First Tony Administration Meeting for 2016 Awards!

The Tony Administration Committee met for the first time this season on November 12th. They discussed eligibility for the 2015/2016 season, as it pertained to the following productions: An Act of God, Amazing Grace, Hamilton, Spring Awakening, Old Times, Fool for Love, The Gin Game, Sylvia, Dames at Sea, and Therese Raquin.

The following determinations were made:

Lin Manuel Miranda, Leslie Odom Jr., and Phillipa Soo will all be considered eligible under Best Lead Actor/Actress in a Musical for their respective performances in Hamilton.

Austin P. Mackenzie and Sandra Mae Frank will be considered eligible under Best Lead Actor/Actress in a Musical for their respective performances in Spring Awakening. (Note: Frank portrays Wendla, while Katie Boeck provides her singing voice).

Dane Laffrey and Lucy Mackinnon will be considered jointly eligible for Best Scenic Design of a Musical for Spring Awakening. Laffrey is credited as Scenic Designer while Mackinnon is Projections Designer.

Sam Rockwell and Nina Arianda will be considered eligible under Best Lead Actor/Actress in a Play for their respective performances in Fool for Love (it is standard practice for MTC to bill all of their actors below the title in alphabetical order).

Robert Sella and Julie White will be considered eligible under Best Featured Actor/Actress for their respective performances in Sylvia.

Cary Tedder and Eloise Kropp will be considered eligible under Best Lead Actor/Actress in a Musical for their respective performances in Dames at Sea.

Gabriel Ebert and Judith Light will be considered eligible under Best Featured Actor/Actress for their respective performances in Therese Raquin.

No special distinction was made regarding Therese Raquin's prior incarnations, so this new adaptation is eligible under Best Play per Tony Awards rules.

All other eligibility rulings were consistent with opening night billing.


The biggest ruling outcomes center around Hamilton and Spring Awakening. For the latter, there was some speculation over joint nominations for characters portrayed by both a hearing and non-hearing actor (namely, Wendla and Moritz). But per the Tony rulings, each actor will be eligible separately.

As for Hamilton, I always assumed Odom Jr. would fall under lead. It is actually for the show's benefit, since they now have an additional spot open for the talented featured cast. For those of you worrying about the talented Mr. Odom Jr.'s chances: I think he can handily take down his co-star Miranda (they have two other opportunities to reward him in Score and Book). It's Danny Burstein who will pose the real threat for Best Actor.

"Eclipsed" Makes the Jump and "Bright Star" Makes it Official

The Public Theater is moving yet another production to Broadway. After the Best Musical winner Fun Home and (the likely Best Musical winner) Hamilton, the company is bringing their Off-Broadway play Eclipsed to the main stem.

The Public Theater engagement will conclude on November 29th. It's star, recent Oscar winner Lupita Nyong'o, will transfer with the production. The Broadway production will have its first preview on February 23, 2016 at the Golden Theatre. Opening night is set for March 6th, with a strictly limited run of 17 weeks.

Eclipsed is written by Danai Gurira (The Walking Dead's Michonne) and directed by Liesl Tommy. The play centers on a group of women being held captive during the Liberian civil war. The entire cast from the Public; which includes Saycon Sengbloh (Hair, Fela!), Pascale Armand, Akosua Busia, and Zainab Jah, will transfer with the production.

The Public now finds itself in a unique Tony position. It has a contender in both the Best Musical and Best Play races. Could it nab both top prizes?

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While we knew Steve Martin and Edie Brickell's musical Bright Star was showing up sometime this season, the team has finally announced official dates and cast information.

Following a winter run at the Kennedy Center, Bright Star will begin previews on March 7th with a March 31st opening (which, in case anyone wants to get me some tickets, happens to be this theatre nerd's birthday). The show will fill a Shubert house to be announced at a later date.

Tony winner Walter Bobbie will direct with Josh Rhodes as choreographer. After starring in the premiere at The Old Globe, Carmen Cusack will repeat her performance in her Broadway debut. The rest of the cast features: Paul Alexander Nolan, A.J. Shively, Dee Hoty, Stephen Lee Anderson, Emily Padgett, Jeff Blumenkrantz, Michael X. Martin, William Michals, Tony Roach, and William Youmans.

"Falsettos" Postpones Broadway Bow

Theatre fans rejoiced when Jordan Roth announced a revival of the beloved musical Falsettos was heading to Broadway. But it appears we will have to wait longer than anticipated.

The William Finn/James Lapine musical has officially been pushed back to the 2016-2017 Broadway season. No official reason was given, but sources are citing budget and casting concerns. The reported estimated budget came in at roughly $5 million, more than many expected. The number reportedly had producers concerned over its commercial viability. Roth attempted to strike a deal with the Roundabout Theatre Company, one of Broadway's few non-profit organizations, to insult the production from financial burdens. However, Roundabout's spring season is locked in place and no deal came to fruition.

Casting a movie star seemed to be the only option left to avoid a financial failure. But William Finn's score is tough. And finding a star who can pull it off (and was available for the time frame) proved fruitless.

The postponement of Falsettos has upended the already competitive race for Best Revival of a Musical. With just five revivals remaining, now only three of them are guaranteed Tony nominees. A fourth nominee is possible if they tie for third place. The new tie rule didn't help Side Show or Gigi this past season, nor Roundabout's re-staging of Cabaret the year before. Will a fourth nominee come into play this time? Or will there be lots of unhappy producers come spring?

One upside: Laura Benanti will be done with She Loves Me by next season, and she would make a perfect Trina. Make it happen Mr Lapine!

Frank Langella Returns to Broadway

Three time Tony Award winner Frank Langella will return to Broadway this spring in Manhattan Theatre Club's American premier of The Father. The play, by Florian Zeller, will being previews at the Samuel J. Freidman Theatre on March 22, 2016, with an opening night of April 12th.

Two time Tony winner Christopher Hampton will provide the translation of the play. Tony Award winner Doug Hughes will direct. Hughes and Langella previously collaborated on a Broadway production of A Man for All Seasons.

According to press notes, The Father will offer a look inside the mind of a retired dancer living with his adult daughter Anne and her husband. Or is he a retired engineer receiving a visit from Anne who has moved away, with her boyfriend? Why do strangers keep turning up in his room? And where has he left his watch?

Spring Awakening Makes it Official

Deaf West's rumored revival of Spring Awakening is officially headed to the Brooks Atkinson Theatre for it's Broadway run this fall. Tickets went on sale today.

The show's website lists the production as an 18 week limited run, with previews starting on September 8th and an opening night on September 27th. The site also says it "must close" on January 9th.

The revival is a co-production between Deaf West and Forest of Arden, who's founder Michael Arden will serve as director. Spencer Liff serves as choreographer. Arden previously starred in Deaf West's Broadway transfer of Big River. That production got a special award from the Tonys, as well as nominations for Best Revival of a Musical and Best Featured Actor in a Musical.

