Drama Desk React

Last night the Drama Desk Awards presented their annual kudos at Town Hall.  The Drama Desks are chosen by a very small number of people, and nominations are given out by an even smaller pool. So they don't always line up with the Tonys, but there are many interesting things to note about last night.

• Off-Broadway: Don't bother writing an acceptance speech.  It always strange to me that these awards take such pride at being one of the few major awards bodies in town who award shows on, off, and off-off Broadway. However, Off-Broadway fare has an incredible disadvantage at these awards.  Perhaps the voters want the night to be taken seriously as a Tony precursor? And this is why Off-Broadway generally only manages a couple wins. This year Off-Broadway netted a grand total of ZERO awards. I think its time to change up the voting or create separate categories for On and Off Broadway. There was certainly a slew of worthy productions in smaller theaters this season and they deserve their due.

• Twelfth Night. The Shakespeare's Globe revival took home the Best Revival and Best Director prize. What's strange is its only other nomination was best Costume Design (which it lost to Bullets Over Broadway, the sole musical nominee).  Not a single mention for its talented ensemble, even Mark Rylance.  I thought they would spring for The Glass Menagerie given its other acting nominations. Granted, since categories at the DD's are comprised of Off-Broadway as well, strange omissions will always occur.  In a tight Tony race, the Twelfth Night team must be feeling very happy about their chances after last night.

• TIES! Two of them! Neil Patrick Harris and Jefferson Mays both accepted for Lead Actor in a Musical. Jefferson Mays has done very well at the precursors so far, especially considering how "in the bag" it is supposed to be for Harris. I still think NPH is out in front, but this race is clearly not as cut and dry as previously thought. The Tonys have a much larger pool of voters, making a tie less likely. And the Tony voters are more likely to embrace Harris, who has reinvigorated the Tony ceremony and interest in Broadway in previous years. BUT WE AREN'T DONE! Lauren Worsham and Anika Larsen tied for Featured Actress in a Musical. Though they did not have to face off against the pretty stiff Tony competition of Lena Hall and Linda Emond.  I've had a hunch newcomer Worsham could manage a surprise win here for a while.  People have laughed at me for this. So I was very pleased to be able to say: SEE. Its possible. Whats possible too is Larsen riding the new wave of support for Beautiful.  If Anika Larsen's name is announced on June 8th, expect Beautiful to pick up the big prize. What this tie proves is that the featured actress category is really up for grabs (though it seems Adriane Lenox is the one person we can count out).

•  Featured Actress in a Play.  Another category where no one has a clue as to who the front runner is.  My suspected winner, Celia Keenan-Bolger, took the Drama Desk last night. One of her fellow nominees were in competition last night: Sophie Okonedo.  And she could take the Tony (Mare Winningham and Anika Noni Rose should not be counted out either).  But what I was paying attention to was the reaction of the crowd. Because when Celia's name was read: everyone ROARED. Broadway loves her.  She's been on the scene for a while doing quality work.  This is her third Tony nomination. This is probably the only place where voters can reward the stellar Glass Menagerie cast. When we assess winners, we often mention passion. How passionate are voters about a show or performer. And if last night is any indication, the passion is strongly resonating for Celia Keenan-Bolger.

• Jason Robert Brown. Despite the show's closing, the composer managed double wins for Score and Orchestrations.  I have been cautiously predicting the same outcome for the Tony Awards.  They have been doing a wonderful job of promoting the music for the show.  The cast album is on the Billboard 200. The leads have been making appearances and performing at every opportunity. And Kelli O'Hara has been very active in her campaigning for the musical.  There is now a consensus that the musical was wronged, and we have basically shunned one of our great contemporary composers by allowing his show to close.  Im not entirely confident it will be enough for JRB to net both of these categories at the Tonys, but he should definitely walk away with at least one of them.