WHEN THE SUN GOES DOWN

Its no secret that when it comes to In the Heights, I have been a huge supporter.  I thought that Tony Award winning creator/writer and original Usnavi, Lin-Manuel Miranda created a beautiful musical that was the perfect blend between classic and modern musical theatre.  The heart of In the Heights is classic:  it is a  show with recognizable and hummable tunes with a storyline that is simple: family and the journey of finding your way home.  There is a definable hero and heroine who are both trying to find their way yet it is also has very modern elements like infusing the beat and flow of hip-hop and rap into the show.  It reminds us that at the end of the day, none of us are all that different - we all come from families, we are all trying to make our way in the world while looking for our place in it.

Today, it was announced that after 1,185 performances, In the Heights will close on January 9, 2011*.  For a special two-week engagement beginning on Christmas Day, Miranda will once again reprise the role of Usnavi one last time.  If you are in New York, I highly recommend going.  There is magic in seeing a writer/composer performing their own work but to see this incredible show that Miranda lovingly created and nurtured since his days at Wesleyan University, is really something else.  I challenge anyone to tell me that 96,000 is not an electric, brilliant number:

As if In the Heights doesn't prove that Miranda is filled with talent, remember that  he not only created a Tony Award winning musical but he has also been known to educate young people through music on The Electric Company and Sesame Street, created the hilarious web series Legally Brown: The Search for the Next Piragua Guy (a spoof on the MTV Legally Blonde reality show) and also made a ten-year-old boy's dream come true with this.  

It will be a sad day when the Richard Rogers Theatre says farewell to In the Heights but...stay tuned for the film starring who else but...Lin-Manuel Miranda!

--
*For all performances from January 2, 2011 – January 9, 2011 (exluding January 9, 2011 evening show) get tickets for as low as:
 
$78.00 for Orchestra/Front Mezzanine    
-or-
$48.75 for Rear Mezzanine A - F

Use code ITHLIN

Call Ticketmaster at 877-250-2929 and mention code ITHLIN 

[part of it all]

Yesterday, I finally had an opportunity to see [title of show] at Los Angeles' Celebration Theatre (and it was fabulous).  I have been a fan of the show before (the real life) Hunter, Jeff, Susan and Heidi ever brought the show to Broadway and I was incredibly bummed when the show closed too soon; it was absolutely one of the Broadway shows that I was hoping I would get an opportunity to watch.  Unfortunately, when it ended, [title of show] only played 102 regular performances and 13 previews on the Broadway, but I am happy to report that it lives on in regional productions.

[title of show] really is a show for anyone who has ever had a dream to create.  Sure, its a show about "two guys writing a musical about two guys writing a musical" but at closer inspection, its not just about writing for musical theatre.  At its core, [title of show] has incredible heart fueled predominantly by the (characters of) Hunter and Jeff as they struggle to create a show for the NYMF (New York Musical Theatre Festival).  When you sit back and watch the show take shape, you see a show that is funny, well constructed and tells a good story with four pretty solid characters who truly bring their own personalities and contributions to the story (which is a good thing because they are based on the real-life Hunter Bell, Jeff Bowen, Susan Blackwell and Heidi Blickenstaff).  Its more than just a show about writing a musical, its a show about friendship, dreams coming true, the creative process of giving life to an art form and just the right amount of humor and emotional strife.  However if you aren't a musical theatre geek, some of the inside-musical-jokes may be lost on you.  Don't get me wrong, I think it will still be funny even if you aren't an insider, but will be even funnier if you are well, "in the know."

I have been listening to the cast recording of [title of show] for over two years now but first discovered it while bored one day at work and perusing the musical theatre annals of YouTube.  When I came across the first two or three episodes of the [title of show] show, I thought it was super campy and quirky and "at first I'll admit I was a little bit, WTF," but somehow it hooked me.   The chemistry between the four actors was apparent and it became hard to differentiate between the characters' personas and the real life personas in their series of vlogs.  Jeff was more of the straight-laced guy who seemed to keep everyone more (or less) grounded, Hunter was determined and focused, Susan was super quirky but hilarious and Heidi was the legit professional "Broadway actress." These vlogs were to me, brilliant on so many levels.  As I said, they were super campy and yet totally funny but SO smart!  How? Well thanks to YouTube, the [title of show] show was a totally free, grass roots marketing and publicity campaign that really did grow the brand, brought awareness to the show and it took off.  The [title of show] cast had complete autonomy on how they wanted to be portrayed, how often and when they posted their vlogs and each episode coincided with a number from the show.  BRILLIANCE, says I.  The [title of show] show could also be viewed as a companion piece to the actual [title of show] (musical show).   Either way, it will make sense if you (carefully) listen to [title of show] and then watch the [title of show] show. See what I mean? Brilliance.

