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Ridoodlesmack _ IntroDuction
T
o Broadway theatre followers and fanatics, the Tony Awards are the most anticipated night of the year. Shows can be transformed into smash hits or flops as a result of the awards. Acting careers skyrocket as a result of the live performances and/or claiming an award. But beyond all the show biz hubbub, the heart of the show is the opportunity for theatre lovers from around the world to connect with their passion. I have distinct memories of staying up late (on a school night) just so I could see the live performances. It is a night where kid’s dreams are made, and some very lucky adults (and sometimes kid’) sdreams come true.
So, buckle up! Expect tons of mainstream celebs like Tom Hanks, Jake Gyllenhaal and Sigourney Weaver, to heavy-hitters of the stage like Audra McDonald and Megan Hilty. There will also be stellar live performances from the nominated musicals (A Christmas Story, The Musical; Annie; Bring It On: The Musical; Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella; Kinky Boots; Matilda The Musical; Motown The Musical; and Pippin) PLUS features from some longrunning favorites (Chicago; Jersey Boys; Newsies; Once; Mamma Mia!; Rock of Ages; Spider-Man Turn Off the Dark; The Lion King; and The Phantom of the Opera). Is there any doubt that Broadway performers are the best of the best?! Didn’t think so. Oh, and don’t forget many emotional moments sponsored by Kleenex.
content _ God of all things Broadway, Mr. Brian Mahoney, Design & Editing _ Guru of Pop & Ridoodlesmack-ness, MR. Chad Freeman.
Host _ Ridoodlesmack
H
e has been a medical prodigy, White Castle seeker, womanizing jokester, and the host of nearly every major awards show. But it’s Neil Patrick Harris’s rich history of stage performance that makes him the man of the night. No stranger to Broadway, he has appeared in numerous musicals and concert presentations and has been credited for helping expand awareness of the performing arts by shining his starlight its way. Hosting for the third time, we’re sure he is going bring it on and deliver a fresh, funny, and entertaining evening! Why? Because he’s legend...wait for it...ary.
Neil Patrick Harris
Ridoodlesmack _ Musical
Bring It On: The Musical An original story inspired by the modern classic film, producers combined a creative dream-team, revolutionary choreography, and the next superstars of Broadway to make one of the most energetic and inspiring shows of the season. It has already ended its limited-run and is thus the true underdog to win Best Musical, but don’t count it out for some awards like Best Choreography, Lighting Design, and Best Score. Get those spirit fingers ready!
A Christmas story, The Musical Seasonal shows are popular for producers looking for a quick buck during the holiday tourist season, but few succeed in being as entertaining and artistically successful as A Christmas Story. While a long-shot to win Best Musical, its nomination gives it a leg up when it returns this December.
MUSical _ Ridoodlesmack
kinky boots
matilda The Musical
With original music by Cindi Lauper, a book by Harvey Fierstein, and direction and choreography by Broadway-favorite Jerry Mitchell, Kinky Boots has become one of the top sellers of the season. If the Tony voters are feeling patriotic, Kinky could be a shoe in!
This pond-hopper continues to wow sell-out crowds and generate massive buzz. As one of the most fun, touching, and creative new musicals to come to Broadway in some time, Matilda is expected to seal the deal with many of the awards of the evening, and is a favorite for Best Musical.
Ridoodlesmack _ play
The Assembled parties
Lucky Guy
With a few nominations and an astonishing cast including Judith Light (nominated for her performance), Jeremy Shamos and Jessica Hecht, The Assembled Parties tells the story of a guest who visits an affluent Jewish family’s home in New York in the ’80s and completely changes the family’s dynamic, and continues to do so 20 years later.
You’d be a lucky guy (or gal) if you scored a ticket before they sold out. Starring Tom Hanks, Maura Tierney, and a slew of other Hollywood heavyweights, Lucky Guy tells the story of real-life journalist Mike McAlary. This is the late Nora Ephron’s last major work and is sure to extend her legacy with a multitude of Tony wins.
play _ Ridoodlesmack
The testament of mary As one of the shortest-lived productions of the season, it is a bit surprising that this show got any nominations at all. Still, this solo performance piece starring Fiona Shaw packed a heavy hit with its stylized production and strong direction. Nonetheless, it would be surprising to see any wins.
vanya and Sonia and masha and spike It can be difficult for a new comedy to make a splash at the Tony’s, but with a stellar cast and brilliant script written by legendary playwright Christopher Durang, this production has a chance. While it may not take the grand prize of Best Play, expect to see some others on their roster.
