheim classic. A bunch of vocal geniuses and big stars singing a medley? One that people would enjoy and remind them of the vast catalogue of Sondheim genius? Nah. Get Bernadette and call it a day."
* I didnt see Dana H, and I find it hard to wrap my head around a lip synced best performance but just the surprise of someone as consistently fantastic as Deirdre O'Connell snapping up a Tony like that was pretty great, and her speech only confirmed how well deserved her accolades are.
* Billy Crystal is Performance come to life. He can work a crowd like no one, and make even the dumbest nonsense be entertaining. Lifted the show up while giving a master class.
* "Recognition of Understudies and Swings" L O L. Did I miss it? Because it was 30 seconds not even? Would it have been so hard to call out all the nominees/winners/celebs who were once understudies? Have some perform? What a joke--if youre going to pretend to pay tribute, pay a little tribute.
* DeBose did a solid job in terms of energy and commitment to the part, but the part was ingratiating, irritating and non-genuine host. shes a great singer and phenomenal dancer, and i get shes having her moment, but I am sorta missing what the big deal is there.
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