The day the Tony Award nominations are announced feels a bit like early spring college acceptance day, albeit with a twist of scarcity: out of the numerous artists eligible in each category, only a handful are "admitted." This means that while some exceptional work is celebrated, there's also room for surprises and snubs due to the relatively small number of nominators, who each bring their own unique perspectives to the table. Here's a rundown of this season's noteworthy snubs, surprises, and other anomalies.
A Bittersweet Morning for 'Vanya'
Television stars are often seen as reliable draws at the box office but not necessarily as strong contenders for Tony Awards. This year's lineup challenges that assumption, with names like Sarah Paulson, Jeremy Strong, Steve Carell, and William Jackson Harper entering the fray. While Paulson appears to be a frontrunner, the presence of multiple male contenders may dilute their chances. Notably, in the Lincoln Center Theater revival of "Uncle Vanya," both Carell and Harper portray characters vying for the affection of a married woman. However, only Harper received a nomination for Best Leading Actor in a Play, highlighting his standout performance in a typically supporting role.
'Stereophonic' Scores Deep Recognition
One of the morning's most intriguing questions was how the nominators would handle the ensemble cast of David Adjmi's play set in a recording studio. The answer exceeded expectations, as five members of the youthful cast received individual nods for their supporting roles. This inclusivity not only recognized the talent of performers like Tom Pecinka and Sarah Pidgeon but also propelled the play to the top of the nomination charts, making it the most nominated play in Broadway history.
Ensemble Excellence Overlooked
Conversely, the exceptional ensemble casts of "Jaja's African Hair Braiding" and "Illinoise" were overlooked in the nominations. This outcome underscores a trend where works distributing storytelling responsibilities among multiple cast members face unpredictable outcomes during award season. This inconsistency is why there's a growing call for a new category that specifically honors ensembles, a sentiment echoed by Actors' Equity, which annually recognizes Broadway choruses. With 21 eligible musicals this season, the winner will be announced on June 15, a day before the Tonys.
Directorial Diversity
Historically, only ten women have won Tony Awards for directing. However, this year presents an opportunity for that number to increase, with seven out of ten potential directing slots occupied by women. Nominees like Anne Kauffman, Lila Neugebauer, and Whitney White reflect this trend, signaling a positive shift towards greater gender representation in directing.
Selective Recognition for Married Characters
While the Tony nominating committee acknowledged two pairs of actors portraying married characters, the shows themselves received uneven recognition. Despite standout performances, neither "Days of Wine and Roses" nor "The Notebook" received nominations for Best Musical. This discrepancy highlights the unpredictability of award nominations and the occasional disconnect between individual performances and overall production value.
'Cabaret' Revival Resurgence
Rebecca Frecknall's revival of "Cabaret" received mixed reviews upon its Broadway transfer, but Tony nominators took notice, recognizing it with a nomination for Best Revival of a Musical. Additionally, actors Eddie Redmayne, Gayle Rankin, Bebe Neuwirth, and Steven Skybell received nods in their respective categories, demonstrating the enduring appeal of this classic production.
'The Wiz' Left Out in the Cold
Despite early audience enthusiasm, the revival of "The Wiz" failed to impress Tony nominators, mirroring critical reception. The absence of any nominations for this anticipated revival underscores the divergence between audience expectations and critical evaluation.
Shaina Taub's Partial Victory
Shaina Taub's musical "Suffs" received several nominations, highlighting her talent as a composer and playwright. However, Taub herself was not nominated for her starring role as suffragist Alice Paul, a reminder of the unpredictable nature of award nominations.
Pop/Rock Influence on Broadway
The Best Score category features notable names from the pop/rock world, including Will Butler of Arcade Fire, David Byrne, Fatboy Slim, Jamestown Revival, and Alicia Keys. Their inclusion underscores Broadway's evolving musical landscape and the increasing influence of contemporary music genres.
Broadway's American Identity
This year's nominations reflect a distinctly American theme, with productions like "Hell's Kitchen," "Suffs," "Purlie Victorious," and "Appropriate" exploring various facets of American culture and history. The dominance of American-authored works among the top nominees suggests a shift towards greater independence and diversity within the Broadway community.