Ridoodlesmack _ Musical Revival
Annie The sun’ll come out tomorrow, regardless of the lack of recognition. Still, it’s one of the most beloved shows in Broadway history. And we can expect to see a feature from Jane Lynch, who is currently starring as wretched authoritarian Miss Hannigan, who hates children (Sue Sylvester anyone?).
The Mystery of edwin drood How this show did not transfer from a limited to open-ended run is a true mystery to us. With beautiful design, brilliant direction, and inspired performances, this “choose your own adventure”-esq musical was one of the most entertaining shows to come around this season. Unfortunately, it will be mostly overshadowed at the awards.
Musical revival _ Ridoodlesmack
Pippin A Broadway cult favorite, but that doesn’t mean its appeal will be lost on the audience. With an acrobatic twist, this is a coming-of-age tale you can count on for some gravity defying performances and lots of acceptance speeches!
Rodgers & Hammerstein’s
Cinderella A true theatre classic, one of the most beloved fairytales returns to one of Broadway’s largest stages in one of the most elaborate productions of the season. While playing it safe in production design, this is one of the most well reviewed productions of the season. It might just make it past midnight and come out winning big.
Ridoodlesmack _ play Revival
golden boy Golden, indeed. This play, about a gifted violinist-turned-boxer, was one of the best of the season. Unfortunately for theatregoers it had a very limited run, which could also prove that even a knock out doesn’t always bring recognition in a prize fight.
orphans The three-person cast of Orphans was one of the highest profile productions of the season. Starring Alec Baldwin, Tom Sturridge, and Ben Foster (who replaced Shia LaBouef after a muchpublicized feud with the creative team), it certainly made headlines. Though some of them were of poor reviews and attendance, the Tony’s might decide to adopt Sturridge as a winner.
play revival _ Ridoodlesmack
The trip to bountiful This production has gotten pretty solid reviews and strong word of mouth, but hasn’t made quite as big a splash as one might expect. Still, with beautiful production design and star Cicely Tyson (who ages backwards throughout the show), they might walk away with a bounty of awards.
Who’s afraid of virginia woolf? A true feast for theatre lovers, this play is basically three hours of a married couple getting drunk and tearing into each other. It had some of the strongest performances of the year, but the run came and went in the first half of the season so won’t receive much recognition.
Ridoodlesmack _ Actor (Play) nathan lane _ the nance He’s theatre royalty in his comedic element. Even though the production has remained quiet during the height of Tony season, it’s safe to say that the audience’s laughter has not remained as hushed.
tracy letts _ who’s afraid of virginia woolf?
He’s mostly known as a Pullitzer Prize winning playwright, but Letts demonstrated that he can do a lot more than just write. He pulls out one of the most impressive and explosive displays of passion of the season.
david Hyde Pierce _
vanya and sonia and masha and spike
As one of the headliners of this play, Pierce’s performance remained surprisingly subdued for 90% of the play. It is for this reason that the trophy will most likely not go to him, despite a wonderful and entertaining showing.
tom sturridge _ orphans British import Sturridge was pretty much unknown to the New York theatre scene, but he made sure everyone knew who he was by the end of his run in Orphans. As the youngest and greenest of the nominees, a win is a bit of a longshot, but he’s certainly got a bright future.
Actor (play) _ Ridoodlesmack
tom Hanks _ lucky guy It’s hard to believe that an actor of such caliber is only just making his Broadway debut. Hanks had a lot of pressure to deliver a strong and poignant performance, and lucky for us all he did not disappoint. Theatregoers have walked away with the sense that they witnessed a legend in his element, and that’s a good sign that this legend will walk away with a lovely gold trophy by the end of the night.
