"I'm really confused here. I keep reading and hearing "…the Tony Voters will give it to the one with 5 nominations and no wins," or "so-and-so's runner up status will earn her the win," etc. This isn't a personality contest. They're going to vote for the performance that they believe deserves it"
The Tonys are hugely political. Elaine Stritch is an example of an actress turning in great performances but being snubbed continuously. Then finally when everyone thinks she was going to die they awarded her the Tony for the show where she plays herself.
For example, she was excellent in "A Delicate Balance" but she was put up against her co-star Rosemary Harris in Best Actress (Zoe Caldwell won for Master Class). Had she been able to be put into Supporting she would have been up against winner Audra in Master Class.
She was totally snubbed for playing Parthy in the Show Boat revival. That year was so bad that only two actresses were in Best Actress (Glenn Close for Sunset Boulevard and Rebecca Luker for Show Boat). In Featured Actress, it was Greta Boston for Show Boat and the three women from Smokey Joe's Cafe.
So yes, I believe politics can play a huge role in the awards.
If anyone ever tells you that you put too much Parmesan cheese on your pasta, stop talking to them. You don't need that kind of negativity in your life.
Updated On: 4/25/14 at 09:48 PM