Why I believe that Audra McDonald belongs in Lead Actress ina Musical category

I want her in the musical category-but she would rather be in the play category so she can complete her sweep. And I'm guessing the committee will let her have her way. (Such a shame, because Cherry Jones deserves to win for her amazing performance in The Glass Menagerie.)

Hasn't the Tony nominating committee already decided what category? Is it being kept a secret?

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You're assuming that Audra only cares about awards.

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I think she'd have a much easier time in the musical category. Although it's crowded, she'd win for sure, I think-because none of the reviews (Foster is the exception) were as good.

Audra would easily beat them. The last time an actress in a 'play with music' was in the actress in a play category-she LOST-to an actress in a traditional play. Just saying...

I wouldn' guess that someone of Audra's caliber and class, doesnt' REALLY care all that much. I'm not saying it wouldn't be an amazining feat or something that's never crossed her mind. However, in my naive world, I'm fairly certain she's thrilled with her career and kudos and continued brass is not quite the goal as it once was.

Let's face it: does Meryl Streep REALLY care if she wins another Oscar? It's nice, sure; but certainly not needed to feel any sort of professional satisfaction.

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"Audra would easily beat them."

You assume way too much, way too easily. That's not very bright.

Plus, Audra might be a lock for PLAY. MUSICAL is very competitive this year with Menzel and Foster. And if she also wants to complete her sweep like someone said, it's best if she and the producers go for PLAY.

how is it best for the producers? They would like SOME award to advertise (and it is not going to be the big one). There is a huge risk that, as a play performance, it will be judged harshly, for the simple reason that the parameters are different. There is also formidable one on one competition. In the musical category, there are numerous competitors who could conceivably cancel each other out, and who could also be punished for the weakness of their vehicles. (The same is true for Audra's.) So it is a VERY complicated analysis, but Audra's wishes (whatever they may or may not be) cannot be a serious factor in that: it would be irresponsible.

And it's comical how you think you are better than them or above it all by posting a snarky, wise-ass comment.

The general argument that decides whether something is a "musical" or a "play with music" is the context of how the music is used in conjunction with the development of the central story. The argument for shows like this and End of the Rainbow being 'plays with music' is that the music is presented for the most part independent from the dialogue (in both instances as 'club' numbers) and that the music in-itself is secondary to the dialogue in the development of the character and story.

LADY DAY has enough music (and because the show is entirely set during a 'club act') to perhaps be deemed as a musical, but I think the fact that the majority of the central character's journey is expressed through extensive monologue will give it the nudge into the play category. Unlike LOVE JANIS, there is enough character development specifically through dialogue to make the push.

The Tony Committee could also decide to honor the show with a special Tony and deem it not eligible for either play or musical revival.

Updated On: 4/23/14 at 09:36 AM

MB-that's a fine "rule' but it is honored in the breach. What about certain other bio plays with music that happen to be in play?