Ridoodlesmack _ actress (play) Laurie Metcalf _ the other place It’s about time Metcalf was recognized for her theatrical accomplishments, and we are pulling for this to be her year. As a pharmaceutical saleswoman who develops the condition which those pharmaceuticals are meant to prevent, we literally watched her mind deteriorate over the course of 90 minutes. But due to The Other Place’s limited run, this might not see the acknowledgement it deserves. Here’s hoping Metcalf will be the exception.
actress (play) _ Ridoodlesmack Amy morton _ who’s afraid of virgina woolf?
Morton left her sweat, tears, and (faux) blood on the stage eight times per week with this show. Though she most likely won’t leave with an award, due to the short run of the production, she is the type of performer that doesn’t need that recognition to be catapulted to a higher level of appreciation as an actress…if that is even possible for Morton.
kristin Nielsen _
vanya and sonia and masha and spike
Nielsen’s Masha didn’t fit the typical bill of Durang’s traditional off-the-wall characters. It is for that reason that her performance transcended as the most touching and poignant part of this production.
Holland Taylor _ ann It is tough to pull off a one-woman show successfully. But as the late Texas Governor Ann Richards, Taylor might give the other nominated ladies a run for their money.
cicely tyson _ the trip to bountiful As previously mentioned, Tyson pulls off the difficult task of aging backwards as a woman who travels to her childhood home in search of regaining her dignity and peace of mind.
Ridoodlesmack _ actor (musical) bertie carvel _ matilda the musical Mr. Carvel gives one of the most memorable performances of the season as the grotesque Miss Trunchbull in Matilda. If you ask us, he would be a shoe-in for winning this category if he had a stronger singing role. Still, he could very well come out a winner in what is arguably the closest race of the awards.
santino fontana _
rodgers
+ hammerstein’s cinderella
Fontana has developed a strong presence in the community with his well-reviewed performances, but is mostly underutilized in this flashy production. But the recognition of the Tony voters with the Leading Role nomination certainly won’t hurt him, or his career.
rob mcClure _ chaplin McClure didn’t have many Broadway credits before Chaplin, but this gifted character actor and comedian embodied the great Charlie Chaplin so successfully that it’s a shame the production closed in January. The buzz of his performance has since faded and he is the improbable underdog to win.
stark sands _ kinky boots He gives a solid performance and carries the story, but obviously plays a secondary role to Porter, who carries the spirit (and the heels) of this feel-good show.
actor (musical) _ Ridoodlesmack
billy porter _ kinky boots As one of Broadway’s better known performers in cabarets and supporting character roles, it is about time that Porter steps into the spotlight as a true leading man. As drag queen Lola, he has won audiences over and successfully stolen the show from his show-stopping platform heels. While Matilda is more likely to take home the biggest prize of the evening, Porter will likely represent his production with his win thanks to his stronger vocal role. And it is every bit as deserving for an actor who has been steadily developing his career for years. Welcome to the spotlight, Mr. Porter!
Ridoodlesmack _ actress (musical) Patina Miller _ pippin As a relative newcomer to the Broadway scene, Miller is enjoying her time in the spotlight with her second Tony nomination (having been nominated a few years ago for Sister Act the Musical). In Pippin, she plays a bit of an enigmatic character, one that could arguably be a figment of an Everyman’s psyche. In a show steeped with rich contemporary Broadway history, Miller succeeds in paying homage to the original production while still putting her own spin on things. Her role is called the Leading Player, and lead she does. Not only do we suspect she’ll come away a winner, we also suspect she will be catapulted into a new level of Broadway superstardom
actress (musical) _ Ridoodlesmack stephanie j. block _ the mystery of edwin drood Despite playing Edwin Drood himself in this unique comedy, Block sang some of the highest notes of the season and displayed her usual vocal acrobatics with aplomb. Still... Drood was more of an ensemble piece, so it is unlikely that she will be singled out as the best leading actress of the year. But we’re still happy she is receiving such great recognition!
carolee carmello _ scandalous For Carmello, Scandalous was a labor of love. She played real-life evangelist Aimee Semple McPherson for years from workshop to regional stage to Broadway. She definitely carried the show, only being offstage for 11 minutes. It’s too bad the show is one of the biggest flops of the season, otherwise she’d stand a chance at an award.
