Many worthy performers fall victim to the effects of STMV when a show opens early in the season or closes prematurely. To help refresh the nominators memories, here is a list of who should be remembered come Tony time, even if their shows or buzz have disappeared.
Best Lead Actor in a Musical
Rob McClure, Honeymoon in Vegas
Honeymoon in Vegas was great fun and Rob McClure anchored the whole shebang. From the moment he entered singing "I Love Betsy", I was totally on board with everything the show had to offer. He has a wonderful voice and knows how to sell the endearing yet awkward role. It was quite simply one of the best musical performances this year, and if he misses out on a nomination it will be a crime.
Best Lead Actress in a Musical
Rachel Tucker, The Last Ship
Best Lead Actor in a Play
Jake Gyllenhaal, Constellations
As with the recent Oscar season, Jake finds himself on the bubble for a Tony nomination. The Oscars failed to recognize him for Nightcrawler, and it would be a real shame for the Tonys to shun him for his beautiful work in Constellations. Never leaving the stage, he and co-star Ruth Wilson took us on a detailed journey of two people, and all the possible paths their lives could take. Watching the actor hurl himself through different emotional states in the blink of an eye was mesmerizing. With his Broadway debut, he proved to be a more than capable stage actor.
Best Lead Actress in a Play
Glenn Close and Lindsay Duncan, A Delicate Balance
Who would have thought I would need to remind nominators of these two titans? But it seems I do. Both women compete against each other for votes in a crowded Best Actress field. They each tackle one of Albee's most dense plays in brilliantly different manners. As the alcoholic hanger-on Claire, stage veteran Duncan steals every scene she's in with wild physicality. She also proves an excellent marksman as she hurls Mr. Albee's signature barbs at her landlord sister and brother-in-law. Agnes on the other hand is performed by Glenn Close with a restraint rarely seen from the actress. It's ever more impressive in the plays final act when we realize every glance and gesture has been a well placed maneuver to bend the house to her will.
Alysha Umphress, On the Town
Best Featured Actor in a Musical
Fred Applegate, The Last Ship
The Last Ship may not have been a perfect musical, but Fred Applegate's performance of the title song will haunt me forever. The actor is well known for comedic shows like The Producers, but here he served as the beating heart of Sting's emotional score. The bellowing voice and delicate care he brought to Father O'Brien may be his best work thus far. The Featured Actor category is extremely crowded, but room must be made for this marvelous performance.
Best Featured Actress in a Play
Annaleigh Ashford, You Can't Take it With You
The revival of You Can't Take it With You was an unexpected highlight of the season. Every single performer knocked it out of the park. I could have chosen to single out Kristine Nielsen or Julie Halston, both of whom also deserve nods. But it was Annaleigh Ashford who had me roaring in my seat without having to say a word. Her hysterically bad interpretive ballet dancing, and clumsy attempts at graceful fealty to the house-guests are still replaying in my mind. She Could Have Danced All Night...and I wouldn't have minded.
Best Featured Actor in a Play
Micah Stock, It's Only a Play
It's Only a Play became a smash hit this fall due to the plethora of huge names above the title. But as coat check guy Gus, it's unknown Micah Stock in his Broadway debut who makes the biggest splash. The setup is familiar, he is tasked with attending to the big stars' fine coats, but hopes they'll recognize his acting talent. But Stock's hilarious deadpan and genuine innocence provides the show with some of its best moments. The advertising of this show touted the number of Tony, Oscar, and Emmy nominations and/or wins its stars have received. It's time for Stock to get a nomination of his own.
Who do you hope gets remembered with a Tony nomination?
