Tony Awards to Add New Category for Best Performance by an Actor/Actress Recreating a Role

[Rob]

Posted: 9/22/05 at 5:47pm

https://www.broadwayworld.com/l.cfm?id=86439

[Yankeefan007]

Posted: 9/22/05 at 5:50pm

'twas only a matter of time

Posted: 9/22/05 at 5:51pm

Interesting... I don't really know to yay or nay it, I kind of want to see who would be nominated. I'll have to wait till the next Tonys, but oh well! It should be interesting...

[Yankeefan007]

Posted: 9/22/05 at 5:54pm

and the winner is

Charlotte D'Amboise

[WiCkEDrOcKS]

Posted: 9/22/05 at 5:54pm

I dont know about this idea...im skeptical for multiple reasons. Too bad it wasn't in effect this time last year (J.LA)...lets hope Megan gets a nod (Im pulling for Shosh too, but I remember on her site, she said something about the idea of this being "lame")

[broadwaystar2b]

Posted: 9/22/05 at 5:54pm

I'm really shocked about this
I mean...WOW

[CATSNYrevival]

Posted: 9/22/05 at 5:55pm

well, finally, now Brooke Sheilds has a chance to win a tony...

[ZONEACE]

Posted: 9/22/05 at 5:56pm

so basically it's Best Replacement? And will it be a mixed category? or will it be 2? One for Men and one for WOmen?

[forget regret <3]

Posted: 9/22/05 at 5:57pm

I like the idea a lot. I mean, it's very different, but I think it's pretty cool.

[Fosse76]

Posted: 9/22/05 at 5:58pm

It's about time! I had floated the idea with a few friends similar criteria months ago. Here's what I thought:

1. One category covering an actor or actress.
2. Only Lead performers could be eligible.
3. I couldn't decide between a 6 month or 9 month contract, but the performer had to have already completed the run (or if still in it, have reached the eligibility mark)
4. The performance can NOT be a carbon copy of a previous performer.

I left it at that because I didn't want to think too much about it. But replacement actors definitely deserve a shot, because they can turn in Tony Award worthy performances too.

[Yankeefan007]

Posted: 9/22/05 at 5:58pm

actually, Brooke won't have a chance. she was only contracted through Oct. 30. you have to be in the role 6 months, and the show has to be still running at time of nomination (not that im implying chicago will close).

[ShuQ]

Posted: 9/22/05 at 6:00pm

That is SUCH a good idea..and a long time coming.

[CATSNYrevival]

Posted: 9/22/05 at 6:00pm

I meant that she's never actually originated a role on Broadway, so now when she replaces people, she'll have a chance at a tony... that's all...

[CATSNYrevival]

Posted: 9/22/05 at 6:06pm

I do feel kinda bad, though, for the person who has to explain to their friends that the Tony on their shelf was won because they were so wonderful when they replaced Patti LuPone...

[Dollypop]

Posted: 9/22/05 at 6:08pm

When I first read the article I was extremely confused. To my mind, "recreating" a role, it to return to a role one once played. For example: Yul Brynner RECREATING his role in THE KING AND I or Carol Channing RECREATING her role in HELLO, DOLLY!

What the Tony Award Committee really means is "Best REPLACEMENT".
If they mean REPLACEMENT, why do they chose to call it a RECREATION????

[Kringas]

Posted: 9/22/05 at 6:10pm

It's still a Tony award for a performance, so I don't think there's any reason to feel bad for its recipients.

[jrb_actor]

Posted: 9/22/05 at 6:10pm

Actually, it's a compliment that they were so great in a role that Patti created that they were given an award. I think this is a potentially nice addition.

[Kringas]

Posted: 9/22/05 at 6:12pm

I thought the same thing when I first saw the headline, Dollypop

[CATSNYrevival]

Posted: 9/22/05 at 6:12pm

okay, but what happens if the person who originates a role is nominated and doesn't win and then next year the replacement comes in, gets nominated and does win? would their be hostility there?

[Kringas]

Posted: 9/22/05 at 6:14pm

okay, but what happens if the person who originates a role is nominated and doesn't win and then next year the replacement comes in, gets nominated and does win? would their be hostility there?

Possibly, but any designation of awards is bound to stir up hostility in someone.

[BreakingTheCircle07]

Posted: 9/22/05 at 6:20pm

Sure, there could be hostility, but in all honestly, sometimes the replacements are better than the originals.

[Katecab99]

Posted: 9/22/05 at 6:22pm

i think it's a great idea. so many people don't get the opportunity to create original roles but do incredible jobs in replacement roles and never get the recognition.

i'm sad that it's too late for JLT in WICKED, though

[orangeskittles]

Posted: 9/22/05 at 6:22pm

This sounds be a great way of honoring an actor that does such an extraordinary job recreating a role that they deserve to be honored.

However, I feel like too many shows will try and take advantage of it, just so they can continue adding Tonys to the production for face value. "Winner of 5 6 7 8 Tony Awards!"

Updated On: 9/22/05 at 06:22 PM

[best12bars]

Posted: 9/22/05 at 6:41pm

The real shame is that there STILL isn't an award for Best Sound or Sound Design... even though it's in every show on Broadway, play or musical.

Talk about your unsung heroes! You all know how important good sound is to the success of any show. I'm beginning to think it's a conspiracy.

[RentBoy86]

Posted: 9/22/05 at 6:46pm

Weird. But Interesting.