Valisia LeKae _ motown the musical She plays Diana Ross in a jukebox musical that explores the creation of the Motown movement. As one of only four nonensemble members, Lekae is heavily featured, but she has to work hard to make the weak script feel interesting. Kudos to the ensemble for stealing the show.
Laura Osnes _
rodgers
+ hammerstein’s cinderella
As a Broadway darling whose rise to stage stardom was captured on TV in Grease: You’re the One That I Want, Osnes has been in this position before. Her sweet soprano and charming charisma help make the show memorable, but will that be enough for the Tony voters?
Ridoodlesmack _ featured actor (play) danny burstein _ golden boy
He’s a favorite of the Tony committee and has appeared in numerous productions on Broadway this season alone. So it’s a bit baffling that he was singled out for his strong, but extremely brief performance as a veteran boxing coach. It would be a surprising win, but the Tony voters know what they like…
richard kind _ the big knife
Kind is no stranger to Hollywood and the drama that can ensue behind the scenes, and he chews a lot of scenery in this play about exactly that. The production has remained pretty quiet despite positive reviews, so Kind’s performance will most likely just remain a highlight, not a winner.
billy magnussen _ vanya and sonia and masha and spike
In a show that features such Hollywood heavyweights as David Hyde Pierce and Sigourney Weaver, it is impressive that Magnussen manages to steal the scene as much as he does. Perhaps it’s his amazing acting ability, or it’s the amount of skin that he displays throughout the production. Either way, he has a strong chance of winning, although we wouldn’t call him the frontrunner.
tony shalhoub _ golden boy
Shaloub is recognized as being a comedic powerhouse with his goofy character on Monk. And he used his incredible chameleon skills well to show as the immigrant Italian father of a young boxing protégé. If you ask us, his was the strongest performance of the season and is deserving of the Tony, but it becomes more difficult for a show to win awards after it has closed (whether it is a flop, or a limited run). No matter the outcome, it is a shame Golden Boy wasn’t around longer for more people to see how outstanding he was.
courtney b. vance _ lucky guy
Beyond his solid performance, Vance’s recognition by the Tony committee represents that of the entire supporting cast of this show. It is possible that Vance could get lucky with a win, but Lucky Guy will undoubtedly not go away empty handed if the results end up otherwise.
Featured actress (play) _ Ridoodlesmack Carrie coon _ who’s afraid of virginia woolf?
We’re just going to say it…Carrie Coon was drunk during this entire play. If not literally, then she’s a really great actress. Was it a Tony-worthy performance? Probably not. But she sure provided some much needed comedic relief in an otherwise destructive story.
Shalita Grant _ vanya and sonia and masha and spike
Shalita Grant is a funny lady. In VSMS, she cleans house, casts voodoo spells, and generally just gives lots of sass. While she isn’t the standout of the production, she still gives a solid performance and deserves this recognition. And we’re not just saying that so she won’t prick pins in dolls that look like us.
Judith Ivey _ the heiress
This show was a big seller last fall. While it was a very limited run starring Jessica Chastain, its supporting cast was also lauded for their memorable performances in this classic period piece. Ivey likely won’t get the ultimate prize tonight, but being the only performer nominated is plenty of recognition, if you ask us.
Judith Light _ the assembled parties
She has become theatre royalty and is one of the headliners of this production, but Light won a Tony award for her featured role in Other Desert Cities just last year. We hope that her solid performance is enough to take her all the way to victory again, but it seems too soon for her to win another award. We can still hope, and no matter what the outcome everyone should jump at the chance to see this legend onstage…seriously, why are you still reading this. Go!
condola rashad _ the trip to bountiful
Sometimes theatre gets a bad name for cheesy, over-the-top performances. Thankfully there are actors like Condola Rashad, who gives a lovely, lowkey performance in The Trip to Bountiful. While her performance may not be standout in a production that is so centered on its leading lady, Rashad nonetheless managed to stand out, which is a trip in itself.
