The 75th Annual TONY Awards!- Page 19

[JBroadway]

Posted: 6/13/22 at 9:56am

I haven’t read through this thread, so forgive me if any of this is re-hashing, or out of touch with the vibe of the thread. 

The awards I’m most pleased by, regardless of whether they were surprises: 

--COMPANY for Revival, Director, and Scenic

--SKIN OF OUR TEETH for costumes

--GIRL FROM THE NORTH COUNTRY for orchestrations 

--But the win I’m still most elated by is Dierdre O’Connell – feels like an underdog win, but extremely well-deserved (I’m also proud that I predicted her win, despite not being an obvious frontrunner). I also LOVE that DANA H's 2 won both Actress and Sound Design – how perfect is that?

 
Aside from the 7 categories I mentioned above, plus the 4 MJ wins (which I can’t judge because I haven’t seen it), there are 15 more categories. And I had roughly the same reaction to all 15 of these wins, which was: 

*sigh*…fine

Lots of artistic work that I respect, but don’t personally love. Work that IMO deserved nominations but not wins. Some wins that felt like boring defaults. Stuff like that. Just…fine. Whatever. It's hard to get too mad about it when clearly a lot of these shows/performances are beloved by others, so I guess it's more of a "me problem."

Updated On: 6/13/22 at 09:56 AM

[SisterGeorge]

Posted: 6/13/22 at 10:05am

Play Esq. said: "ACL2006 said: "MJ just sold some tickets."

You sure? I’ve never been more reassured in not seeing this."

For a few seconds there I thought I needed to go buy tickets, but before the number was over I had already tuned out and gone to refill my glass.

[Duckie4]

Posted: 6/13/22 at 10:16am

With Myles' win, I realized that playing a solo musical icon (Carole King, Cher, Tina Turner, Billie Holiday) is almost guaranteed to get you the Tony. We LOVE good impersonations. 

John Lloyd Young didn't win it for playing Frankie Valli in Jersey Boys but that show was more about the group.

Ana Villafañe didn't win for Gloria Estefan...I never saw that, though, so I can't comment on the performance or the show. 

Am I completely forgetting others that DIDN'T win? 

[BorisTomashevsky]

Posted: 6/13/22 at 10:20am

Any ideas why the performances from GFTNC and Company aren’t on CBS’s YouTube page like The Music Man and Paradise Square, etc? Could this be an intellectual copyright thing for Dylan/Sondheim or were the performances so bad that the producers requested they not be posted?

As for Let it Burn, the vocal breaks sounded like a combination of nerves, fatigue, and not being familiar with singing so stridently in that space. Feel really bad for her. She was crystal clear at the Barrymore when I saw it, as I know she has been the whole run. 

[SisterGeorge]

Posted: 6/13/22 at 10:21am

Dan6 said: "Love Bernadette, but the Sondheim tribute was underwhelming."

Absolutely true. By comparison, I just watched the 1972 telecast to get a sense of how the Tonys and Broadway had changed in 50 years: dozens of stars payed tribute to Richard Rodgers, performing hits that spanned his entire career during what seemed like a 20-minute segment without commercial interruption. 

sidenote: Ingrid Bergman announced "Stefan" Sondheim twice for his Follies nomination and win.

[Alexander Lamar]

Posted: 6/13/22 at 10:23am

Duckie4 said: "With Myles' win, I realized that playing a solo musical icon (Carole King, Cher, Tina Turner, Billie Holiday) is almost guaranteed to get you the Tony. We LOVE good impersonations.

John Lloyd Young didn't win it for playing Frankie Valli in Jersey Boys but that show was more about the group.

Ana Villafañe didn't win for Gloria Estefan...I never saw that, though, so I can't comment on the performance or the show.

Am I completely forgetting others that DIDN'T win?"

Amber Iman didn’t win for playing Nina, but I only remember that Soul Doctor even existed because I was recently looking up her resume. I don’t think that show got any noms. 

[SisterGeorge]

Posted: 6/13/22 at 10:25am

RippedMan said: "As someone who was excited to see ASL, that performance did not sell me. Back vocals, hard to hear lyrics, not great melodies, or interesting staging."

Sad that my favorite musical of the year has so far produced the worst performance of the evening. 

[JBroadway]

Posted: 6/13/22 at 10:26am

Neither LaChanze nor Ariana DeBose won for Donna Summer - and I'm sure there are others too

[TaffyDavenport]

Posted: 6/13/22 at 10:26am

Extended cut of "Smooth Criminal," recorded at the Neil Simon Theatre:

 

[SisterGeorge]

Posted: 6/13/22 at 10:29am

poisonivy2 said: "I must have been the only person who didn't like Lehman Trilogy. I thought it was okay but it didn't blow me away."

