Does anyone else feel the biggest disappointment in the musical category to be the lack of nomination for one of the Comet ladies for Featured Actress? I was absolutely CRUSHED when I saw none of them got nominated. I would've been fine with either Amber Gray/Brittain Ashford getting it, although I was largely rooting for Brittain.
She has an unconventional voice for Broadway that perfectly fits her character and the song (Sonya Alone) which was a highlight of the show. A performance that could be described as "time stood still". Despite no acting experience, Brittain manages to play Natasha's moral compass beautifully. She was just so different than usual Broadway but it works, and it is a huge shame she did not get recognized.
Mary Beth Peil was great in Anastasia, and I very much enjoyed her performance; however, I felt her spot should have gone to one of the Comet women. Great Comet is great (excuse the pun) not because of the two faces on its poster, but because of its supporting cast. The ensemble carries the show, and ESPECIALLY the ladies in it (Ashford, Gray, McLean, Bell).
This argument is the opposite for Anastasia, where Christy Altomare carries the show. Granted, Anastasia is not a great musical (nor is it a negative one, despite critics), but Altomare is easily the best part of it. Her commanding stage presence is evident when Anastasia undergoes character progression (especially in act 2 when she accepts herself to be the princess). "Journey to the Past" is excellently sung with innocence yet hopefulness. She is truly magnificent and deserves a spot in Leading Actress in a Musical. (And yes, Altomare is a genuine sweetheart as testified through my stage door experience. I think the producers might have hired a real princess.)
Updated On: 5/3/17 at 02:14 PM
... seeing Dave M for first time so I'm excited for that too.