As a minor PS, I have to again discuss that [title of show] also has one of my favorite ballads ever in it.  I won't be repetitive because I wrote about A Way Back to Then in a previous post (so if you are so inclined, you can read it here).  This song is (in many ways) about me and hearing it live (though I didn't love the performer's voice who sang it when I saw the show) it was still emotional because not only does it describe me, but many-a geeked out theatre fans out there too. 

I recently re-watched this (see below).  When it was closing, the folks at [title of show] reached out to their fans and 600 of us participated in this project - big time Broadway folks and regular peeps alike - all of whom loved and supported [title of show]; I think I'm in good company.  See if you can find me:







I heart [tos]!If you have an opportunity to see [tos] in your town, do it! 

THE 2010 TONY AWARDS!

Today is my Super Bowl, my Oscars, my MTV Movie Awards, my Golden Globes...my favorite awards show - so welcome to my annual Tony Awards blog post! I have to admit that I've been neglecting my blog (which seems to happen ever so often) but I would be remiss if I didn't write anything about my most favorite awards show. There are so many exciting things going on in today from Hunter Bell tweeting live during the awards show to the many amazing presenters & performers like the cast of American Idiot to Broadway's own Lea Michele and Matthew Morrison (some of you may know them from a little show called Glee...). Oh and there's Karen Olivo and Gregory Jbara hosting the Creative Arts Awards too...so much fun! Stay tuned for my updates!

The 2010 Tony Awards - THE WINNERS!!!
Presented by the Broadway League and the American Theatre Wing
(as usual, I am only listing winners for Musicals...sorry guys)

Creative Arts Awards (Pre-Telecast)

They're presenting the lifetime achievement Tony Awards to Sir Alan Ayckbourn and Marian Seldes during the pre-telecast?! Geez...I would think it would have been important enough to present during the LIVE telecast. No? Same with the Isabel Stevenson Award to David Hyde Pierce!

Best Orchestrations

• Daryl Waters & David Bryan, Memphis

Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

• David Bryan (Music), Joe DiPietro, David Bryan (Lyrics), Memphis

Best Book of a Musical

• Joe DiPietro, Memphis

WOW, look at Memphis sweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeping the show so far!

Best Costume Design of a Musical

• Marina Draghici, Fela!

Best Lighting Design of a Musical

• Kevin Adams, American Idiot (yay!)
  

Best Scenic Design of a Musical

• Christine Jones, American Idiot (yay!)
  

Best Sound Design for A Musical

• Robert Kaplowitz, Fela!

***

My Thoughts on the Primetime Telecast...
(yes, I know, but I've been blogging through each telecast for the last two years...its becoming a tradition!) :)


Ok, what does everyone think of the opening number? It seems so chaotic. I get what they're trying to do, but...I'm not really feeling it as an opening number. I love American Idiot and Green Day, but when did this become a rock concert? It didn't get me excited and hyped up for the Tonys, but you can't win 'em all, right? Wow, Matthew Morrison is getting a lot of audience airtime...not a big shocker, but its too bad he didn't get that much attention when he was a nominee a few years back for The Light in the Piazza!

WTF and not WTF. Not a total surprise to see Ricky Martin here, but still weird to me. Million Dollar Quartet is up.

I feel like it wasn't so long ago when La Cage aux Folles was revived. See...a LOT of Matthew Morrison air time. I expect to see more of this in the next three hours. So, I have to admit that I'm bummed everytime I hear "Matthew Morrison and Lea Michele of Glee" in relation to Broadway related activities (like this awards show). I know that Glee is the current project for both, but...I think the entire Broadway community knows where they've come from. I'm glad though that they at least are supporting the community they came from.

Sean Hayes, so funny in his Billy Elliot get-up. HA!

Best Direction of a Musical

• Christopher Ashley, Memphis
• Marcia Milgrom Dodge, Ragtime
• Terry Johnson, La Cage aux Folles - (WINNER! Wow, I was really off on that one!)
• Bill T. Jones, Fela!
  

* My Pick: Though I didn't see it this time around, I loved Ragtime the 1st time around. That is the only reason I'm going with Marcia Milgrom Dodge.
* My Prediction: I think it'll be Christopher Ashley for Memphis.

I love how versatile Brian d'Arcy James is - he can be Shrek in Shrek, Dan in next to normal and in a straight play like Time Stands Still. That's one of the reasons why we love him. So awesome!

Awww, Angela Lansbury! Congrats on becoming the American Theatre Wing's first ever honorary chairperson!

Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a a Musical

• Barbara Cook, Sondheim on Sondheim
• Katie Finneran, Promises, Promises - (WINNER! Wow, again I was WAY off!!!)
• Angela Lansbury, A Little Night Music
• Karine Plantadit, Come Fly Away
• Lillias White, Fela!

