Which Regional Theatres Do You Think are Overdue for a Tony?

[Jeffrey Karasarides]

Posted: 8/14/16 at 3:09pm

I'm very curious to hear your opinions. Since 1976, the American Theatre Wing introduced a special Tony Award presented to Regional Theatres in the United States.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Regional_Theatre_Tony_Award

As I was going through the list of previous recipients, I was wondering about some regional theatres that have yet to receive the Regional Theatre Award.

Some of the ones I came up with are...
Barrington Stage Company
Ivoryton Playhouse
The Muny
North Carolina Theatre
North Shore Music Theatre
Ogunquit Playhouse
Pittsburgh CLO

So what are some regional theatres you think are overdue for the Regional Theatre Award?

[Cupid Boy2]

Posted: 8/14/16 at 3:42pm

I would second Barrington.

Like any other award, of course it's political, but I don't see Pittsburgh CLO's work as being worthy of this sort of recognition. At the risk of sounding a little brash, each summer they rehash the tried-and-tested to varying levels of success. While I concede that their runs are only a week or two long with minimal time for rehearsal, the last production I saw of theirs was sloppy. And at the prices they charge, which are just as high as the city's touring series, that is unacceptable. 

However, I'd assume that the majority of the individuals comprising their demographic probably don't care. And I respect that and I do admire the company for its economic impact on the city. 

In the same area, City Theate is a Pittsburgh-based company I really admire, and one I would nominate for consideration for the regional Tony. I really respect their artistic director's programming, and I think it's the company in that area that does the best job of embracing diversity. 

Updated On: 8/14/16 at 03:42 PM

[Call_me_jorge]

Posted: 8/14/16 at 3:49pm

The marriot, Drury Lane and paramount

[RippedMan]

Posted: 8/14/16 at 7:29pm

 Greenbriar Valley Theatre in Lewisburg, WV. Cute town, and they do some risker/out there fair like Lucky Stiff last summer, and some new works this year. 

The Hippodrome Theatre in Gainesville, FL. Modestly budgeted shows, but they look great, and they do some off-beat musicals like Toxic Avenger and Avenue Q and a lot of new works. 

And I second North Shore. 

I don't think The Muny or Pittsburgh CLO should really get the award. Neither of them are really trying new things or breaking any molds. 

[CapnHook]

Posted: 8/14/16 at 7:46pm

Many of the NYC companies are overdue.

The Public

Atlantic Theater Company

Vineyard

Second Stage

Lincoln Center

MTC

Roundabout

[MarkBearSF]

Posted: 8/14/16 at 7:50pm

Certainly not overdue - they're too young. However San Francisco Playhouse has been doing a great job. They're premiering a Theresa Reback play this season, have sent a couple of productions to NY in the past two years and have a "sandbox" program for new work. 

If they keep up their excellence, I'd look forward to their award in coming years.

Updated On: 8/14/16 at 07:50 PM

[Call_me_jorge]

Posted: 8/14/16 at 7:51pm

What are the qualifications? Is deaf west eligible?

 

 

[pupscotch]

Posted: 8/14/16 at 8:15pm

Call_me_jorge said: "What are the qualifications? Is deaf west eligible?

 

 

 

"

I'd like to see Deaf West win, but I think it's a little premature for now (also, do they have an actual theater? I thought they did, but I'm not quite sure). Maybe in five or ten years?

[homeimp2]

Posted: 8/14/16 at 9:13pm

It could never happen by the rules but I'd sure like to see Canada's Stratford and Shaw Festivals get some recognition.

[jdrye222]

Posted: 8/15/16 at 12:37am

I don't think MTC or Roundabout should be considered, as they have broadway wings also... 

But I would second the post above that mentions the Vineyard.   The things that have started at the Vineyard, even if they never reach production there, is quite an amazing list.  Many shows do their first readings there also, that the Vineyard never produces or gets credit for...  But even the shows that started there and have become part of our "canon" are quite impressive... 

Avenue Q; Scottsboro Boys; title of show; The Lyons; How I Learned To Drive.... 

 

[KnewItWhenIWasInFron]

Posted: 8/15/16 at 2:17am

Not overdue, necessarily, but worthy: The Jungle in Minneapolis.

[roger42]

Posted: 8/15/16 at 8:23am

American Shakespeare Center Staunton Virginia

Arden Philadelphia

[bekk99]

Posted: 8/15/16 at 8:39am

I would second The Muny, in a couple years for its 100th anniversary. The history there is pretty special, and they've been with new producers for a few years that are introducing some exciting new programs.

[AC126748]

Posted: 8/15/16 at 8:46am

The Wilma Theater in Philadelphia is long overdue.

Posted: 8/15/16 at 9:10am

I have found that a majority of productions at the Maltz Jupiter Theater are incredible and think they do amazing work deserving of recognition

[Theatreboy49]

Posted: 8/15/16 at 10:42am

@Call Me Jorge, I would absolutely NOT award either the Mariott or Drury Lane. The work at both theatres is not only inconsistent but is hardly relevant especially at Mariott. Also Mariott was just involved in a racial casting controversy.  If Paramount continues to do the amazing work they have been then maybe in 15 years they could be fitting of the honor but they are far too young and new for consideration,.