This interpretation of Duncan Sheik's Tony winning musical will utilize both hearing and deaf actors, with several characters being sung and signed by two performers. Casting will be announced at a later date, though it is rumored at least some of the LA cast will transfer to Broadway with the production.

Tony Winners and Reactions

Another season completed. Tony hosts Alan Cumming and Kristin Chenoweth lead a telecast full of huge performances and a couple shocking wins. I went 19 for 24 in my own predictions. I'm kicking myself for not going with my gut on a couple of them (Christian Borle) and ever so happy to be wrong on some others (KELLI!).

Now that the wine is starting to work its way out of my system after a night of screaming at the TV, its time for some of my takeaways and thoughts on the show. You also may have noticed a new page on the site for the 2015-2016 season, because the coverage isnt stopping! Jim Parsons kicked off the new season with An Act of God, and I will continue to update the production listing page with announcements of new shows and stars.

On to the good stuff:

Fun Home FTW!
Every year we are told "the road voters will propel [insert jukebox musical here] to a Tony win". But we are living in a post-Jersey Boys era where original scores rule. And Tony voters, even commercially minded ones on the road, are savvy theatergoers. When you have something as unique, challenging, and moving as Fun Home you can't ignore it. The financial success of Fun Home's national tour is up for debate, but the property is sure to become a huge property in regional markets thanks to its small cast and intimate setting. How many local theatre do you know who can afford to produce An American in Paris? It was always Fun Home out front.

But They Lose Featured Actress
I was shocked when Ruthie Ann Miles won. Don't get me wrong, she's a wonderful performer. But the roles in Fun Home had more meat on their bones, so to speak. The issue may have been a failure to unite voters around one lady. Judy Kuhn was the perceived winner, but she has the most subtle performance. Tough to win with one of those, even if you are overdue. Sydney Lucas is the best find of the season (and holy cow did she slay that Tony number), but after the Billy Elliot controversy and a recent not-so-great-article on child Tony winners in Playbill, there is a bit of hesitancy to reward young performers. Emily Skeggs didn't find as strong of a "narrative" for awards season, yet her song "Changing my Major" is often cited by fans as their favorite of the whole season. Ruthie Ann Miles had been on the radar for a while thanks to Here Lies Love earlier in the season. Combine that success with the obvious support for The King and I, and you have your winner.

Featured Actor goes to: Natha...Richard McCabe?!?! Dammit.
I'm assuming this was most everyone's reaction to Best Featured Actor in a Play. It was always the wildcard category that no one ever figured out. I had considered changing my prediction to one of the likable charmers (Micah Stock, Matthew Beard) or the respected Alessandro Nivola. But The Audience went 2 for 3 last night. Impressive for a show without a Best Play nomination. Mr. McCabe: congrats on your upset Tony moment (even if you totally screwed up my ballot).

Where's Tyronne?
Honestly, I think Hand to God missed a huge opportunity last night. I was saddened, but not surprised the play went home empty handed (it was one of my favorite experiences in a theatre this season, behind only Curious Incident and Fun Home), but I expected them to at least get some airtime for Steven Boyer. Did anyone think to have the nominated actor and his demonic sidekick Tyronne introduce a category? To be fair I have no idea if producers tried to get him on the telecast, but it would have been a great way to highlight a deserving show which faces an uphill financial battle with no Tony wins to advertise. And I was looking forward to the angry emails CBS would get.

Off Camera Winners
It's sad that a history making win for Best Score didn't make it to the telecast. Fun Home became the first musical by an all female writing team to take the award. But the creators' wins for Score and book were relegated to the pre-show. Hmm, I wonder how we could fit those important categories on the telecast? How long were those performances from Gigi and Finding Neverland again?

The Sammys (Or, If I Was a Tony Voter)

The 2015 Tony season comes to an end tomorrow night, but not before one import final precursor award: my own! I do my best to take in as much theatre as possible every year, and though I didn't make it to everything (sorry The Country House...well, not really) I caught over two dozen Broadway productions this season. I marveled at legends like Chita Rivera and Carol Burnett, laughed and cried at revivals that went too soon (Side Show) or not soon enough (The Real Thing), and I even saw a Tupac musical on Tupac's birthday and had better seats than Madonna (but she definitely had the better outfit). The following list of nominations and winners is the best of the best, in one blogger's humble opinion.

I have stuck to the Tony rulings on eligibility with one exception: The ladies from Side Show are nominated together. If you're mad about it: take it up with the Tony administration who broke their own precedent. Together, they gave one of the fiercest performances of any gender this season. Tonys also grant the use of additional nominees in certain categories, so I have increased a few categories by one where I felt it necessary.

Finally, I also forced myself to avoid ties this year. No copping out, even in Lead Actress in a Musical (where a four way tie would have me ecstatic) or Featured Actress in a Musical (with "Ring of Keys" and "I Can Cook Too" being the two best performed numbers of the season). I made several Sophie's Choices and will have to live with them.

THE 2015 SAMMYS

Best Musical
*Fun Home (winner)
Honeymoon in Vegas
The Last Ship
Something Rotten! (runner-up)
The Visit

Best Play
Constellations
*The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time (winner)
Hand to God (runner-up)
Wolf Hall, Parts One and Two

Revival of a Musical
*The King and I (winner)
On the Town (runner-up)
On the Twentieth Century
Side Show

Best Revival of a Play
A Delicate Balance
The Elephant Man (runner-up)
The Heidi Chronicles
*You Can't Take it with You (winner)

Best Lead Actor in a Play
*Steven Boyer, Hand to God (winner)
Bradley Cooper, The Elephant Man
Kieran Culkin, This is Our Youth
Jake Gyllenhaal, Constellations
Alex Sharp, Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time (runner-up)

Best Lead Actress in a Play
Geneva Carr, Hand to God (runner-up)
Glenn Close, A Delicate Balance
Helen Mirren, The Audience
Elizabeth Moss, The Heidi Chronicles
*Ruth Wilson, Constellations (winner)

Best Lead Actor in a Musical
Michael Cerveris, Fun Home (runner-up)
Robert Fairchild, An American in Paris
*Brian d'Arcy James, Something Rotten! (winner)
Rob McClure, Honeymoon in Vegas
Tony Yazbeck, On the Town

Best Lead Actress in a Musical
*Kristin Chenoweth, On the Twentieth Century (winner)
Erin Davie & Emily Padgett, Side Show (runner-up)
Beth Malone, Fun Home
Kelli O'Hara, The King and I
Chita Rivera, The Visit

Best Featured Actor in a Play
Ian Barford, Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time
Alessandro Nivola, The Elephant Man (runner-up)
Michael Oberholtzer, Hand to God
*Nathaniel Parker, Wolf Hall, Parts One and Two (winner)
Bryce Pinkham, The Heidi Chronicles
Micah Stock, It's Only a Play

Best Featured Actress in a Play
*Annaleigh Ashford, You Can't Take it With You (winner)
Lucy Briers, Wolf Hall, Parts One and Two
Enid Graham, Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time
Lydia Leonard, Wolf Hall, Parts One and Two (runner-up)
Kristine Nielsen, You Can't Take it With You
Julie White, Airline Highway

Best Featured Actor in a Musical
*Fred Applegate, The Last Ship (winner)
Brooks Ashmanskas, Something Rotten!
Christian Borle, Something Rotten!
Andy Karl, On the Twentieth Century (runner-up)
Brad Oscar, Something Rotten!

