Who's taking Leading Actress in a Musical this year?- Page 3
Who's taking Leading Actress in a Musical this year?
Who's taking Leading Actress in a Musical this year?#50
Posted: 5/15/26 at 2:59pm
Ptero2 said: "I've seen so many people say they think Andre is locked to win but I've seen no one say they personally think he should win. Mark me down as someone who will be baffled if he wins for this performance."
I do say this with some bias as a Jellicle Ball fan, but André is doing a lot of subtle work as Old Deuteronomy in a performance that has been crafted over many years since the workshops in 2022-23. He is 80 years old and is out giving a strong performance in what could be a princess track. (And does give Nicholas Christopher a run in the extended note department, topping at 32 seconds one night). Instead, he takes on the role of a ballroom elder and is very much woven into the DNA of all the characters as more than just a mystical figure.
In my brain, Ross is the same as Levy - I’m sure they were fine, but I couldn’t remember a damn thing about it today. It’s very much the “Taylor Trensch in Floyd Collins” nomination. Paradoxically, I DO remember for Nichelle Lewis for all the wrong reasons. I found her screechy, out of her depth, and unable to match Joshua Henry in the moments that mattered. As I’ve sat with the nominations, I think I’m angrier about her (instead of Rachel Dratch) bumping “Tempress” Chasity Moore out of the category.
Leading Actor Joined: 5/10/04
Who's taking Leading Actress in a Musical this year?#51
Posted: 5/15/26 at 3:07pm
Other than Joshua Henry, I found Caissie Levy and Ben Levi Ross's performance to be the beating hearts at the center of this production of Ragtime. Both of their characters' arcs (and the depth they provide to their characters) are arguably the catalysts for the entire story. Levy just recently shared in an interview that someone pointed out to her that her character's "I will take responsibility" is what sets forth the change in the show. And Younger Brother's confrontation scene with Father before leaving the home toward the beginning of Act Two was a particular highlight of the show.
Leading Actor Joined: 5/10/04
Who's taking Leading Actress in a Musical this year?#52
Posted: 5/15/26 at 3:08pm
I will also say that I saw Andre DeShield's final performance before his week away and his voice was in particularly rough shape. He didn't hold his Old Deuteronomy note at all. His presence in the show is fabulous, but he wouldn't have my vote - especially after winning several years ago for playing another elder master of ceremonies...
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