[sbflyfan]

Posted: 8/15/16 at 1:03pm

Pittsburgh CLO provides me with the opportunity to see some Broadway 'names' I recognize each summer in the principal roles, and I do applaud the very hard-working ensemble members for performing and rehearsing at the same time. That being said, the work being done overall is hardly deserving of a Tony award.

Pittsburgh CLO presents one or two tours a year, disguising and marketing them as Pittsburgh CLO productions. The remaining productions utilize rented sets from other regional companies, or the non-equity versions of touring sets, which are then merely tossed up on stage.  There's nothing really new or innovative happening at all.

Next year's season (which is oddly already announced) is ridiculously boring. "The Little Mermaid" was just presented in 2013. Besides "An American In Paris" (Pittsburgh CLO is a producer of the Broadway and touring production), all of the titles they're presenting have toured Pittsburgh within the last 5 years (with the exception of "In The Heights," which toured in 2010, and that's a desperate bid to cash in on Lin's name recognition right now).

http://www.post-gazette.com/ae/theater-dance/2016/08/05/Pittsburgh-CLO-s-2017-season-is-thoroughly-modern-with-In-the-Heights-Newsies-and-more/stories/201608020178

With the rights being released to many newer shows that haven't had tours or played Pittsburgh before, it would be nice to see them take more risks or at least be more creative with staging.

As another poster noted, the prices have been climbing higher and higher and sadly, the houses have been half-empty all summer. I've been sent discount codes via e-mail for most of the productions, and when I purchase tickets I look at every performance available before selecting a seat. Most of the time at least half of the house has been available for sale the same week as the performance in question.

Updated On: 8/15/16 at 01:03 PM

[wonderfulwizard11]

Posted: 8/15/16 at 1:07pm

Looking at the list of recipients, it is surprising that a Philadelphia theatre has never won. Between the Wilma, the Arden, and Walnut Street, at least one deserves the recognition at this point. 

[MayAudraBlessYou2]

Posted: 8/15/16 at 3:44pm

I second the thought re: Philadelphia theatres. There is plenty of quality there. 

Under their old management, North Shore Music Theatre should have already had a regional Tony by now. They were one of the best regional houses in the country and had an unparalleled education and pre-professional actor training program. But new owner Bill Hanney also runs Theatre by the Sea in Rhode Island and often presents shows at both venues, which may not wow Tony voters. So they will likely have to wait longer, as they re-cement their reputation over several more years. 

Which also brings up a good question. How much can we really fault regional  houses for not "trying new things" and doing something revolutionary? Obviously it would be nice, but having worked on the administrative end, its getting harder and harder for  these companies to get people in the door and retain subscribers. So they fall back on tried and true classics or name brand recognition (like family shows) to get butts in seats. And maybe one show a season is a riskier one, but that's all they can afford.

Id say my vote then would go to Ogunquit Playhouse. They have become more ambitious recently. Especially by undertaking Hunchback, which is the largest scale production they've ever done. Its Disney sure, but a much darker tone than what that community is used to seeing on its stage, and they got fantastic notices for it.

[Cupid Boy2]

Posted: 8/15/16 at 6:52pm

sbflyfan said: "Next year's season (which is oddly already announced) is ridiculously boring. "The Little Mermaid" was just presented in 2013. Besides "An American In Paris" (Pittsburgh CLO is a producer of the Broadway and touring production), all of the titles they're presenting have toured Pittsburgh within the last 5 years (with the exception of "In The Heights," which toured in 2010, and that's a desperate bid to cash in on Lin's name recognition right now).

http://www.post-gazette.com/ae/theater-dance/2016/08/05/Pittsburgh-CLO-s-2017-season-is-thoroughly-modern-with-In-the-Heights-Newsies-and-more/stories/201608020178"

Wow, that's an awful season. While this does show that they realize they're in need of a shift in direction, I don't see this as being the answer. This kind of programming may be great for group sales and for attracting families to the theatre, but it's not going to lend itself to keeping subscribers interested. 

[A Director]

Posted: 8/15/16 at 7:44pm

Before answering the OP question, you need to know how the award is determined.  This is from the Tony Awards webpage.

How is the award for regional theatre determined?
Each spring the Tony Awards Administration Committee selects the institution that will receive the Regional Theatre Tony Award based on a recommendation by the American Theatre Critics Association. The Regional Theatre Tony Award is accompanied by a grant of $25,000. 

[bare_nakedlady]

Posted: 8/17/16 at 5:24pm

In addition, according to the LORT website ONLY Regional theatres that are LORT A+ are eligible... Making it a very small category of theatres that are eligible.

[M.O.A.I.]

Posted: 8/17/16 at 8:17pm

bare_nakedlady said: "In addition, according to the LORT website ONLY Regional theatres that are LORT A+ are eligible... Making it a very small category of theatres that are eligible.

 

"

That's not possible. The Paper Mill, which won last year, isn't even a LORT member. My vote goes to the American Players Theatre and to the Writers Theatre.

 

[RockyRoad]

Posted: 8/18/16 at 1:49am

SF Playhouse worthy of a Tony?

When one does new works and does them poorly, you don't deserve any acclaim.

[kdogg36]

Posted: 8/18/16 at 1:40pm

bare_nakedlady said: "In addition, according to the LORT website ONLY Regional theatres that are LORT A+ are eligible... Making it a very small category of theatres that are eligible."

According to this list, the A+ theaters are actually Broadway theaters, so I suspect the note you read is about the fact that those productions are eligible for normal Tony Awards.