Ridoodlesmack _ Featured actor (musical) charl brown _ motown the musical
He plays Smokey Robinson in this ensemble-heavy production about the emergence of…you guessed it, Motown music. In a show whose story focuses so heavily on its two leading players and its ensemble it is difficult to stand out. Brown does a stand up job, but maybe not enough to be the stand out of the year.
keith carradine _ hands on a hardbody
Carradine has been in the “biz” for a very, very long time. He has received critical (and Tony) acclaim for his performances throughout his career; Hardbody marked his big return to the Great White Way. Too bad this show only lasted a few weeks before prematurely closing. Still, it had a loyal following and a strong message, but will it be enough to carry Carradine to the stage to accept an award?
will chase _ the mystery of edwin drood
Drood was an ensemble piece, no doubt. Still, Will Chase managed to stand out in the crowd with his central role as one of the main suspects in the death of the show’s title character. With many featured solo moments and poignant plot twist deliveries, Chase displayed his comedic chops and strong vocal abilities with aplomb. He may be known as a “bad boy” of Broadway, but you gotta admit it - this guy is good - so good it looks like he’ll get some gold.
gabriel ebert _ matilda the musical
Gabriel Ebert has been making waves in the Off-Broadway scene for a few years now, and Matilda awarded him the opportunity to not only display some acting chops, but also his comedic character acting skills. His performance may not be stand-out to win him the Tony, but his performance was still compelling, engaging, and entertaining. Which is saying something in a show as imaginative as Matilda.
terrence mann _ pippin
Terrence Mann’s career is almost as rich as Pippin’s history. It is easy to say that every actor on that stage plays a key role in the overall success of the production. Mann has a key featured role in this revival production, but it is so brief that a Tony recognition would be a longshot.
featured actress (musical) _ Ridoodlesmack annaleigh ashford _ kinky boots
Ashford has been an up-and-coming star for a while now, having appeared numerous times on Broadway, including a stint at Glinda in Wicked and a scene-stealing sorority sister in Legally Blonde. In Kinky Boots, she sticks to the attention grabbing antics, but those who are familiar with her career might begin to see her as a one-trick pony. Still, we have to admit, she’s GREAT at that one trick!
Victoria clark _
rodgers
+ hammerstein’s cinderella
Talk about theatre royalty. Clark has been consistently providing us with solid performances for many years. While her performance as the Fairy Godmother is certainly memorable, it is more so for her voluminous costuming and aerial sequences than for the substance of her character.
andrea martin _ pippin
It is enough of a testament to this woman’s performance to note that her performance receives a nightly standing ovation in the middle of the first act. She is a major standout in this category and could definitely steal the award from the other ladies, but just like all of the supporting characters in Pippin, her role is so brief and fleeting that her character doesn’t get a major chance to develop or flourish. But I bet it still feels good to get all of those ovations!
keala settle _ hands on a hardbody
Her performance was by far the most show-stopping of the production, but even she couldn’t save the production from certified ‘flop’ status. It is wonderful that she was recognized with a nomination, but her performance won’t be enough to pull a win.
Lauren ward _ matilda the musical
Matilda is not the only character in this show to come of age over the course of the 2.5-hour production. As Matilda’s teacher Miss Honey, Ward demonstrates a remarkable transformation from meek teacher to empowered mentor. She has performed all over the world in both plays and musicals, and while her performance in Matilda may not be the most emotionally challenging performance of her career, it was certainly one of the most moving and memorable of the season. And with a ten-year old girl at the helm, that’s a feat!
Book of a musical _ A Christmas Story, The Musical Kinky Boots Matilda The Musical Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella
Score _ The Assembled Parties by Richard Greenberg
A Christmas Story, The Musical Hands on a Hardbody Kinky Boots Matilda The Musical
play revival _
Lucky Guy by Norah Ephron
Golden Boy Orphans The Trip to Bountiful Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?
musical Revival _ Annie The Mystery of Edwin Drood Pippin Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella
Actor _ Play The Testament of mary by Colm Tóibín
Lauri Metcalf
The Other Place
Amy Morton
Who’s Afraid of Virgina Woolf?
