Tonys "Hamilton" Might Not Win — Page 2

The Distinctive Baritone said: "Technically, the only "lead" character in Hamilton is Hamilton. They clearly petitioned Odom and Soo for leading so there'd be more room for nominations in the featured categories. I imagine they did the same thing with the original Les Miz, which is why Terrance Mann got nominated as "leading."

I didn't think there was any question that Burr was a leading character. As far as stage time, number of songs and impact on the show, Burr has a very, very significant presence in the show. If you compared Burr to the the characters in the show deemed "featured" it is apples to oranges.

I think Javert and Burr are definitely both lead characters in Les Miz and Hamilton. I'm not sure why you think they were petitioned for political purposes.

The whole point of Burr's character in Hamilton is that he's there throughout and the show highlights their similarities (Dear Theodosia) and differences (Wait For It). Burr is literally the first person Hamilton meets in the show and the last person he sees too. I can understand (but strongly disagree with) the idea that Phillipa should be in featured but it would be ridiculous IMO to have Leslie in featured.

ChildofEarth said: "I think Leslie is a lead through and through. Aaron Burr is the show, in my opinion - maybe once casting changes I will change my mind.


People keep saying that, but I just don't see it. He disappears for long stretches of the show, especially in the second act, and I never felt like the show was about him the way it's about Hamilton. Without Burr, there'd still be a story. Without Hamilton, there wouldn't.

The only award I see it definitely losing is Lead Actress (as lovely as Phillipa is). Confused as to why so many people are predicting it will lose any design awards. It's not about who built the most complex, intricate set or lighting design (though anyone who thinks Hamilton's design is "simple" is severely misguided); it should be about how it services the production and enhances it. In that sense, Hamilton has it all in the bag. Not since Matilda have I seen a production on Broadway designed so closely in tandem with direction and writing as to render them indistinguishable from each other.



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I don't think anyone's arguing that Hamilton's going to lose set or lighting because the other shows had more- it's because the other shows design elements helped the show more. American Psycho's lighting was one of the reasons that show worked for me, and She Loves Me's set got entrance applause the night I saw it and made you feel like you were part of the shop. Of all the nominees, I thought Hamilton's lighting was a bit overdone and made it hard to focus at points.

It doesn't matter how big or small the role is. It isn't Best Actor in a Leading Role. The category is for the actor (as in Leading Actor or Featured Actor) and is determined by billing (or petition from the producers). If the producers petitioned for Odom as leading and the committee accepts, then he's a Leading Actor. That's it.

Petrichor said: "Out of curiosity, why do some people think Phillipa Soo won't win? "

She has much less stage time than the rest of the nominees in her category and when she is on stage, she is giving a very nuanced and subtle performance (on purpose and to her credit) in comparison to, for example, Cynthia Erivo, who is delivering a showstopper of a performance. Her type of performance is easier to overlook. I don't think she will win but I also don't think it would be 'the most shocking Tony win ever' if she did win as some people have claimed. The fact she got in over Audra McDonald in the first place already says a lot about how voters are viewing her performance. (Same with Carmen Cusack).

ClumsyDude15 said: "Petrichor said: "Out of curiosity, why do some people think Phillipa Soo won't win?"

Two words: Cynthia. Erivo.

But, honestly - compared to the other women in the category, Phillipa's performance [while wonderful] doesn't stack up as high. Cynthia is living every moment as Celie, Jessie Mueller captures every heartbreaking moment of Jenna, Carmen Cusack is making a sublime Broadway debut, and Laura Benanti is playing a role that may as well have been written for her level of perfection. Phillipa does a wonderful job, but the competition here is just very much on another level.

I second the motion that Featured Actor in a Musical is Christopher Fitzgerald's to lose. It'll be similar to last year when the women of Fun Home split the category and Ruthie Ann Miles slipped in there and won.



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Hm, fair enough. Unfortunately, I have not yet had the opportunity to see any of them perform live, so I can't really form a solid opinion on who I think should win. That is a very tough choice, though. If only all of these talented ladies could take home awards.

ZellMorrowsPledge said: "My question is: If Hamilton didn't exist what show would be the front runner for Best Musical?



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Either Waitress or Shuffle Along, I think, though I'd give the edge to Shuffle Along, as much as I loved both.

ZellMorrowsPledge said: "My question is: If Hamilton didn't exist what show would be the front runner for Best Musical?"

Shuffle Along or Waitress. Waitress would have a great shot at Best Score as well and possibly could have snagged a set design nod.

I think it is a long shot for Best Revival.

ZellMorrowsPledge said: "My question is: If Hamilton didn't exist what show would be the front runner for Best Musical?"

In your fictional world, what is currently at the Richard Rodgers? Hard to answer without knowing that, as well...

dramamama611 said: "CindersGolightly said: " Who knows, though. I mean, Jonathan Groff got nominated just to break a record, so maybe they'll tie the vote to make two actors win, upping their total win count. Tonys are about money and exposure, not art."



Really? You think Groff was nominated just to break a record? or that over 800 voters will conspire to "up" Hamilton's count? If they are about "money and exposure" then wouldn't they want someone else to win...so they too could make some bank?



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The size of the nomination committee is only around 50 fyi.