Way too early 2016 Tony predictions — Page 10

I say Audra and Billy Porter are sure things. Possibly Stokes as well, and MAYBE Brandon Victor Dixon.

I think they're the favorites in their respective categories, but I don't think Cynthia or Renee are locks to win. Definite nominations though.

Having seen Bright Star this week, I was utterly blown away by Carmen Cusack's performance, more so than several others I have seen from other leading women this season (Hamilton, She Loves Me, Color Purple all included).



With such stiff competition this season, is there any way Cusack could pull off a nomination, being that her name doesn't have nearly the same recognition as the other heavy hitting women this year? She's the one I'm pulling for!

I think Lead Actress in a Musical and Featured Actor in a Musical will have ties.



Erivo is certainly the odds-on favorite for the win in her category. I have a hard time seeing anyone beating her; in a perfect world, she would tie with Benanti who is giving an equally flawless turn but in a comedic piece.



I don't get the idea that Odom Jr. should have gone for Featured. He is a definite co-lead in HAMILTON and is giving a performance that is competitive enough to win Lead Actor. Plus, Daveed Diggs will likely take Featured for a true supporting performance. I respect the HAMILTON producers for not relying on category fraud like film producers often do at the Oscars.

I don't get the idea that Odom Jr. should have gone for Featured. He is a definite co-lead in HAMILTON and is giving a performance that is competitive enough to win Lead Actor.

Except I really don't get how Leslie Odom, Jr. could win Lead Actor in a Musical. He is the co-lead in a show that is essentially an ensemble piece, plus he's not even the title character. Sure, Lin's more likely going to be acknowledged in the writing categories, but that doesn't mean voters should vote for Odom, Jr. instead.

I think Lead Actor in a Musical could be one of the awards where Tony voters could feel like spreading the wealth to other shows.

If Alicia Vikander should have been lead then so should Leslie.

Though he still lost to Lin-Manuel Miranda.

As of now, I think the nominations for the top two categories will be...

Best Musical:
American Psycho
Hamilton
School of Rock
Waitress

Best Play:
Eclipsed
The Father
The Humans
King Charles III

I loved Leslie's performance, but I would be more partial to Lin winning Best Actor. I know that that won't happen as that's not where the buzz is leaning and these things are at least somewhat political (i.e. Lin will already be honored for his writing). Leslie's role just didn't feel like a leading one to me as it has to others, but he was brilliant in everything he did. And as much as I am a Burstein fan and thought he was the best thing about Fiddler, I wouldn't vote for him. I was just kind of underwhelmed. Maybe had he been in a stronger production, things would be different. So that would make me think Leslie and Alex Brightman would be the real contenders. I haven't seen School of Rock, so I can't comment on his chances. I will say that I hope Zachary Levi scores a nomination because I completely fell in love with him in She Loves Me. I thought he was everything you could want in a musical comedy leading man. And then what are Benjamin Walker's chances?



I also wish we could have an Errivo/Benanti tie. We are so lucky this season to have two such meticulously crafted, heartfelt, and perfect performances this season. I don't think either could be any better. It's just a matter of personal taste since their vehicles are night and day. I haven't seen the other major candidates for that category except Philippa Soo, so I can't comment on much else there.



I think Goldsberry is definitely the favorite for her category, and it would be a richly deserved win. I think Krakowski is the only one who could give her a run for her money, but she's not a real threat. Renée has the stronger narrative since Jane's won before. Then we'll probably see Hudson get a nomination with the 4th and 5th slots going to either Brooks, Simard, Carmello, or an American Psycho lady. Do Ripley, Damiano, or Yorke from American Psycho have any chance? I've yet to see it.



I'm very interested to see how featured actor in a musical pans out. There will probably be at least 2 Hamilton men, then there's Christopher Fitzgerald, Gavin Creel, Billy Porter, Brandon Victor Dixon, and probably someone else I'm forgetting.

Updated On: 3/29/16 at 04:45 PM

I think if any category will tie, it's Best Musical. I'm predicting we get Hamilton/Shuffle/Psycho/Waitress/School of Rock.

I think for Waitress, Jessie Mueller, Best Musical, and Best Score nods are inevitable. I'd also throw it in for best book and Chris Fitzgerald.

AP is tougher to predict because it's hard to see how the critics will feel about it, it seems polarizing. I'd say it'll probably get nods for best musical, best actor, and best score for sure, lighting/scenic/costume design nods, and possibly Helene Yorke or Jenn Damiano for featured actress.

The Father will probably get play and Langella and that's it. I could even see Therese Raquin sneaking in for play over it.

Except you don't speak for the Tony voters, so I think Danny Burstein may have a better shot than you think.

Well, yes, that goes without saying for all of us, I thought.

Jeffrey Karasarides said: "Except you don't speak for the Tony voters, so I think Danny Burstein may have a better shot than you think."

This was unusually aggressive/hostile