Best Featured Actress in a Musical
Judy Kuhn, Fun Home
*Syndey Lucas, Fun Home (winner)
Ashley Park, The King and I
Emily Skeggs, Fun Home
Alysha Umphress, On the Town (runner-up)

Best Director of a Musical
Bill Condon, Side Show
*Sam Gold, Fun Home (winner)
Casey Nicholaw, Something Rotten!
John Rando, On the Town
Bartlett Sher, The King and I (runner-up)

Best Director of a Play
*Marianne Elliot, Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time (winner)
Scott Ellis, The Elephant Man
Scott Ellis, You Can't Take it With You (runner-up)
Jeremy Herrin, Wolf Hall, Parts One and Two
Moritz von Stuelpnagel, Hand to God

Best Original Score
*Fun Home (Jeanine Tesori and Lisa Kron) (winner)
The Last Ship (Sting) (runner-up)
Something Rotten! (Karey and Wayne Kirkpatrick)
The Visit (John Kander and Fred Ebb)

Best Book of a Musical
*Fun Home (Lisa Kron) (winner)
Honeymoon in Vegas (Andrew Bergman)
Something Rotten! (Karey Kirkpatrick and John O'Farrell) (runner-up)
The Visit (Terrence McNally) 

Best Choreography
An American in Paris (Christopher Wheeldon) (runner-up)
Finding Neverland (Mia Michaels)
The King and I (Christopher Gattelli)
*On the Town (Joshua Bergasse) (winner)
Something Rotten! (Casey Nicholaw)

Best Orchestrations
*An American in Paris (winner)
Fun Home (runner-up) 
Honeymoon in Vegas
The Visit

Best Scenic Design of a Musical
*An American in Paris (winner)
The King and I
Something Rotten!
The Visit (runner-up)

Best Scenic Design of a Play
Airline Highway (runner-up)
*Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time (winner)
Wolf Hall, Parts One and Two
You Can't Take it With You

Best Costume Design of a Musical
An American in Paris (runner-up)
*The King and I (winner)
On the Twentieth Century
Side Show

Best Costume Design of a Play
A Delicate Balance
The Audience (runner-up)
*Wolf Hall, Parts One and Two (winner)
You Can't Take it With You

Best Lighting Design of a Musical
Fun Home
The King and I
The Last Ship (runner-up)
*The Visit (winner)

Best Lighting Design of a Play
Constellations
*Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time (winner)
Skylight
Wolf Hall, Parts One and Two (runner-up)

Best Sound Design of a Musical
Finding Neverland
*Fun Home (winner)
The Last Ship (runner-up)
Something Rotten!

Best Sound Design of a Play
Constellations
*Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time (winner)
Skylight (runner-up)
Wolf Hall, Parts One and Two

Top Ten New Songs
10. 'We Got Now't Else', The Last Ship
9. 'Days and Days', Fun Home
8. 'I Love Betsy', Honeymoon in Vegas
7. 'The Last Ship', The Last Ship
6. 'Welcome to the Renaissance', Something Rotten!
5. 'A Musical', Something Rotten!
4. 'Changing My Major', Fun Home
3. 'Love and Love Alone', The Visit
2. 'Telephone Wire', Fun Home
1. 'Ring of Keys', Fun Home



WINS
Fun Home: 6
Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time: 5
An American in Paris: 2
The King and I: 2
Wolf Hall, Parts One and Two: 2
You Can't Take it With You: 2
Constellations: 1
Hand to God: 1
On the Town: 1
On the Twentieth Century: 1
Something Rotten!: 1
The Visit: 1

Final Predictions: 2015 Tony Winners

The Tonys are upon us! Sunday's ceremony is fast approaching, and many categories are still up for grabs. Will it be Kelli or Kristin? Fun Home or An American in Paris? Can anyone take down Helen Mirren? (Spoiler: No, they can't).

For your convenience, and office pool assistance, I have broken down each category into who will, could, and should win Broadway's highest honor. Note: I've stuck with the actual nominees for my "should win" citations. But stay tuned for this years edition of The Sammys where I right the wrongs of the Tonys and nominate/award whoever I please. There will be justice for Side Show and Honeymoon in Vegas. The North remembers...or at least I do.

Here's your fearless final Tony predictions. As always, I invite you to tell me how foolish I am. And remember to click over to the individual Contenders pages for rankings and further thoughts.

BEST MUSICAL
Will Win: Fun Home
Could Win: An American in Paris
Should Win: Fun Home
Big commercial show vs. the intimate artistic achievement. Fun Home is just plain better (sorry I'm not sorry) but Paris has built a huge swell of support. Tesori and Kron have changed the landscape of what types of stories can be told in a Broadway musical and they deserve to take home the award. I'm praying that Tony voters are savvy enough to repeat last year's pattern and realize that we need to endorse this type of creative achievement.

BEST PLAY
Will Win: Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time
Could Win: Hand to God
Should Win: Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time
This is a lock. Hand to God or Wolf Hall could win in another year, but the ingenious adaptation from across the pond is too well done and too well liked to fail. Hand to God smartly marketed themselves as the American alternative, but it won't be enough for a win.

BEST REVIVAL OF A MUSICAL
Will Win: The King and I
Could Win: On the Town
Should Win: On the Town
Any of the three nominees would make a worthy winner. On the 20th Century was hysterical and vibrant. On the Town has actually stayed with me the most thanks to its winning performances. It would also be a chance to reward the only "for profit" nominee. But the grand scope of The King and I will be too much to ignore.

BEST REVIVAL OF A PLAY
Will Win: Skylight
Could Win: The Elephant Man
Should Win: You Can't Take it With You
Does Skylight win by default of being the only nominee still open? Not so fast. You Can't Take it With You also scored a director nod, and had very healthy run. The Elephant Man may pose more of a threat given the sheer number of producers (read: voters) involved. It also helps that it's back on the radar thanks to its London transfer. But Skylight has an air of "importance" and sophistication around it...and it's still here.