* My Pick: Barbara Cook! Need I say more?
* My Prediction: Angela Lansbury

Katie Finneran...we love you (and your speech). Yes, focus on what you love - that is so true, so amazing and I so agree!!! I hope more people follow your beautiful heart-felt words!


Haha, Mark Sanchez - apparently, he's a NY Jet - on the Tony Awards? What?!

Memphis...I think I have to see it to appreciate it.

Everytime I see Jay-Z and Will Smith & Jada Pinkett-Smith in the audience I have to remind myself they are the producers of Fela!. Though...its really odd to see Jay-Z there!

Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Musical

• Kevin Chamberlin, The Addams Family
• Robin De Jesus, La Cage aux Folles
• Levi Kreis, Million Dollar Quartet - (WINNER, told you I had no idea!)
• Bobby Steggert, Ragtime
  

* My Pick: I am a fan of Robin De Jesus' work, so I'll go with him.
* My Prediction: I think this is a toss up because I have no idea!

I have been waiting to see/hear Catherine Zeta-Jones in A Little Night Music since she was cast in the role. She does Send in the Clowns well enough...I think...not really. I mean, I didn't get the whole shaking her head back and forth while she sang, "maybe next year" nor did I like the huge gaps like..."Isn't it...[and then you wait some more]...rich" she did that through the entire song. Really? Like...SS approved that? I wasn't a big fan of that interpretation.

Christiane Noll - LOVE!

Wow, look at all those people watching the Tonys in Times Square!

Viola Davis, what a lovely speech. Congratulations!!! Look at how gracious those other ladies in her category reacted (I'm talking to you Linda Lavin and Valerie Harper...you looked genuinely happy, now that's class)!

Fela! - those peeps have got some energy!

Wow, look at that choreography! Promises, Promises looks amazing!!! I know some people haven't loved the show, but if that number doesn't describe the beauty of Promises, Promises from the choreography to the music, I don't know what does. LOVE!

Best Choreography

• Rob Ashford, Promises, Promises
• Bill T. Jones, Fela! - (WINNER! Finally I called one correctly!)
• Lynne Page, La Cage aux Folles
• Twyla Tharp, Come Fly Away

* My Pick: Bill T. Jones, Fela!
* My Prediction: Bill T. Jones. Fela! has been getting a lot of attention. I think its a favorite.

In Memoriam.

So how many people who never watched the Tony Awards are watching it now because of Matthew Morrison and Lea Michele? I'll be interested to see if ratings were affected or if all of a sudden young viewers have to download "All I Need Now Is the Girl" from iTunes in hopes of somehow reliving their Tony moment with Matthew Morrison. If memory serves...the last time he "performed" at the Tony Awards, all Matthew Morrison did was walk around Kelli O'Hara and her hat in the opening scene from The Light in the Piazza. He's proving he can really sing and dance (you can hear him panting) and that's he's really quite good (but we all knew that, even before Glee...WAY before Glee)! In all seriousness, I really do hope these performances by Matthew Morrison and Lea Michele will help the ratings.

Ok, Lea Michele, I will say what I said when you were doing Eponine at the Hollywood Bowl...please, don't try so hard. You have an amazing voice, you are a fantastic performer, but you do something when you go overboard to be good...you aren't. Please...please don't do that again because you're really, really, really good as is...but you over enunciate, over scream instead of sing when you're trying to be good and we know it, we can tell and its just plain uncomfortable.

Best Revival of a Musical

• Finian's Rainbow
  
• La Cage aux Folles - (WINNER, again I'm off...WAY off)
• A Little Night Music
• Ragtime

* My Pick: A Little Night Music - for obvious reasons.
* My Prediction: A Little Night Music - for similar reasons.

American Idiot - look at the energy of that cast! Nice bleeeping, CBS. Ha. Hope people know about the strobe lights. I don't understand why I think this is so amazing since I'm usually so against shows that aren't considered a true "original musical." For some reason though, the way this show tells a story is different, unique and acceptable to me. I love the energy, the music, the staging, all of it. Too bad it isn't going to win (I say that without knowing the outcome...I just don't think Tony voters are going to choose it).

Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical

Kate Baldwin, Finian's Rainbow
Montego Glover, Memphis
Christiane Noll, Ragtime
Sherie Rene Scott, Everyday Rapture
Catherine Zeta-Jones, A Little Night Music - (WINNER, at least I sort of predicted this one).

* My Pick: Christiane Noll for her portrayal of "Mother" in Ragtime.
* My Prediction: Montego Glover or Catherine Zeta-Jones.