Kristine Nielsen
Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike
Holland Taylor
Ann
Cicely Tyson
The Trip to Bountiful
Actor _ musical Bertie Carvel
Matilda The Musical
Santino Fontana
Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella
Rob McClure
Chaplin
Billy Porter
Kinky Boots
Stark Sands
Kinky Boots
Actress _ musical Stephanie J. Block
The Mystery of Edwin Drood
Carolee Carmello Scandalous
Tom Hanks
Nathan Lane
Tracy Letts
Pippin
David Hyde Pierce
Lucky Guy
The Nance
Who’s Afraid of Virgina Woolf?
Valisia LeKae
Motown The Musical
Patina Miller Laura Osnes
Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella
Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike
Tom Sturridge Orphans Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike by Christopher Durang
Actress _ Play
choreography _
Andy Blankenbeuhler,
orchestrations _
Bring It On: The Musical
Peter Darling, Matilda The Musical Jerry Mitchell, Kinky Boots Chet Walker, Pippin
Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella
The Big Knife
Billy Magnusse Vanya and Sonia
Tony Shalhoub Golden Boy
Courtney B. Va Lucky Guy
Carrie Coon
Who’s Afraid of V
Shalita Grant
Vanya and Sonia
Judith Ivey The Heiress
Judith Light
The Assembled Pa
Condola Rasha
The Trip to Boun
Charl Brown
Motown The Mus
Keith Carradin
Hands on a Hard
Will Chase
The Mystery of Ed
Gabriel Ebert
Matilda The Mus
Terrence Mann Pippin
feat. Actres
Stephen Oremus, Kinky Boots Ethan Ropp & Bryan Cook, Danny Troob,
Golden Boy
Richard Kind
feat. Actor
Motown The Musical
Danny Burstein
feat. Actres
Chris Nightingale,
Matilda The Musical
feat. Actor
Annaleigh Ashf Kinky Boots
Victoria Clark
Rodgers + Hammer
Andrea Martin Pippin
Keala Settle
Hands on a Hard
Lauren Ward
Matilda The Mus
r _ play
Scenic _ Play
n
John Lee Beatty, The Nance Santo Loquasto, The Assembled Parties David Rockwell, Lucky Guy Michael Yeargan, Golden Boy
en
and Masha and Spike
b
Scenic _ musical
ance
ss _ play
The Mystery of Edwin Drood
costume _ Play Soutra Gilmour, Cyrano de Bergerac Ann Roth, The Nance Albert Wolsky, The Heiress Catherine Zuber, Golden Boy
arties
ad
Costume _ musical
sical
ne
dbody
dwin Drood
sical
n
rstein’s Cinderella
n
dbody
sical
Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella
lighting _ Play
ss _ musical
ford
Gregg Barnes, Kinky Boots Rob Howell, Matilda The Musical Dominique Lemieux, Pippin William Ivey Long,
The Trip to Bountiful
Mel Mercier, The Testament of Mary Leon Rothenberg, The Nance Peter John Stills & Marc Salzberg, Golden Boy
Jonathan Deans & Garth Helm, Pippin
Peter Hylenski, Motown The Musical John Shivers, Kinky Boots Nevin Steinberg,
A Christmas Story, The Musical
Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella
direction _ Play
Pam MacKinnon,
Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?
Nicholas Martin,
Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike
Bartlet Sher, Golden Boy George C Wolfe, Lucky Guy
ntiful
r _ musical
John Gromada,
sound _ musical
Scott Pask, Pippin David Rockwell, Kinky Boots
Virginia Woolf? and Masha and Spike
Rob Howell, Matilda The Musical Anna Louizos,
sound _ Play
Bring it On: The Musical
direction _ musical
Scott Ellis, The Mystery of Edwin Drood Jerry Mitchell, Kinky Boots Diane Paulus, Pippin Matthew Warchus, Matilda The Musical
Kinky Boots
Jules Fisher & Peggy Eisenhauer, Lucky Guy
Donald Holder, Golden Boy Jennifer Tipton, The Testament of Mary
Japhy Weideman, The Nance
lighting _ musical
Kenneth Posner, Kinky Boots Kenneth Posner, Pippin Kenneth Posner,
Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella
Hugh Vanstone, Matilda The Musical
Matilda the musical
until next year... we’ll leave a light on!