Why wasn’t Alex Newell nominated for Once On This Island? — Page 2

PipingHotPiccolo said: "hearthemsing22 said: "Jordan Catalano said: "Sorry, was this discussion for people on the voting committee only or a discussion about that particular category in that particular year? Because if it’s the latter, than varying thoughts and opinions on the subject are going to appear."

I'm not starting something that will turn into an argument. The OP asked a question- I answered. It doesn't have to turn into an argument whenever I comment (and no, I don't turn it into one)"

That isnt what happened. Various answers were offered, and you responded to one answer by suggesting that only those on the voting committee can answer. That is, of course, nonsensical given the very question posed by this thread."

Thank you. I'm so glad you took the opportunity to point that out. Really makes you happy to do so instead of just scrolling on by my comment. You had to make a comment that mine is "nonsensical" when no, it isn't.

I remember there being chatter on this board about Newell looking bored and disengaged in the show when not performing their big number. Perhaps nomination committee members noticed as well.

binau said: ""Gemignani is the son of a Broadway legend making his own career who had never been nominated before."

I don't see how this is a good reason to be nominated. How was he in the role?"

Not at all saying it was worthy. Just that having had a nearly 20-year Broadway career at that point with several people thinking he was overdue for a nod after his performances in Assassins, Sweeney or even Les Mis, and now being back in an acclaimed revival--it makes sense that he had the momentum to get that spot over the relatively unknown Alex Newell at that point.

A.J. said: "I remember there being chatter on this board about Newell looking bored and disengaged in the show when not performing their big number. Perhaps nomination committee members noticed as well."

Wasn't there also a lot of absences? I remember seeing the show several times, and never seeing Alex. Always an understudy. I mean, I doubt that affects this...I just remembered

He’s a fantastic singer no doubt, but a whole performer/actor? Not yet. He was fine in Island. His big song was fantastic but other then that eh.

Jeff Tupolski said: "Newell was good when I saw them, but I remember a lot of people saying they didn’t care for Alex and that they got worse in the role over time.

And as others have said, their part is really just belting out the one number. Personally I think Merle Dandridge’s performance was the show’s supporting standout and should’ve been recognized. Though in her case, she left the show early, which probably hurt her shot at a nomination."

They really were awful at some point. Yawning throughout the show and looking like they couldn't wait for their number so they could get back to snoozing. The laziest performance I have memory of.

HeyMrMusic said:

"Hailey was nominated because of the limited options, but ironically there was a tie in the category that year, giving us six leading actresses."

Isn't this kind of a contradictory statement? "Limited options" would be like the 2011 Tonys where there were only 5 Leading Actresses the whole season and only Sherie Rene Scott was shut out for WOTV.

In a year with 6 nominees, other eligible actresses who could've been theoretically nominated in her place that year were Erika Henningsen, Patti Murin, Caissie Levy, and Alison Luff, so not exactly limited.

hearthemsing22 said: “You had to make a comment that mine is "nonsensical" when no, it isn't.”

Ok, if you’re really gonna double down on this argument, then lay it out for us, because as of now it IS nonsensical.

What was the point of asking “but are you on the voting committee?” to someone who just offered one of the many answers in this thread? What were you trying to say?

hearthemsing22 said: "A.J. said: "I remember there being chatter on this board about Newell looking bored and disengaged in the show when not performing their big number. Perhaps nomination committee members noticed as well."

Wasn't there also a lot of absences? I remember seeing the show several times, and never seeing Alex. Always an understudy. I mean, I doubt that affects this...I just remembered"

I actually had the opposite. I saw OOTI 7 times and each time Alex was there. Never an understudy! One other role I saw 6 of 7 times. The rest of the cast was unpredictable.

binau said: ""Gemignani is the son of a Broadway legend making his own career who had never been nominated before."

I don't see how this is a good reason to be nominated. How was he in the role?"

I am in the minority here as I loved this revival, but Alexander was out the night I saw it. His understudy was excellent, though.