HA, I love how shocked she looks and that she jumped up when she won and still looked dumbfounded.

Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical

• Kelsey Grammer, La Cage aux Folles
• Sean Hayes, Promises, Promises, Promises
• Douglas Hodge, La Cage aux Folles - (WINNER, again I'm off...WAY off)
• Chad Kimball, Memphis
• Sahr Nagujah, Fela!

* My Pick: I really like Promises, Promises as well as Sean Hayes.
* My Prediction: I don't think Sean will win...I'm going with either Chad Kimball, Memphis or Sahr Nagujah, Fela!

Ok, I'm SO off because I didn't think that any of the La Cage peeps were even considered to win. I'm really surprised but congrats to all of them! Wow!

Best Musical

• American Idiot
• Fela!
• Memphis - (WINNER, this was easy!)
• Million Dollar Quartet

* My Pick: I am a fan of American Idiot but I don't think its best musical material. I am afraid though that the future of the show will depend on how it does in tonight's awards show. If it doesn't win...I fear it might close. So...please win!!!
* My Prediction: Based on the number of awards it has won thus far...I'm going with Memphis.

Its too bad this year's awards were so...so-so. I Who the hell is this guy screaming his acceptance speech for Memphis? What an ANNOYING voice (sorry, I don't care who the heck you are, I can't listen to you). THANK YOU Sean Hayes for cutting him off! Its the best thing anyone could have done as host. Ok...I was told to make sure to catch the end of the awards show...but...for this? That wasn't so worth it, I'm sorry.

Ok, all in all...a very disappointing show this year. Sorry guys.

I GOT LIFE

Hair is easily the one show I didn't know that I loved until this revival came along. There is something so incredibly freeing, motivating and loving about the show, that it has actually made me a better person. Since I was young, I have always believed in the power of the arts - I love & support it everyday and am a huge advocate for arts education. Yet when I heard (this revival) and saw the tribe, it literally changed me. Not because of the theatricality of the show or even the talent and energy of the actors - but because of the message the tribe sends on stage and off. I think I've always been one to strive for positivity, change and love...and that has become even more-so of a choice to live by now, even if I'm having a bad day.

When I hear "Let the Sun Shine In," I always feel better (no matter what my mood) and when I see what the tribe is doing for equality, I feel inspired to find ways to make some kind of difference somewhere, in my own life. Though the show has reached an incredible and well deserved 1-year anniversary milestone, the best part of all of this for everyone, is the huge difference they're making in society...and I celebrate them for doing that above and beyond all else. Its amazing. Congratulations to all!!!

NOTHING BUT A GOOD TIME

In the past, I admit that I've been prejudiced against "jukebox musicals" insisting that I could not categorize them as real musicals. I never saw them as being quality theater...really, ever. Being the theater snob I was, I refused to go to anything that I deemed of that quality. Never say never, right? Yes. Well, I have to say, a tide has turned and things have changed because I think I'm a new found fan and supporter of Rock of Ages.

Rock of Ages is no Next to Normal, but it is light-hearted, fun and certainly doesn't take itself seriously. The show stars American Idol Alum Constantine Maroulis and a string of actresses playing the lead female role of Sherry (from the Amy Spanger controversy to its current Sherry, Kerry Butler. Maroulis who despite being known for AI, is a theater boy at heart and always had aspirations for the Great White Way (and was in RENT pre-Idol and got his degree from the Boston Conservatory of Music & Berklee College of Music). Lately, I've noticed the more I prematurely prejudge shows that have gone to the Broad-way, I tend to rediscover them later anyway and see the good qualities, the fun and the need to explore them. So yet again, I will say...I am wrong. I was wrong in thinking Rock of Ages was a poor show and had no respectable qualities.



The show does a great job of writing a story around the songs from hair-bands of the '80s and the actors all seem to be having so much fun with the show.

From the show's synopsis:
In 1987 on the Sunset Strip, a small town girl met a big city rocker and in LA’s most famous rock club, they fell in love to the greatest songs of the 80s. It’s ROCK OF AGES, an arena-rock love story told through the mind-blowing, face-melting hits of JOURNEY, NIGHT RANGER, STYX, REO SPEEDWAGON, PAT BENATAR, TWISTED SISTER, POISON, ASIA, WHITESNAKE and many more. Don’t miss this awesomely good time about dreaming big, playing loud and partying on!

Rock of Ages is such a fun show, I can't stop listening to it and I highly recommend it to everyone who wants to be rocked!

ITS GONNA BE GOOD (I hope...)