I liked everything about the production, but hated the play. 

[Duckie4]

Posted: 6/13/22 at 10:31am

JBroadway said: "Neither LaChanze nor Ariana DeBose won for Donna Summer - and I'm sure there are others too"

Ah, that's the main one I was missing, thank you. I'm sure there are others, too, I just can't seem to think of them. 

 

[ErmengardeStopSniveling]

Posted: 6/13/22 at 10:32am

One has to wonder what the winners (and shows themselves) would have looked like in the alternate world in which Larry Owens and Ephraim Sykes continued to Broadway with A STRANGE LOOP and MJ, respectively.

[SisterGeorge]

Posted: 6/13/22 at 10:33am

David10086 said: "Andrew Garfield is the best dressed and best looking man on stage tonight. Maybe they can get him to take Jackman's place in "Music Man" next fall ? I'd buy a ticket !"

Nope. I would have to give those awards to Tony Goldwyn.

[ElephantLoveMedley]

Posted: 6/13/22 at 10:35am

The performances from last night that my non-theatre friends seemed to respond the most to were Six (far and away—I know people who bought tickets this morning based off that performance alone) and Joaquina's intense delivery. I think those two shows did the best job in terms of presenting something that would compel people to head to the Telecharge website. 

People in my world seemed to be very confused and unimpressed by Strange Loop's performance. I don't think it did them any favors in terms of selling tickets.

The Music Man fell pretty flat, as did GFTNC and Mr. Saturday Night.

I am the biggest Company fan on here, but will admit their performance was a bit lackluster. Not bad or anything, just not a standout of the evening (I wonder if "Being Alive" would have been featured had Katrina been nominated, which might have given them a Joaquina-esque intense moment). 

[bwayphreak234]

Posted: 6/13/22 at 10:37am

Duckie4 said: "With Myles' win, I realized that playing a solo musical icon (Carole King, Cher, Tina Turner, Billie Holiday) is almost guaranteed to get you the Tony. We LOVE good impersonations.

John Lloyd Young didn't win it for playing Frankie Valli in Jersey Boys but that show was more about the group.

Ana Villafañe didn't win for Gloria Estefan...I never saw that, though, so I can't comment on the performance or the show.

Am I completely forgetting others that DIDN'T win?"

I'm pretty sure John Lloyd Young did win, though... or am I mistaken?

[ElephantLoveMedley]

Posted: 6/13/22 at 10:38am

John Lloyd Young definitely did win the Tony in 2006.

[JasonC3]

Posted: 6/13/22 at 10:38am

Some interesting takes on the highs and lows of the show from several Vulture writers.

[SisterGeorge]

Posted: 6/13/22 at 10:40am

Jordan Catalano said: "Singing about dead people with a song about being on a street where people live is a choice."

Did I hear him sing "on the street where you LIVED" or did I imagine that trying to make sense of the song choice?

[pagereynolds]

Posted: 6/13/22 at 10:41am

SisterGeorge said: "Jordan Catalano said: "Singing about dead people with a song about being on a street where people live is a choice."

Did I hear him sing "on the street where you LIVED" or did I imagine that trying to make sense of the song choice?"

That was indeed what he sang.

[Duckie4]

Posted: 6/13/22 at 10:41am

ElephantLoveMedley said: "John Lloyd Young definitely did win the Tony in 2006."

Then I was absolutely mistaken, my apologies. I should Google before I post. 

 

[PipingHotPiccolo]

Posted: 6/13/22 at 10:44am

* 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.

 

[nzagier]

Posted: 6/13/22 at 10:46am

I thought the evening was great. I don't agree with the NYT review that  it was "bland". I think the voter's got it right. I assume some key shows like Girl From and Paradise will post closing notices this week .        

[pagereynolds]

Posted: 6/13/22 at 10:46am

JasonC3 said: "Some interesting takes on the highs and lows of the show from several Vulture writers."

That Vulture piece is -- odd. They didn't like the opening number? In almost 20 years of going to the Tony Awards, last night as the first time I remember an opening number getting a full standing ovation. It was great fun.

Also: The opening number was one thing — who can say who wrote it? 

I'm pretty sure it was well advertised that Lucy Moss and Toby Marlow wrote it.

[Call_me_jorge]

Posted: 6/13/22 at 10:53am

nzagier said: "I thought the evening was great. I don't agree with the NYT review that it was "bland". I think the voter's got it right. I assume some key shows like Girl From and Paradise will post closing notices this week . "

Girl From the North Country is already closing this week.

I’m curious if paradise square will wait a week to see how the performance did to sell the show or post closing right away. They might tell the cast this week, but not announce until next week.

[nzagier]

Posted: 6/13/22 at 10:57am

PipingHotPiccolo said: "* 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.

everything said here is DEAD ON - well done