The Kristin/Kelli/Chita competition... — Page 6

^That's just your opinion.

Sally Durant Plummer, I agree with you wholeheartedly. Especially after all of the Tony buzz, I'd imagined that Carole's role would be more central than it actually was. Beautiful seemed to me like much more of an ensemble show, and the way Jessie was singled out as some kind of godsend was a little puzzling. She was great in the role, but I would never have imagined she'd have the success she did. I also only heard people talk about how perfectly she imitated Carole King's style of singing, not how she put her own spin on the character. This just goes to show how unpredictable awards season can be from year to year.

Great choice of words, Ripped.

I couldn't take my eyes off her to be honest. And not just because she's Kristin Chenoweth. You become so intrigued by the quirkiness of the character you just want to see what she's going to do next. Or say next.

I think the only time I may have taken my eyes off her, briefly, was when the porters come on. They're great.

And the art deco scenery that surrounds is stunning.

I went into this show not knowing much about it, and I have to admit Kristin Chenoweth was a big draw for me. I've never seen her onstage.

The musical did look colorful and action-packed though, so I thought what the heck.

I ended up loving this show. And not just for her, but everyone, and everything involved. It all meshes so well, with her performance bringing it all together beautifully.

I finally saw Kelli O'Hara's performance last night and she was incredible. Tony-worthy in every sense. While I don't see Kristin until next weekend, I really hope Kelli wins.

I'm a huuuuge O'hara fan. After I saw the show I tweeted "O'hara could take a poop on stage and I'd still applaud and cry." She's hands down one of my favorites. But this just doesn't seem showy enough or important enough for the Tonys. Especially with Cheno hosting. Chita was great, but again, she just played icey the whole time. I never saw her drop that. Granted I was in the balcony so maybe it was just super subtle. Is the girl from American in Paris a dark horse? Or no? I mean, I love me some Beth Malone as well, so I wouldn't be surprised if she snuck in. Her big moments come towards the end of the show, so that could help in remembering her come voting?

Outer Critics Circle Award: Kristin Chenoweth

Drama League Award: Chita Rivera

Drama Desk Award: ?

Tony Award: ?

its getting exciting, folks!

I saw On The 20th Century this afternoon and King and I tonight. Reading this board and all the reviews, I went in expecting to be blown away by Kristin, and to love and adore Kelli but not be as impressed with the performance. It was actually the opposite! I'm really shocked because I was not expecting it at all, I had resigned myself to thinking this is another great performance from Kelli but the role of a lifetime for Kristin... but if I were a voter I'd be voting for Kelli!!

ALSO Florence Birdwell was at both shows today as well and I talked to her and just sigh amazing!

What competition ???

Tonys are not really a competition. I am sure everyone will be happy no matter who wins

@theatreguy12 I actually do think O'Hara puts her own spin on the role, and it makes it thrilling to watch. We've all seen The King and I in some capacity before, and that's why I really appreciated all the moments in which Kelli was able to surprise me. I absolutely latched onto her journey and struggle to be taken seriously as a woman. She found many ways of turning scenes into bigger meals than most actresses make them. Her line "you are a barbarian" as she tries to protect Tuptim drew audible gasps from the audience (myself included).

Having seen all the nominated actresses, what stands in O'Hara's way is perceived "level of difficulty". Chenoweth is a firecracker pinballing non-stop across the stage. She has huge energetic dance numbers, perfect physical comedy, and tremendous songs that showcase her operatic vocals. She IS the show. And taking on hosting duties on top of this perceived work-out will likely win her additional votes. I don't think O'hara is completely out of the running (Anna has been lucky with Tony wins in the past), but Kristin has the edge.

Rivera was wonderful but will suffer from being in a show not everyone will love. Plus the performance is incredibly subtle. Not that that is a bad thing, I personally loved it. 'Love and Love Alone' is one of the best stage moments of the season. But in terms of parts that generally win awards, I don't think this is "showy" enough.

Beth Malone is the dark horse I think. She is starring in the best musical frontrunner, she's always on stage, and she gets one of the best songs with Telephone Wire. It also helps that her song and many of her big dramatic moments occur near the shows end so she stays in the viewers mind after leaving the theatre. Can she push past the three well known divas? probably not, but its a very tight race.

Yes. Thank you, MayAudra. That explains it wonderfully.

What I've heard from performances by O'Hara, she really is a huge talent. You don't get that many Tony nominations without being a force to be reckoned with. So not meaning to minimize what she's done here at all.

And I've always loved The King and I. The music is just so beautiful and the story compelling. I wish I had had the chance to see it.

Unfortunately with the time constraints, I had to pass on one of them. I really wanted to see Gigi too, but based on some of the things I was reading about that show, had I had the time to see one more I probably would have opted for The King and I over Gigi.

It does sound breathtaking. And though I'm sure O'Hara is very well-deserving of the Tony, and I'll be happy for her if she gets it.

I just found Chenoweth mind bogglingly great. :) That rapid fire dialogue, the range in her singing, the lyrics that hardly give her a chance to take a breath, and the acting…..I'd almost have to wonder what else the woman has to do to land a Tony if she doesn't get it.

But then again, I know O'Hara has been nominated several times as well and has not received it yet. So I'm sure many will wonder what Kelli has to do to get one, as well.

Florence Birdwell. If that was not the best day of her life, it had to rank up close.

Imagine having two of your students, not from New York or Los Angeles, but from Oklahoma City, starring in two SRO musicals on Broadway at the same time, with both nominated for the Best Actress Tony?

One of those "truth is stranger than fiction" moments.

Three amazing women!