Why is everyone saying this was a bad season?

[TheatreKid3]

Posted: 5/5/12 at 7:39pm

I'm not really understanding why everyone is saying this season was so bad? For the first time in recent memory, the Tony Awards (as well as the others) are more competitive than they have been in years, especially Best Musical. For once, we really have no idea what show will really take it going in. Everyone knew Mormon would take it last year, 2010 was more of a toss-up (arguably, but Memphis gained a ton of momentum), everyone pretty much guessed Billy would clean up in 2009, In the Heights was a lock in 2008, and Spring was the obvious winner in 2007. This may change in the coming weeks as shows build momentum, but still I haven't seen it this competitive in a while.

From what I can tell, all of the categories are the most competitive they have been in many years - especially the acting categories.

This season we got Wildhorn's best score, Disney's second-best reviewed show (one people have been waiting years for), one of the most acclaimed Off-Broadway transfers in recent memory as well as stunning revivals such as Follies.

I don't see what was so bad about it? Seems quite better than many of the past seasons.

Updated On: 5/5/12 at 07:39 PM

[TheatreKid3]

Posted: 5/5/12 at 10:05pm

I'm surprised by the lack of response. Has my point been made, haha?

[ChildrenwillListen]

Posted: 5/5/12 at 10:05pm

Everyone on this board is overly critical. I haven't seen too much of this season so I don't have many opinions on stuff. But I like what I see and hear of Once so I am pulling for that for Best Musical.

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 5/5/12 at 10:07pm

It was a very mediocre year with only a handful of things REALLY standing out. I think everyone's waiting for another year like 2005 or 2008 again.

[tazber]

Posted: 5/5/12 at 11:17pm

It was a strong year for plays and performances.

But the musicals were lacking.

[egghumor]

Posted: 5/5/12 at 11:29pm

^ Yup

[AC126748]

Posted: 5/5/12 at 11:34pm

Except that most of the "new" plays this year aren't exactly new. All four Best Play nominees originated in different seasons at Off-Broadway theatres. One Man... and End of the Rainbow came from London. Stick Fly is at least five years old and had been produced in a half-dozen regional theatres prior to Broadway.

The only two new American plays to premiere on Broadway this year were Seminar and The Columnist, neither of which I'd consider artistic triumphs.

[dramamama611]

Posted: 5/6/12 at 12:18am

I see nearly every musical that opens, and many plays that do. I have only LOVED one new musical and have been disappointed by a huge percentage.

But I disagree that the last years have not been competitive. (Except for Mormon, of course.)

[Kad]

Posted: 5/6/12 at 12:26am

This isn't as bad as the Memphis year, simply because both Once and Newsies are strong and would be strong contenders in any year and it won't be best musical by default.

[WiCkEDrOcKS]

Posted: 5/6/12 at 12:44am

I agree with Jordan, on the whole.

In terms of plays, I thought this was a very strong year (especially for "new" plays). But in the new musical category...not so much. ONCE was far and away the most finely crafted new musical of the year and I don't see how anyone could argue that. Although some of the NEWSIES fan girls are bound to disagree.

There were, however, quite a lot of fantastic performances this year.