BEST SCORE
Will Win: Fun Home
Could Win: The Last Ship
Should Win: Fun Home
Jeanine Tesori and Lisa Kron should handily win this for the best new score of the season. There is a slight possibility that voters will feel bad for Sting and want to reward the artist for the passion and hard work he put in to his show, only to see it scuttled.

BEST BOOK OF A MUSICAL
Will Win: Fun Home
Could Win: Something Rotten!
Should Win: Fun Home
Points must be rewarded for creating something out of nothing, and Something Rotten! nails its intended goals. Comedic books also tend to do well here. But Lisa Kron should pick up an additional Tony for the moving and heart-wrenching Fun Home.

BEST ACTOR IN A MUSICAL
Will Win: Robert Fairchild, An American in Paris
Could Win: Michael Cerveris, Fun Home
Should Win: Brian d'Arcy James, Something Rotten!
One of the toughest races to predict. Support seems to be uniting behind ballet star turned Broadway leading man Robert Fairchild. He won the Drama Desk and OCC. He beat out Broadway vet d'Arcy James in those races, but industry favorite Michael Cerveris wasn't eligible. Cerveris turns in a remarkably nuanced performance, but he might make it look to easy. Fairchild is as charming as they come so I give him the slight edge. It's anyone's game.

BEST ACTRESS IN A MUSICAL
Will Win: Kristin Chenoweth, On the 20th Century
Could Win: Kelli O'Hara, The King and I
Should Win: Tie Please?
The race between Kelly and Kristin sparks some of the most fiery debates of the year in theatre circles. But I don't think voters sit with ballots and think "well, she's been nominated so many times...". They see everything and vote for what grabs them. Chenoweth has a role that utilizes all of her skills and prowess. It might be the role of her lifetime, so I think Kelli will sadly have to play bridesmaid again.

BEST ACTOR IN A PLAY
Will Win: Alex Sharp, Curious Incident
Could Win: Steven Boyer, Hand to God
Should Win: ...A Tie Again?
Seems like a lock for Mr. Sharp despite Boyer's stunning work. If they want to spread the wealth, this is the one category they can give to Hand to God. Not likely though, as Bradley Cooper is also there to siphon votes from the stargazers.

BEST ACTRESS IN A PLAY
Will Win: Helen Mirren, The Audience
Could Win: LOL
Should Win: Ruth Wilson, Constellations
Do I need to convince you on this one? It's Helen. #bowdown

BEST FEATURED ACTOR IN A MUSICAL
Will Win: Andy Karl, On the 20th Century
Could Win: Christian Borle, Something Rotten!
Should Win: Andy Karl, On the 20th Century
Brad Oscar has the standing O's, but Borle has the awards support (and Drama Desk win). The industry loves Christian Borle and he could be the one win for Something Rotten! But many will be tempted to reward Andy Karl, another beloved New York actor. And he shows tremendous contrast from his nominated dramatic performance last year.

BEST FEATURED ACTRESS IN A MUSICAL
Will Win: Judy Kuhn, Fun Home
Could Win: Sydney Lucas, Fun Home -or- Ruthie Ann Miles, The King and I
Should Win: Sydney Lucas, Fun Home
A tough one to call. Logic would say that Broadway veteran Judy Kuhn will finally win for her quietly devastating performance (her dedicated Times article will help), but her co-star Sydney Lucas is just so damn good. And Lucas' song "Ring of Keys" is poignant, catchy, and complex. Ruthie Ann Miles could be the benefactor of vote splitting, but I have a hard time imaging  Fun Home losing this category.

BEST FEATURED ACTOR IN A PLAY
Will Win: Nathaniel Parker, Wolf Hall
Could Win: Richard McCabe, The Audience -or- Alessandro Nivola, The Elephant Man
Should Win: Nathaniel Parker, Wolf Hall
Days away from the Tonys and still no one has a damn clue about this category. K. Todd Freeman surprised at the Drama Desk...but he was the only Tony nominee in contention. Micah Stock still has buzz, but will find it hard to win as the sole nominee of his show. So the Olivier winners Nathaniel Parker and Richard McCabe and "lead-hiding-in-featured" Alessandro Nivola, will battle it out for the win. Go with God, or the Kabbalah Monster, or whoever on this one.

BEST FEATURED ACTRESS IN A PLAY
Will Win: Annaleigh Ashford, You Can't Take it With You
Could Win: Lydia Leonard, Wolf Hall
Should Win: Annaleigh Ashford, You Can't Take it With You
If you were thinking that the closing of You Can't Take it With You would hurt Ms. Ashford's chances, she just gave a great showing at the Drama Desk ceremony which reminded everyone why it is time to finally reward this sought after, hard working actress. Lydia Leonard and Patricia Clarkson will provide compelling alternatives, but Ashford's chances look better every day.

BEST DIRECTOR OF A MUSICAL
Will Win: Sam Gold, Fun Home
Could Win: Christopher Wheeldon, An American in Paris
Should Win: Sam Gold, Fun Home
Will they think Wheeldon needs two Tonys? I'm more inclined to think Sam Gold takes it for expertly utilizing the unique space of the Circle in the Square. Fun Home fans were concerned about losing magic in the re-staging for the round, when in fact the show got more magical.

BEST DIRECTOR OF A PLAY
Will Win: Marianne Elliott, Curious Incident
Could Win: It's Hers
Should Win: Marianne Elliott, Curious Incident
Scott Ellis could be remembered, Jeremy Herrin admired, and Stephen Daldry saluted. But Ms. Elliott should handily beat them all for creating spectacle with substance in her Best Play juggernaut.

BEST CHOREOGRAPHY
Will Win: Christopher Wheeldon, An American in Paris
Could Win: Joshua Bergasse, On the Town
Should Win: Christopher Wheeldon, An American in Paris
How wonderful would it be if Bergasse and Wheeldon could tie in this category? It's a shame they have to compete. Bergasse is the likely runner-up given the massive surge of support for An American in Paris. It's Wheeldon's to lose.

BEST ORCHESTRATIONS
Will Win: An American in Paris
Could Win: Fun Home
Should Win: Fun Home
An American in Paris sounds grand and lush, and that will tip the scales in its favor. This is the category most voters know the least about, so I don't think they will appreciate Fun Home's intimate and haunting assemblage enough for it to win.

BEST SCENIC DESIGN OF A MUSICAL
Will Win: An American in Paris
Could Win: The King and I
Should Win: An American in Paris
The King and I would be a worthy choice (that boat!), and it has a shot. But An American in Paris is the prettiest show of the year. The romantic Paris setting will seal the deal.

BEST SCENIC DESIGN OF A PLAY
Will Win: Curious Incident
Could Win: Wolf Hall
Should Win: Curious Incident
There's a ton of striking designs in this category, but Bunny Christie's set is so integral to the storytelling of Curious Incident it couldn't possibly lose. The team behind expertly designed Wolf Hall is cursing the gods for opening against this juggernaut.