The 2009 Tony Awards - THE WINNERS!!! (updated live PST)

Creative Arts Awards (Pre-Telecast)

Best Orchestrations

• Martin Koch, Billy Elliot, The Musical
• Michael Starobin & Tom Kitt, next to normal (my prediction & my pick)

Best Lighting Design of a Musical

• Rick Fisher, Billy Elliot, The Musical (my prediction)

Best Costume Design of a Musical

• Tim Hatley, Shrek The Musical (oops, I forgot my prediction in this category)

Best Lighting Design of a Musical

• Ian MacNeil, Billy Elliot, The Musical (my prediction)
  

Best Sound Design of a Musical

• Paul Arditti, Billy Elliot, The Musical
  

Best Choreography of a Musical

• Peter Darling, Billy Elliot, The Musical (my prediction)

Best Book of a Musical

• Lee Hall, Billy Elliot, The Musical

* * *

Thoughts during the Tony Awards West Coast Telecast:
(yes, I'm going to be THAT person, happily, excitedly and frantically blogging during the show...because I can & apparently I care that much)

Holy Crap! Elton John; Bret Michaels meets Broadway (Rock of Ages); Karen Olivo & West Side Story; Aaron Tveit and Stockard Channing; Dolly Parton; LIZA and Hair (the TRIBE is freakin' AWESOME!!!!) and then Neil Patrick Harris hosting!!!!!!??? The Tony Awards opening number is like Christmas!!! Best opening number I've seen at the Tonys in a long time (and apparently the most expensive)!!! Wow, wow, wow!!!

Despite my own personal opinions about Shrek The Musical, Chris Sieber gave a pretty kick-ass performance.

Angela Lansbury - of course she was going to win (and I'm glad she did)!

What do people think of Neil Patrick Harris?

Best Original Score (Music & Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

• Tom Kitt (music) and Brian Yorkey (lyrics), next to normal (my prediction & my pick!!! SO HAPPY & SO EXCITED!!!!!!!!! Not happy that they cut off their acceptance speeches though.)

Beautiful dance number to the gang at West Side Story! Though...I kind of think the choreography and score are the best parts of this revival (even though Cavenaugh is hot and Scaglione has a beautiful voice). Sorry.

Best Direction of a Musical

• Stephen Daldry, Billy Elliot, The Musical (not my pick, but my prediction)

Its campy, its 80s music fun, they SO don't take themselves seriously and Rock of Ages I have to admit (after purchasing the cast recording) I kind of like. Um, nice crotch shot of Mitch Jarvis. Oy.

If Liza didn't win, I'd be shocked. Glad to see some things are as they should be!

So, Guys and Dolls has never been one of my favorite musicals. The performance of "Sit Down You're Rocking the Boat" was good, not great. Still...not my favorite.

Working in the Theatre - yea to The Wing & everything they do!!!

Best Featured Actor in a Musical

• Gregory Jbara, Billy Elliot, The Musical

Best Featured Actress in a Musical

• Karen Olivo, West Side Story (my pick AND my prediction...and I LOVED her acceptance speech!!!)

Why was Alice off? Wasn't she? I don't care, she's just completely amazing as Diana. This -- I Am The One -- I think is my favorite number in next to normal (and one of the most stressful, I need a drink)! My God, Alice is so AMAZING it gives me chills through the freaking TV (Bobby Spencer & Aaron Tveit weren't too shabby either)! Alice Ripley, you are just phenomenal!

Haha, loved NPH's sushi joke aimed at one actor who pulled out of a certain Broadway show this season. He's a good host, good pick folks!

Aww, Natasha Richardson and all the others who passed during this season. I feel weird mentioning the "In Memoriam," but feel even weirder not mentioning it.

Ok, so this Billy Elliot number...the kid can dance (and the choreography is what I thought it'd be) but still not my favorite.

Hmmm, who is playing Elle Woods on tour? Interesting voice.

Awww, congrats to Jerry Herman's lifetime achievement award! So happy to see him!


HAIR!!! Love, love, love the revival! What energy and you an tell how much fun the entire Tribe is having! Love, love, love! How can you not have fun and not smile and love all of them? Sigh. Love!!!


Best Revival of A Musical

• HAIR (my prediction & my pick...after hearing the cast recording of HAIR and particularly so after hearing the cast recording of another show I initially though would win)!!! And for the record, I support equality too!!!
  

Best Leading Actress in a Musical

• Alice Ripley, next to normal (my prediction & my pick). Thank goodness! So well deserved!!! Ooh, did anyone see Sutton Foster? That looked a little bit like an annoyed face. Didn't it? A little? Yikes.

Best Leading Actor in a Musical

• David Alvarez, Trent Kowalik, and Kiril Kulish, Billy Elliot, The Musical (my prediction. Great acceptance speech by the trio!)

Wow, that's a lotta Frankie Vallis from Jersey Boys!

