Tonys: Who Cares?

[romanov]

Posted: 5/11/05 at 4:06pm

Why should anyone care about the Tony Awards? Do you honestly need someone to tell you what is good and what is not? The awards are chosen by a small group of people who undoubtedly know each other. How objective can that be? The awards show itself is nothing more than a long commercial for New York.

[EponineThenardier]

Posted: 5/11/05 at 4:09pm

Cause I like to see the performances on TV considering I live on the West Coast, and also like to see some up and comer actors get recognized. I take it with a grain of salt, but I still enjoy them.

[Unknown User]

Posted: 5/11/05 at 4:11pm

I love the show. Growing up, I looked forward to the Tonys for weeks! It was usually my only glimpse at what was going on on Broadway. I remember watching the 1981 show in an empty dormitory because I had no TV at college and someone was watching sports on the TV in my dorm living room-- I wandered the campus checking the various "Living Centers" till I found a TV lounge that was dark.

I love the performances, I love the winners' speeches, I love the presenters' lame banter. I love the opening montage where they show all the Marquees.

[PalJoey]

Posted: 5/11/05 at 4:12pm

It's the Gay Superbowl.

[CATSNYrevival]

Posted: 5/11/05 at 4:17pm

indeed. with the opposite ratings...

[harris007]

Posted: 5/11/05 at 4:18pm

well put pj =)

[iluvtheatertrash]

Posted: 5/11/05 at 4:19pm

I enjoy seeing the performers and creators and techies get the recognition they deserve for all of the work that goes into these productions. Plus, it's nice seeing the performances.

[camthom]

Posted: 5/11/05 at 4:21pm

Despite the ratings of the Tony Broadcast, the Tony Brand is still something that's somewhat valuable-especially in the touring markets. Being able to say that your show is the Tony-Award Winning Best Musical often (but not always) translates to greater ticket sales. Sometimes it translates to "THAT Won the TONY?" But more often than not, it still holds some prestige with tourists here in the city as well as regionally.

[playbill_signer_05]

Posted: 5/11/05 at 4:23pm

haha PalJoey I love it!

And for those of us who live far away from New York and can't often see new shows, this is a great opportunity to have a glimpse of the shows and performers... plus, it's great to root for your favorites!

[SallyBrown]

Posted: 5/11/05 at 4:24pm

I know some people are all "it's just an award, do it for the love of the theatre".. but it's not like the actors or crew that you see winning these awards went into the business for the Tonys, so whats the problem?

[Unknown User]

Posted: 5/11/05 at 4:31pm

The problem is that romanov hasn't won one.

[justme2]

Posted: 5/11/05 at 4:32pm

I watch so I can see the performances and get glimpses of the shows I am unable to see. The politics of the Tony award and who gets what doesn't bother me. I've never noticed any significant change in someone's career based on whether they won or lost the award. A Tony award may boost a show's attendance, but not for long. The public's memory tends to be short.

Also, I don't depend on anyone's opinion to decide whether or not I'll see a show. There are so many factors involved in someone's opinion of a show (personal like/dislike for a performer, composer, director, etc)that it would be foolish to let someone else's opinion guide yours.

[Mister Matt]

Posted: 5/11/05 at 4:33pm

It's a night that promotes Broadway and theatre on national television. Yeah, that really sucks. How awful for these people to be recognized for their work. Everyone is much better off with the reliably objective reviews and message boards and far less promotion (preferably none). And those of us who do not live in NYC certainly don't want to get a glimpse of these shows or its performers. We'd much rather read about them, but not be given any opinions because we don't need to be told what is good or not. We just feel the need to tell others, like on a message board, for example.

And what's with the Nobel prizes? Like those people NEED the ego boosts! Nobody's gonna try and tell ME who in this world is smart or important or worthy of recognition! It's like Nerd Idol or something except they let subjective know-it-alls vote instead of the subjective public. What a rip-off!

PS - Most of the Tony voters know each other because, well, they've been in the SAME BUSINESS for years! Duh! It doesn't mean they all vote the same. I know a few voters who actually can't stand each other.

[SallyBrown]

Posted: 5/11/05 at 4:35pm

Another thing htat goes into what I just said before:

You always hear these actors from Hollywood telling you their dreams of glamor as a child and about Oscars and awards. And a lot of people jump on them for that; by them saying that, it doesn't imply that they don't enjoy what their doing, and they're not saying they went in it ALL for awards

I don't know about you all, but since I was 2 I've loved seeing award shows of any kind just because I love glamor. Not in a bad way, not a bad glamor, but I like seeing performers being rewarded for a job well done.

[MatureDignity]

Posted: 5/11/05 at 4:41pm

I ask myself that every year and end up excited anyway, politics and all.

[ashley0139]

Posted: 5/11/05 at 4:44pm

I don't think that they are a direct indication of a performer or show. Of course there are politics involved. But it's great to see a)what tony voters are thinking of the shows and performers and b) to see Broadway people get recognized.

[rent1988]

Posted: 5/11/05 at 4:51pm

i care.

[Ruth Sherwood]

Posted: 5/11/05 at 5:48pm

I care because I want to see if the performers/shows/crew etc., that I think deserve recognition, get it. However, I never feel that my opinion isn't valid, or that these awards tell me what is good and what isn't.

[The Distinctive Baritone]

Posted: 5/11/05 at 6:09pm

Well, it's not a "small group of people" who decide--I forget the number, but there are like, eighty-something voters at least.

But true, ALL showbiz awards are stupid. But it's still fun to live vicariously through people who get them

[jjdude2000]

Posted: 5/11/05 at 6:15pm

Its actually a couple of hundred people. I believe Margo pointed that out on another thread...maybe 700?

[jo]

Posted: 5/11/05 at 7:08pm

I am a fan of the theatre - and, living halfway across the world, I am able to see shows on Broadway ( and the West End) at most once a year. And I have been doing this for a long time.

The TONYs marks the end of one season - with its share of successes and failures, but still a great way to recognize all the hard work and talent so generously shared with a theatre-loving audience. By closing one chapter, it also marks the beginning of a new season and the cycle of anticipation and excitement for new shows coming to the Great White Way.

I have never been to the TONYs - but this year, I have made an extra effort to attend the awards. It is something that I thought I have to do at least once, as it seems to make you part of a tribute for the stage accomplishments of one season. And unlike the OSCARS, I think there is still the spontaneity of a stage or creative talent's winning acceptance speech and the sincere acknowledgement by his peers. That's how I view it!


Jo


Updated On: 5/11/05 at 07:08 PM

[MargoChanning]

Posted: 5/11/05 at 7:22pm

There are 25 to 30 nominators each year and approx. 750 voters.