BEST COSTUME DESIGN OF A MUSICAL
Will Win: The King and I
Could Win: An American in Paris
Should Win: The King and I
The King and I will get revenge on the Paris design team's coup with Catherine Zuber's gorgeous costumes. It's hard to ignore that sweeping ballgown. Or the fact that she designed for a cast of 50.

BEST COSTUME DESIGN OF A PLAY
Will Win: Wolf Hall
Could Win: The Audience
Should Win: Wolf Hall
Christopher Oram is probably super grateful that Curious Incident isn't a period piece. The sheer amount of costumes he created for Wolf Hall is impressive enough, but the detail is astounding. The Audience has an impressive costume showcase as well. Given the costumes' importance to the Queen's aging (and all of Helen's quick changes), it won't go down without a fight.

BEST LIGHTING DESIGN OF A MUSICAL
Will Win: An American in Paris
Could Win: The Visit
Should Win: The Visit
Well, The Visit should win by a landslide for Japhy Weideman's evocative, moody work. For my money, easily the best of the season. But the freight train to Paris is headed straight for this design category too.

BEST LIGHTING DESIGN OF A PLAY
Will Win: Curious Incident
Could Win: Wolf Hall
Should Win: Wolf Hall
I actually find the lighting work in Wolf Hall a daring choice, and its use of space and shadow is essential to every scene. But voters won't be able to separate the lighting in Curious Incident from the scenic and projection design, and the play should easily win here.

Drama Desk Winners 2015: Updating Live

The winners of the 60th Annual Drama Desk Awards were announced Sunday May 31st. The ceremony was held at Town Hall and hosted by Tony winner Laura Benanti. The show was live-streamed on theatremania.com.

Click the link to view the complete list of nominees:
http://samonstage.blogspot.com/2015/04/2015-drama-desk-nominees-complete-list.html

Check out this year's winners below!


OUTSTANDING PLAY
THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME

OUTSTANDING MUSICAL
HAMILTON

OUTSTANDING REVIVAL OF A PLAY
THE ELEPHANT MAN

OUTSTANDING REVIVAL OF A MUSICAL
THE KING AND I

OUTSTANDING ACTOR IN A PLAY
ALEX SHARP, CURIOUS INCIDENT...

OUTSTANDING ACTRESS IN A PLAY
HELEN MIRREN, THE AUDIENCE

OUTSTANDING ACTOR IN A MUSICAL
ROBERT FAIRCHILD, AN AMERICAN IN PARIS

OUTSTANDING ACTRESS IN A MUSICAL
KRISTIN CHENOWETH, ON THE TWENTIETH CENTURY

OUTSTANDING FEATURED ACTOR IN A PLAY
K. TODD FREEMAN, AIRLINE HIGHWAY

OUTSTANDING FEATURED ACTRESS IN A PLAY
ANNALEIGH ASHFORD, YOU CAN'T TAKE IT WITH YOU

OUTSTANDING FEATURED ACTOR IN A MUSICAL
CHRISTIAN BORLE, SOMETHING ROTTEN!

OUTSTANDING FEATURED ACTRESS IN A MUSICAL
RENEE ELISE GOLDSBERRY, HAMILTON

OUTSTANDING DIRECTOR OF A MUSICAL
THOMAS KAIL, HAMILTON

OUTSTANDING DIRECTOR OF A PLAY
MARIANNE ELLIOTT, CURIOUS INCIDENT...

OUTSTANDING CHOREOGRAPHY
CHRISTOPHER WHEELDON, AN AMERICAN IN PARIS

OUTSTANDING MUSIC
LIN -MANUEL MIRANDA, HAMILTON

OUTSTANDING LYRICS
LIN-MANUEL MIRANDA, HAMILTON

OUTSTANDING BOOK OF A MUSICAL
LIN-MANUEL MIRANDA, HAMILTON

OUTSTANDING ORCHESTRATIONS
CHRISTOPHER AUSTIN, AN AMERICAN IN PARIS

OUTSTANDING MUSIC IN A PLAY
ARTHUR SOLARI & JANE SHAW, TAMBURLAINE THE GREAT

OUTSTANDING REVUE
JUST JIM DALE

OUTSTANDING SET DESIGN
BOB CROWLEY, AN AMERICAN IN PARIS

OUTSTANDING COSTUME DESIGN
CATHERINE ZUBER, GIGI

OUTSTANDING LIGHTING DESIGN
PAULE CONSTABLE, CURIOUS INCIDENT...

OUTSTANDING PROJECTION DESIGN
FINN ROSS, CURIOUS INCIDENT...

OUTSTANDING SOUND DESIGN OF A MUSICAL
NEVIN STEINBERG, HAMILTON

OUTSTANDING SOUND DESIGN OF A PLAY
IAN DICKINSON, CURIOUS INCIDENT...

OUTSTANDING SOLO PERFORMANCE
BENJAMIN SCHEUER, THE LION

UNIQUE THEATRICAL EXPERIENCE
QUEEN OF THE NIGHT

SPECIAL AWARDS (previously announced)
Outstanding Ensemble to: the cast of A.R. Gurney's WAYSIDE MOTOR INN

Sam Norkin Off-Broadway Award to: BESS WOHL

Special Awards to:
JOHN DOUGLAS THOMPSON
ENSEMBLE STUDIO THEATRE
ANDY BLANKENBUEHLER

Tony Awards Telecast Takes Shape

Announcements have begun to roll in regarding the performance lineup at the 2015 Tony Awards. We were first treated to the news that three shows who didn't receive nominations will perform a number on the awards show: Findging Neverland, Gigi, and It Shoulda Been You.

Today, specific performer and song details have been revealed for many of this year's nominees.

The cast of The King and I, up for nine Tony Awards, will feature nominees Kelli O'Hara, Ken Watanabe, and Ruthie Ann Miles. They will perform a medley of three classic songs from the show: "Getting to Know You", "Something Wonderful", and "Shall We Dance".

The entire cast of Best Musical Revival nominee On the Town will perform a selection of songs, featuring "New York, New York" and highlighting the three sailors (Tony Yazbeck, Clive Alves, and Jay Armstrong Johnson).

Roundabout's revival of On the Twentieth Century will follow the medley trend, performing "Life is Like a Train", "Babette", and "On the 20th Century". Tony nominated actors Kristin Chenoweth and Andy Karl, as well as star Peter Gallagher, will all be featured.

Best Musical nominee The Visit will showcase Chita Rivera's signature number "Love and Love Alone" (with a portion of the ballet duet), and the more up-tempo eunuch number "I Would Never Leave You".

Best Musical front-runner Fun Home will stick with one song, and one performer. The youngest nominee of the night, Syndey Lucas, will take the stage for the touching "Ring of Keys".