Best Musical

• Billy Elliot, The Musical (my prediction. Sad that it wasn't next to normal, but this was much expected. And wow, props to Elton John for acknowledging next to normal. Nice.)

Love NPH's 11 o'clock number. That was awesome!

GOODNIGHT!!!

IT WON'T BE LONG NOW

Tomorrow is the Tony Awards and the only awards ceremony I really care about, follow and anxiously anticipate every season.  Other than the times I actually see a show, Tony Awards day is my favorite day of theater every year.  This season is one of the most exciting, creative and diverse for the Broadway community and I couldn't be more thrilled!

Thank you, Tom Kitt & Brian Yorkey for what I think is truly the best new original musical the Great White Way has seen in a LONG TIME.

LET THE SUN SHINE IN

I've never been a fan of Hair.  It was groundbreaking in its time, but I never really "felt" it all these years.  I sang the title song once in some performancey thing I did and I thought it was all a little too before my time.  I knew all of the songs that had become mainstream like "Aquarius," "Let the Sunshine In" and lesser known songs from the show (if any were considered "lesser known") like "Easy to Be Hard" and "Frank Mills" but the show as a whole never really did anything for me...until recently.

 

Hair has come back.  It is in its second revival and now playing 8-shows-a week at the Al Hirshfield on Broadway and the cast is killing it!  Wow.  Gavin Creel is a personal favorite of mine and I've been loosely following the show since its Central Park revival last year and even more closely since Creel took over the role of Claude from Jonathan Groff.  Cut to April 30, 2009 -- "the Tribe" from Hair appeared on the Letterman show recreating a 40-year-old performance from the original Broadway cast at the Ed Sullivan Theater.  To say they were just fantastic is an understatement.  I LOVED it and I've never loved Hair in any incarnation.

After seeing this performance, I turned the corner on my opinion of Hair.  Yesterday, the album dropped (in digital release) on iTunes and I have been ob-sessed with it.  For the first time, this show has a great energy and spunk to me...and I've never heard that from  any recording or performance before.  I've gotta say, there's nothing like Gavin Creel's voice - the man is amazing and his Tony nom is much deserved (as is Will Swenson's - LOVE him too)!  This is how much I like Hair: I'm actually rooting for it over my old favorite West Side Story (in the best revival of a musical category) in this year's awards.  If I can go there then it must be really special!

 

Spread the love.

THE RUMBLE

Part II of my thoughts on the 63rd Anual Tony Award Noms:

Last week, I began part I on my thoughts on the the 63rd Annual Tony Award nominations. This post is a continuation and focuses on the acting and creative arts nominees (all for musicals of course).

Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical

• David Alvarez, Trent Kowalik, and Kiril Kulish, Billy Elliot, The Musical
• Gavin Creel, Hair
  
• Brian d'Arcy James, Shrek The Musical
• Constantine Maroulis, Rock of Ages
  
• J. Robert Spencer, next to normal

* My pick: Wow, what a competitive category. I happen to think that Bobby Spencer totally floored me in next to normal and was so impressed with with portrayal of Dan Goodman. The depth of emotion as the husband of a grieving and emotional mentally ill wife was nothing less than stellar. Nothing would make me happier in this category than seeing Bobby Spencer win. Though I've never seen Gavin Creel in Hair, I know that he's a phenomenal actor and as a personal favorite actor of mine, I would be very happy and love if he won too!

* My prediction: I think the trio of Billy Elliots' are going to win. I admit they are kids who dance like noboody's business who also have to be darn good actors and for that, they should certainly win.

Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical

• Stockard Channing, Pal Joey
• Sutton Foster, Shrek The Musical
  
• Allison Janney, 9 to 5: The Musical
• Alice Ripley, next to normal
• Josefina Scaglione, West Side Story

* My pick: Another very competitive category but its crystal clear (to me) who deserves this win. If anyone has ever heard or seen Alice Ripley in next to normal they will be floored. I have to quote [title of show] and say that Ripley is fierce, because she truly is. Any other actress I've heard in a workshop version of n2n -- while good -- doesn't convey the pure raw emotion that is so heartfelt Ripley does so well. The other ladies in this category are all incredible acresses and I'm a fan of all, but really, I don't think anyone deserves this award like Alice Ripley does.

* My prediction: I hope the voters will go with Alice Ripley and I think they will.

Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Musical

• David Bologna, Billy Elliot, The Musical
• Gregory Jbara, Billy Elliot, The Musical
  
• Marc Kudisch, 9 to 5: The Musical
• Christopher Sieber, Shrek The Musical
  
• Will Swenson, Hair

* My pick: Though I think it takes a special actor (Chris Sieber) to perform -- and by perform I mean dancing too -- 8 shows a week on his knees, I don't know if that necessarily warrants an award. I have a feeling about Will Swenson. I feel like this is going to be a good year for him. He's electryfing in Hair and I hope he takes home an award this year.