Musical rival Something Rotten! will showcase nominated actors Brian d'Arcy James and Brad Oscar, with the act one showstopper "A Musical". Expect a standing ovation.

The snubbed Finding Neverland will perform the act one finale "Stronger". The number will feature stars Matthew Morrison and Kelsey Grammer.

[UPDATE]: It Shoulda Been You will trot out powerhouse Lisa Howard to sing "Jenny's Blues" from the wedding themed musical. It is unknown if the previously announced Tyne Daly will make any appearance.

Announcements from An American in Paris, Gigi, and It Shoulda Been You will be coming shortly. (Gigi and It Shoulda Been You have previously reported their numbers will feature stars Vanessa Hudgens and Tyne Daly, respectively).

VOTE!

Who do you think should take home the gold on Tony night? Let your voice be heard in this short survey below. I will share the readers' Tony winners before the real ceremony on June 7th.
http://surveynuts.com/surveys/take?id=28813&c=209412901PFJR

Outer Critics Circle Awards 2015: Winners Announced!

The Outer Critics Circle announced the winners of their 65th annual kudos today. The winners will be celebrated at a special ceremony at Sardi's on May 21st.

The Outer Critic's Circle honors productions both on and off Broadway. Several of this year's leading Tony contenders were feted at these awards. But, it is important to note that some of the biggest Tony competition (Fun Home, Hand to God, Disgraced) were not eligible for these awards, having already competed for their Off-Broadway runs. The OCC is also not bound to Tony eligibility rulings so some performers compete in other categories at these kudos (ie: Christian Borle in Lead instead of Featured).

The big winners were The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time, An American in Paris, and Off-Broadway sensation Hamilton. Without Fun Home standing in it's path, An American in Paris took four awards including the Best Broadway Musical Prize (and double wins for Christopher Wheeldon).

The King and I picked up three wins including Best Revival of a Musical, but leading lady Kelli O'Hara lost to her fiery competitor Kristin Chenoweth. Will the same outcome repeat itself at the Tonys?

The Featured Acting (Play) races are particularly tough to predict for the Tonys. The OCC lineup includes many of the front-runners. Featured Actress went to Annaleigh Ashford, who prevailed over Tony competition Patricia Clarkson and Lydia Leonard. With the men: Richard McCabe won featured actor over Nathaniel Parker and Alessandro Nivola. Can these two featured performers continue their winning streaks and clear up these confusing categories?  While there is zero overlap between voting bodies, any amount of buzz can help in races this tight.

Complete list of winners below:

BEST BROADWAY MUSICAL
*An American in Paris
It Shoulda Been You
The Last Ship
Something Rotten!
The Visit

BEST BROADWAY PLAY
The Audience
*Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time
Wolf Hall

BEST OFF-BROADWAY MUSICAL
A Christmas Memory
Disenchanted
Fortress of Solitude
*Hamilton
Lonesome Traveler

BEST OFF-BROADWAY PLAY
*Between Riverside and Crazy
The City of Conversation
The Nether
Rasheeda Speaking
The Village Bike

BEST REVIVAL OF A MUSICAL
Into the Woods
*The King and I
On the Town
On the Twentieth Century
Side Show

BEST REVIVAL OF A PLAY
The Elephant Man
Fashions for Men
The Heidi Chronicles
Skylight
*You Can't Take it With You

BEST BOOK OF A MUSICAL
*Hamilton
It Shoulda Been You
The Last Ship
Something Rotten!
The Visit

BEST SCORE
*Hamilton
It Shoulda Been You
The Last Ship
Something Rotten!
The Visit

BEST ACTOR (PLAY)
Reed Birney, I'm Gonna Pray for You so Hard
Bradley Cooper, The Elephant Man
Stephen McKinley Henderson, Between Riverside and Crazy
Ben Miles, Wolf Hall
*Alex Sharp, Curious Incident...

BEST ACTRESS (PLAY)
Greta Gerwig, The Village Bike
Jan Maxwell, The city of Conversation
*Helen Mirren, The Audience
Elizabeth Moss, The Heidi Chronicles
Tonya Pinkins, Rasheeda Speaking

BEST ACTOR (MUSICAL)
Christian Borle, Something Rotten!
Brian d'Arcy James, Something Rotten!
*Robert Fairchild, An American in Paris
Peter Gallagher, On the Twentieth Century
Tony Yazbeck, On the Town

BEST ACTRESS (MUSICAL)
*Kristin Chenoweth, On the Twentieth Century
Leanne Cope, An American in Paris
Tyne Daly, It Shoulda Been You
Kelli O'Hara, The King and I
Chita Rivera, The Visit

BEST FEATURED ACTOR (PLAY)
Paul Jesson, Wolf Hall
*Richard McCabe, The Audience
Alessandro Nivola, The Elephant Man
Nathaniel Parker, Wolf Hall
Bryce Pinkham, The Heidi Chronicles

BEST FEATURED ACTRESS (PLAY)
*Annaleigh Ashford, You Can't Take it With You
Patricia Clarkson, The Elephant Man
Francessca Faridany, Curious Incident...
Julie Halston, you Can't Take it With You
Lydia Leonard, Wolf Hall

BEST FEATURED ACTRESS (MUSICAL)
Heidi Blickenstaff, Something Rotten!
Victoria Clark, Gigi
Megan Fairchild, On the Town
*Ruthie Ann Miles, The King and I
Mary Louise Wilson, On the Twentieth Century

BEST FEATURED ACTOR (MUSICAL)
John Cariani, Something Rotten!
Josh Grisetti, It Shoulda Been You
*Andy Karl, On the Twentieth Century
Paul Alexander Nolan, Doctor Zhivago
Max Von Essen, An American in Paris

BEST DIRECTOR (MUSICAL)
Scott Ellis, On the Twentieth Century
Thomas Kail, Hamilton
Casey Nicholaw, Something Rotten!
David Hyde Pierce, It Shoulda Been You
*Christopher Wheeldon, An American in Paris

BEST DIRECTOR (PLAY)
Stephen Daldry, The Audience
*Marianne Elliott, Curious Incident...
Scott Ellis, The Elephant Man
Scott Ellis, You Can't Take it With You
Jeremy Herrin, Wolf Hall

BEST CHOREOGRAPHER
Joshua Bergasse, On the Town
Andy Blankenbuehler, Hamilton
Warren Carlyle, On the Twentieth Century
Casey Nicholaw, Something Rotten!
*Christopher Wheeldon, An American in Paris

BEST SET DESIGN
*Bunny Christie, Curious Incident
Bob Crowley, An American in Paris
Scott Pask, Something Rotten!
David Rockwell, On the Twentieth Century
Michael Yeargan, The King and I

BEST COSTUME DESIGN
Gregg Barnes, Something Rotten!
Bob Crowley, The Audience
William Ivey Long, On the Twentieth Century
Christopher Oram, Wolf Hall
*Catherine Zuber, The King and I

BEST LIGHTING DESIGN
*Paule Constable, Curious Incident...
Jeff Croiter, Something Rotten!
Rick Fisher, The Audience
Natasha Katz, An American in Paris
Japhy Weidemen, The Visit

BEST SOLO PERFORMANCE
Joe Assadourian, The Bullpen
*Jim Dale, Just Jim Dale
Tom Dugan, Wiesenthal
Cush Jumbo, Josephine and I
Benjamin Scheuer, The Lion

JOHN GASSNER AWARD (for an American play)
*Ayad Akhtar, The Invisible Hand
Halley Feiffer, I'm Gonna Pray for You so Hard
Elizabeth Irwin, My Manana Comes
Markus Potter, Stalking the Bogeyman
Benjamin Scheuer, The Lion

Musical Revivals Vie for Tony Votes

It has been widely assumed for some time that the race for Best Musical Revival is a done deal. The King and I features director Bartlett Sher re-teaming with star Kelli O'Hara for another lush Rodgers and Hammerstein classic. Tony voters loved South Pacific in 2008, so Lincoln Center has another Tony winner on their hands. Right?

Well not so fast. On nominations morning, The King and I did well, as expected, with nine nominations. But it was the musical's two competitors for Best Revival that performed outside of expectations. On the Twentieth Century netted acting notices for superstar Kristin Chenoweth and featured player Andy Karl as well as two design awards. But director Scott Ellis was kicked out of the Best Director category.

Who should take Mr. Ellis' place was non other than On the Town director John Rando. On the Town's choreographer Joshua Bergasse claimed his expected nomination for Best Choreography. But On the Twentieth Century stumbled in that category as well when last year's champ Warren Carlyle lost his spot to a straight play: The Curious Incident of the Dog In the Night-Time.

If you're keeping score, The King and I and On the Town are both represented across three key disciplines: directing, acting, and choreography. On the Twentieth Century is only seen in acting.

Seizing the moment, the struggling On the Town announces a national tour for 2016! And to top it off, their Tony nominated leading man, Tony Yazbeck, will headline the tour. Tours can be a significant factor in Tony voting. A sizable block of voters are "road voters". They prefer to vote for shows that play well in their regional markets. This is why shows like An American in Paris and Something Rotten! quickly announced their own national tours. Essentially they're signalling: "Hey we're commercial! And we're already committed to going on the road! Pick me!".

Well not to be outdone, just a day later Lincoln Center has swooped in to steal their thunder. As announced earlier today: The King and I will launch a national tour as well. They have also done one better by announcing that the Broadway production has been extended indefinitely. Now Tony voters can vote for the perpetually sold out open run, or the "probably-will-close-in-September-even-if-it-wins" show.

The King and I seems like it is still in the best position to win. But, I'm thrilled to see the true fight the producers of On the Town are putting up. The race needed a little suspense (and frankly all three nominated revivals are too good for it to be a one horse race). We will have to wait and see if any of these plays turn into Tony wins for On the Town.

The industry affection for the show is also quite heartening. On the Town is a expertly crafted, charming revival. It was unfortunately cursed with a theatre too large for...well, any show really. Rumors suggest that Cirque du Soleil wants to take over the Lyric Theatre whenever it becomes available. Should that happen I'd like to suggest yet another name change for the space: The Broadway Airplane Hanger. Let's just call a spade a spade and let the acrobats deal with it.

2015 Tony Nominations and Reactions

It's been a busy day here in New York. Bruce Willis and Mary Louise Parker announced the Tony nominations this morning and I'm here to give you the run down of all my observations

Shut Outs:
Harvey and the Finding Neverland team will have to console themselves with their huge box office, because they have not a single nomination to call their own. Strangely, the Tonys did not spread the wealth this year. Only five of this years new musicals were cited with nominations. In addition to the JM Barrie musical, Honeymoon in Vegas didn't pick up nods for Rob McClure or Jason Robert Brown, and It Shoulda Been You actresses Lisa Howard and Tyne Daly failed to make the cut. I'm still shocked Honeymoon didn't show up anywhere (c'mon guys, even Spider-Man got in for Costume Design).

One Nominee Wonders:
Best Play and Best Revival of a Play have one contender each that scored in these top categories...but nowhere else. Disgraced beat out multiple nominees The Audience and Airline Highway. This is Our Youth surprised by taking down It's Only a Play (also with a single nod for featured player Micah Stock) and A Delicate Balance (zero nominations, despite a powerhouse cast). The best chances for additional nominations from the two productions were probably Kieran Culkin and Hari Dhillon. But both men were left out of the crowded Lead Actor field.

Scott Pask:
I don't know if the nominating committee got bad information, but Scott Pask designed five incredible sets this season. And failing to feature ANY of them is just plain wrong. So his masterful work on Airline Highway, Finding Neverland, It's Only a Play, Something Rotten!, and The Visit will sit out the scenic design race. You're a winner in my book Mr. Pask.

Tie Rule Used Once:
None of the Best Production categories took advantage of the rule allowing five nominees (four in Musical Revival) in the case of a tie or coming within three votes of fourth place. A similar rule for the acting categories was put into place this year, and Best Featured Actor in a Play was the only category to use it. Best guess is that Micah Stock (only nod from his play) or Matthew Beard (a fairly small part) was number six. Either way I'm angry that past nominee Bryce Pinkham still missed in an expanded category for his touching performance in The Heidi Chronicles.

Is On the Town a Threat?
The King and I has been the assumed Musical Revival frontrunner, with On the Town sitting in third place. But this morning, John Rando scored a surprise nomination for Director (kicking On the Twentieth Century's Scott Ellis out of contention) and Curious Incident took a Choreography slot from Warren Carlyle. This leaves On the Town dance master Joshua Bergasse with only Christopher Wheeldon as his main competitor. Add in Tony Yazbeck's Best Actor nomination (in one of the most competitive categories) and it's time we take this musical seriously during Tony season.

Musical Frontrunners Double (and Triple) Up on Actors:
The leading contenders for the top award managed to net nominations for multiple performers in the same category. Something Rotten! is represented in Featured Actor by Christian Borle and Brad Oscar. The same category has two players from An American in Paris: Max Von Essen and Brandon Uranowitz. Meanwhile, Fun Home pulled off a rare triple: Judy Kuhn, Sydney Lucas, and Emily Skeggs will all compete in Featured Actress.