* My prediction: I think the two Billy Elliot nominees might cancel themselves out but I still have this feeling that Will Swenson will be taking this one home.

Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Musical

Jennifer Damiano, next to normal

Haydn Gwynne, Billy Elliot, The Musical

Karen Olivo, West Side Story

Martha Plimpton, Pal Joey

Carole Shelley, Billy Elliot, The Musical

* My pick: I was particularly sad to see that neither Susan Blackwell or Heidi Blickenstaff of [title of show] were not nominated in this category. I would have loved to have seen that. In this category though, I'm caught. I have mad love for n2n and believe so strongly in the entire cast that I would LOVE to see Jennifer Damiano win. To be able to play Natalie as she does with so many layers, so hurt, so determined and to be only 16 or 17 herself. All I can say is, "wow!" I also though think that Karen Olivo is such a stand-out actress. In clips I've seen from West Side Story, it is Olivo who really stands out.
* My prediction: I think people are expecting Karen Olivo to win. This is the probable outcome, but I think that it also wouldn't be a surprise to see Jennifer Damiano walk away with the award either.

Best Direction of a Musical

• Stephen Daldry, Billy Elliot, The Musical
• Michael Greif, next to normal
  
• Kristin Hanggi, Rock of Ages
• Diane Paulus, Hair

* My pick: Why was Arthur Laurents not nominated for West Side Story? I find it hard to believe he was shut out. Another tough category here for which I am rooting for next to normal. When I hear what the show sounded like before and what it sounds like now...its amazing. I've also read that the current incarnation of the show is due in large part to the directing of Michael Greif. next to normal is a tight show now with a definite sense of direction that was once lacking. I think he SO deserves this award and I would be so happy to see it awarded to him.
* My prediction: Everyone is talking about how great Billy Elliot, The Musical is. It might be. The pace & direction of the show might be spot on. In another time and place, I might even like the show.

Best Orchestrations

• Larry Blank, Irving Berlin's White Christmas
• Martin Koch, Billy Elliot, The Musical
  
• Michael Starobin and Tom Kitt, next to normal
• Danny Troob and John Clancy, Shrek The Musical

* My pick: I was so sure that JRB was going to be nominated for 13 (in this category as well as best score). Though I wasn't a huge fan when it was in LA, I definitely enjoyed the Broadway cast and found it much more cohesive. The show had a great youthful rock feel and thought the orchestrations were great. So the first time I heard the final version of next to normal, one of the first things I said was that I loved the orchestrations (and this was before I ever got really into (or obsessed with) the show.
* My predictions: I'm going with next to normal because I don't think the other shows orchestrations even compare in this category.

Having not actually seen any of these shows yet, I don't think I can share an opinion for the categories below. For the remaining categories, I'm only listing my predicitons based on buzz and hunch.

Best Scenic Design of a Musical

• Robert Brill, Guys and Dolls
• Ian MacNeil, Billy Elliot, The Musical
  
• Scott Pask, Pal Joey
• Mark Wendland, next to normal

* My prediction: Ian MacNeil, Billy Elliot, The Musical

Best Lighting Design of a Musical

• Kevin Adams, Hair
• Kevin Adams, next to normal
  
• Howell Binkley, West Side Story
• Rick Fisher, Billy Elliot, The Musical

* My prediction: Howell Binkley, West Side Story

Best Sound Design of a Musical

• Acme Sound Partners, Hair
• Paul Arditti, Billy Elliot, The Musical
  
• Peter Hylenski, Rock of Ages
• Brian Ronan, next to normal

*My prediction: Peter Hylenski, Rock of Ages

Best Choreography

• Karole Armitage, Hair
• Andy Blankenbuehler, 9 to 5: The Musical
  
• Peter Darling, Billy Elliot, The Musical
• Randy Skinner,Irving Berlin's White Christmas

* My prediction: Peter Darling, Billy Elliot, The Musical

2009 Special Awards

• Isabelle Stevenson Award: Phyllis Newman
• Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre: Jerry Herman
• Regional Theatre Tony Award: Signature Theatre, Arlington, Virginia
• Tony Honor for Excellence in the Theatre: Shirley Herz

Tony Nominations by Production:

Billy Elliot, The Musical—15
next to normal—11
Hair—8
Shrek The Musical—8
Rock of Ages—5
9 to 5: The Musical—4
Pal Joey—4
West Side Story—4
Guys and Dolls—2
Irving Berlin's White Christmas—2
[title of show]—1

MAKE UP YOUR MIND, PART 1

This morning, the 63rd Annual Tony Award nominations were announced and what a season the NY theatre community has had! There are some amazing people nominated for some great work this year, some surprise noms and of course there was disappointment due to those who were snubbed. Yet, I was thrilled to see the recognition next to normal received and though I was disappointed that [title of show] didn't receive more noms, I was glad they got at least one.