A complete list of Tony nominees below:

Best Play
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, Author: Simon Stephens
Disgraced, Author: Ayad Akhtar
Hand to God, Author: Robert Askins
Wolf Hall Parts One & Two, Co-Authors: Hilary Mantel and Mike Poulton

Best Musical
An American in Paris
Fun Home
Something Rotten
The Visit

Best Revival of a Play
The Elephant Man
Skylight
This Is Our Youth
You Can't Take it With You

Best Revival of a Musical
The King and I
On the Town
On the 20th Century

Best Book of a Musical
An American in Paris, Craig Lucas
Fun Home, Lisa Kron
Something Rotten! Karey Kirkpatrick and John O'Farrell
The Visit, Terrence McNally

Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre
Fun Home, Music: Jeanine Tesori, Lyrics: Lisa Kron
The Last Ship, Music & Lyrics: Sting
Something Rotten! Music & Lyrics: Wayne Kirkpatrick and Karey Kirkpatrick
The Visit, Music: John Kander, Lyrics: Fred Ebb

Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play
Steven Boyer, Hand to God
Bradley Cooper, The Elephant Man
Ben Miles, Wolf Hall Parts One & Two
Bill Nighy, Skylight
Alex Sharp, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time

Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play
Geneva Carr, Hand to God
Helen Mirren, The Audience
Elisabeth Moss, The Heidi Chronicles
Carey Mulligan, Skylight
Ruth Wilson, Constellations

Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical
Michael Cerveris, Fun Home
Robert Fairchild, An American in Paris
Brian d'Arcy James, Something Rotten!
Ken Watanabe, The King and I
Tony Yazbeck, On the Town

Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical
Kristin Chenoweth, On the Twentieth Century
Leanne Cope, An American in Paris
Beth Malone, Fun Home
Kelli O'Hara, The King and I
Chita Rivera, The Visit

Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Play
Matthew Beard, Skylight
K. Todd Freeman, Airline Highway
Richard McCabe, The Audience
Alessandro Nivola, The Elephant Man
Nathaniel Parker, Wolf Hall Parts One & Two
Micah Stock, It's Only a Play

Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play
Annaleigh Ashford, You Can't Take It with You
Patricia Clarkson, The Elephant Man
Lydia Leonard, Wolf Hall Parts One & Two
Sarah Stiles, Hand to God
Julie White, Airline Highway

Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical
Christian Borle, Something Rotten!
Andy Karl, On the Twentieth Century
Brad Oscar, Something Rotten!
Brandon Uranowitz, An American in Paris
Max von Essen, An American in Paris

Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical
Victoria Clark, Gigi
Judy Kuhn, Fun Home
Sydney Lucas, Fun Home
Ruthie Ann Miles, The King and I
Emily Skeggs, Fun Home

Best Scenic Design of a Play
Bunny Christie and Finn Ross, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time
Bob Crowley, Skylight
Christopher Oram, Wolf Hall Parts One & Two
David Rockwell, You Can't Take It with You

Best Scenic Design of a Musical
Bob Crowley and 59 Productions, An American in Paris
David Rockwell, On the Twentieth Century
Michael Yeargan, The King and I
David Zinn, Fun Home

Best Costume Design of a Play
Bob Crowley, The Audience
Jane Greenwood, You Can't Take It with You
Christopher Oram, Wolf Hall Parts One & Two
David Zinn, Airline Highway

Best Costume Design of a Musical
Gregg Barnes, Something Rotten!
Bob Crowley, An American in Paris
William Ivey Long, On the Twentieth Century
Catherine Zuber, The King and I

Best Lighting Design of a Play
Paule Constable, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time
Paule Constable and David Plater, Wolf Hall Parts One & Two
Natasha Katz, Skylight
Japhy Weideman, Airline Highway

Best Lighting Design of a Musical
Donald Holder, The King and I
Natasha Katz, An American in Paris
Ben Stanton, Fun Home
Japhy Weideman, The Visit

Best Direction of a Play
Stephen Daldry, Skylight
Marianne Elliott, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time
Scott Ellis, You Can't Take It with You
Jeremy Herrin, Wolf Hall Parts One & Two
Moritz von Stuelpnagel, Hand to God

Best Direction of a Musical
Sam Gold, Fun Home
Casey Nicholaw, Something Rotten!
John Rando, On the Town
Bartlett Sher, The King and I
Christopher Wheeldon, An American in Paris

Best Choreography
Joshua Bergasse, On the Town
Christopher Gattelli, The King and I
Scott Graham & Steven Hoggett for Frantic Assembly, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time
Casey Nicholaw, Something Rotten!
Christopher Wheeldon, An American in Paris

Best Orchestrations
Christopher Austin, Don Sebesky, Bill Elliott, An American in Paris
John Clancy, Fun Home
Larry Hochman, Something Rotten!
Rob Mathes, The Last Ship

By Show
An American in Paris - 12
Fun Home - 12
Something Rotten! - 10
The King and I - 9
Wolf Hall Parts One & Two - 8
Skylight - 7
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time - 6
Hand to God - 5
On the Twentieth Century - 5
The Visit - 5
You Can't Take It with You - 5
Airline Highway - 4
The Elephant Man - 4
On the Town - 4
The Audience - 3
The Last Ship - 2
Constellations - 1
Disgraced - 1
Gigi - 1
The Heidi Chronicles - 1
It's Only a Play - 1
This Is Our Youth - 1

Lift Up Your Hands: Final Predictions and a Special Announcement

Twas the night before Tony noms, and in every Broadway house, creatures were stirring, and totally freaking out.

Tomorrow at 8:30 am, Mary Louise Parker and Bruce Willis will announce the 2015 Tony Nominations. The Contenders section of the blog has been updated with all my final predictions. Some more confident than others. But as often the case with a strong season like the one we've had, many worthy artists will have a disappointing Tuesday morning.

Perhaps that's why the Tonys are leading into the anticipated morning with exciting news. John Cameron Mitchell will be the recipient of the 2015 Special Tony Award. The actor and co-creator of the Tony winning musical Hedwig and the Angry Inch just completed a run as the title character. A role he originated downtown.

Having recently seen him in the role, I couldn't be happier for him. With no disrespect to the talented men who inhabited her glittery heels: JCM is the definitive Hedwig. I'm not sure I have ever seen a performer so comfortable in a role. It is also a nice gesture considering he was not eligible to receive a Tony for Hedwig's Broadway debut, since it was classified a revival (a rare event that was amended with a rule change regarding authors and composers this season).

Stephen Schwartz, known for creating music and lyrics to the likes of Wicked and Godspell, will receive the 2015 Isabelle Stevenson Award. The award is presented to a member of the theatre community who dedicates their time to a charity or humanitarian organization. Mr. Schwartz is being cited for fostering new talent through ASCAP Musical Theatre Workshop, ASCAP Foundation, and developing new partnerships as President of the Dramatists Guild.

Congrats to the well deserved Tony honorees. At least there will be two people who won't be sweating at 8:30 in the morning.

Check out the Tony predictions and see just how right (or horribly wrong) I am in the morning.