Per the last 3 or so posts, all I can talk about is next to normal because I love it and think it is the best new original musical this season and I am keeping my fingers crossed that it will take home the top prize.

I'm including a complete list of nominees below...but for musicals only (naturally) and including my picks & predictions for the June 7th broadcast live from Radio City on CBS. Without further ado...

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Nominations for the 2009 American Theatre Wing's Tony Awards Presented by The Broadway League and the American Theatre Wing

Best Musical

• Billy Elliot, The Musical
  
• next to normal
  
• Rock of Ages
  
• Shrek The Musical

* My pick: next to normal

I LOVE next to normal and yet I've not even seen it yet! First and foremost, this is an original musical that is GOOD! How many quality, original musicals open on Broadway each season? The pickins are slim. The brilliance of next to normal is not just in the subject matter, but the way its presented and how much emotion I get just from listening to the OCR over and over and over and over again. Overall, its got a great book, great music, great actors, great lighting (from what video I have seen)...its a solid, solid show that has come a LONG way.

* My prediction: Billy Elliot, The Musical

There is so much buzz for this show because of the 3 Billys. From what I hear, its a hot ticket...but its not original. There's nothing SO compelling overall about this is there? There are certainly elements that make this show shine like the actors, the choreography...but is the music so first rate? Me-thinks not so much. But then again, I've not seen it, so what do I know? I can see it winning though.

Best Book of a Musical

• Lee Hall, Billy Elliot, The Musical
  
• Brian Yorkey, next to normal
  
• David Lindsay-Abaire, Shrek The Musical
  
• Hunter Bell, [title of show]

* My pick: next to normal well...maybe...maybe...[title of show]

I'm sorry, adapted material, thank you for playing, please leave. To write a musical about mental illness, dysfunction, death, love & raw emotions and then to portray it SO well that you can't help but to understand and empathize and not villainize any one character through it all, you have to have a damn good book. But...to write a musical about two guys writing a musical with such sweetness & humor. I can't help but to want to root for the underdog here, but will Tony voters?

* My prediction: see above.

Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

• Elton John (music) and Lee Hall (lyrics), Billy Elliot, The Musical
  
• Tom Kitt (music) and Brian Yorkey (lyrics), next to normal
  
• Dolly Parton, 9 to 5: The Musical
  
• Jeanine Tesori (music) and David Lindsay-Abaire (lyrics), Shrek The Musical

* My pick: next to normal

Ok. I admit, I don't know the music & lyrics well enough of any of these shows except for the obvious (and obvious only if you've read this post from the beginning). I'm gonna go ahead and keep rooting for for my favorite: next to normal

* My predictions: again, I don't know...I mean, Jeanine Tesori is a pretty great composer, Dolly Parton too...and Elton John can write, but did he do enough for Billy Elliot, The Musical to make it award worthy?

Best Revival of a Musical

• Guys and Dolls
  
• Hair
  
• Pal Joey
  
• West Side Story

* My pick: West Side Story HAIR
I have never cared for Hair...really, ever. In the past, I've seen it, it was fine, but not mind-blowing amazing. In the past few weeks, I've paid more attention, watched more online clips, caught the cast making its talk show rounds and I've been blown away. I am really digging Hair and it surprises me. Nothing though is as good as West Side Story - I love it and I think that the updating of the show makes it even better, more realistic. How can you deny such a classic score, lyrics and the choreography? Wow.

Are you kidding me? I love nothing more (in the revival of a musical category) than HAIR! You want to know what I think? See my posts. That says it all, I love the revival of HAIR and desperately hope it wins!

* My prediction: West Side Story HAIR

It has to win. The fellow nominees for a revival are worthy of an award and equally great in their own way. Didn't West Side Story pave the way for the kind of theater we're getting now? There's relevant and timeless topics like diversity, love, good vs. evil, survival...and its just so compelling.

See above in red about HAIR and how much I desperately hope it wins!

Ok, I'm exhausted, I just completely procrastinated in getting work done for you know, my real job, so I'm gonna cut it of here and continue in the next day or so. Part II - Acting picks & predictions coming soon! In the meantime, enjoy a little YouTube action of the nominated shows below:

Tony Nominations by Production

Billy Elliot, The Musical—15

next to normal—11

Hair—8

Shrek The Musical—8

Rock of Ages—5

9 to 5: The Musical—4

Pal Joey—4

West Side Story—4

Guys and Dolls—2

Irving Berlin's White Christmas—2

[title of show]—1