Steve On Broadway (SOB)

Broadway: What Shows Are Closing?

Broadway: What Shows Are Closing?

Good thing I didn't make a bet to eat my Next Fall Playbill if it didn't post closing notices.

A couple days ago, I had predicted that due to its lackluster box office performance in the already tiny Helen Hayes Theatre coupled with no Tony wins that it would likely shutter soon. But its producers say, for now anyway, that it's their goal to remain open through summer.

UPDATE (June 23, 2010) - Next Fall has posted its closing notice for July 4.

So what shows are closing?

So far, none as a direct result of Sunday night's Tony Awards.

In fact, this year's Best Play Red announced just yesterday that its limited run would close as scheduled on June 27, which is really too bad because it offers those fortunate enough to see it two of the year's most magnificent stage performances (Alfred Molina and Eddie Redmayne). That is, unless you count those being offered over at the Cort Theatre for this year's Best Revival of a Play Fences with the two other stellar performances (Denzel Washington and particularly Viola Davis). Fences currently remains on schedule to close its limited engagement on July 11.

But here is the full list of Broadway shows currently scheduled to close:

June 27, 2010:

Hair - Al Hirschfeld Theatre

(SOB Review: *** out of ****)

On June 9, it was announced that the 2009 Tony Award-winning Best Revival of a Music otherwise known as "The American Tribal Love Rock Musical" would shutter on June 27, 2010, after 29 previews and 519 regular performances (over and above those Hair extensions in Central Park during the summer of 2008).

Most of this revival of Hair's original cast may be seen in London through September 4. Plus, a tour commences this October at the Shubert Performing Arts Center in New Haven, Connecticut.


Red - John Golden Theatre

(SOB Review: **** out of ****)

An import from London's Donmar Warehouse, this year's Tony Award-winning Best Play has only been scheduled for a very limited run. That engagement will conclude as scheduled on June 27, 2010. Red will have played 22 previews and 101 regular performances.

Look for John Logan's work to be mounted by regional theatres throughout the United States over the next couple years, albeit with different direction and casts.


Sondheim On Sondheim - Studio 54

(SOB Review: **1/2 out of ****)

This limited engagement initially was set to finish this past Sunday but was extended by two weeks. When it closes on June 27, 2010, this revue will have played 37 previews and 76 regular performances.

As for a life beyond? Unless there's a tour, which seems highly unlikely, it's hard to imagine regional mountings given how a major portion of the show incorporates Stephen Sondheim's own words via video. Plus, there are already several other Sondheim songbook revues out there.

July 11, 2010:

Everyday Rapture - American Airlines Theatre

(SOB Review: *** out of ****)

The last-minute, surprise hit run that managed to garner Tony nominations has always been a limited run and is scheduled to close on July 11, 2010. When it shutters, Everyday Rapture will have played 11 previews and 85 regular performances.

Although Sherie Rene Scott is portraying a semi-fictionalized version of herself, there's no reason why enterprising regional theatre companies couldn't pick up this show a la Hunter Bell and Jeff Bowen's semi-autobiographical [title of show]. Yet Scott herself seems to be keeping the door open to returning to her character for a tour, although "it wouldn't be for another year."

Fences - Cort Theatre

(SOB Review: ***1/2 out of ****)

Director Kenny Leon's camp at this year's Tony-winning Best Revival of a Play has been so silent over the past few days that you can't help but wonder if they're secretly working toward extending their limited run past July 11, 2010, which is nearly sold out. Or are they waiting to announce something else like a new cast and/or a tour?

If the show closes as scheduled, it will have enjoyed 13 previews and a mere 80 regular performances. But why do I have this hunch....


August 15, 2010:

Lend Me A Tenor - Music Box Theatre

(SOB Review: ***1/2 out of ****)

The single most hilarious Broadway show I saw all year was initially an open-ended run. But on May 21, a closing notice was posted for August 15, 2010, which marks the end-date for its ensemble's contracts. Tony-nominated for Best Revival of a Play, Lend Me A Tenor will have played 25 previews and 153 regular performances.

There's no word on any plans for this production beyond Broadway, but Ken Ludwig's farce is already regularly mounted by regional and community theatres.


August 21, 2010:

Race - Ethel Barrymore Theatre

(SOB Review: *1/2 out of ****)

Yesterday, Eddie Izzard, Dennis Haysbert and Afton C. Williamson join the cast of this David Mamet play as replacements for James Spader, David Alan Grier and Kerry Washington, respectively (Richard Thomas remains). Currently, the show is scheduled to close August 21, 2010, after 23 previews and 297 regular performances.

Although the show has already recouped its initial investment, don't be surprised to see it close earlier if the box office doesn't experience a bounce from its new cast.


August 22, 2010:

South Pacific - Vivian Beaumont Theatre

(SOB Review: ***1/2 out of ****)

On February 19, it was announced that this 2008 Tony Award-winning Best Revival of a Musical would close on August 22, 2010. But when it does, it will have played 37 previews and 1,000 regular performances. The show will go out with a bang as original cast member Kelli O'Hara returns August 10 and again appears opposite Tony-winner Paulo Szot (rumors that Matthew Morrison may also return remain just that -- rumors).

Earlier this year, I caught the South Pacific national tour and I can tell you that it is nearly as good in every way as the Broadway mounting; that tour will last through 2011. Additionally, when the closing notice was posted, it was also announced that there are plans to bring the production to London and Australia.

This is Steve On Broadway (SOB).


In keeping with the new Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regulations that unfairly discriminate against bloggers, who are now required by law to disclose when they have received anything of value they might write about, please note that I have received nothing of value in exchange for this post.

Labels: Broadway, Closing Notices, Closings, Everyday Rapture, Fences, Hair, Lend Me A Tenor, Next Fall, Race, Red, Sondheim On Sonheim, South Pacific

posted by Steve On Broadway (SOB) @ Wednesday, June 16, 2010 7 comments

Tony Awards Monday Morning Quarterbacking

Tony Awards Monday Morning Quarter-backing

Think my title mixes two extremes of popular entertainment where never the twain shall meet?

Think again.

Since New York Jets' quarterback Mark Sanchez appeared on last night's Tony Awards as a self-proclaimed "theatre aficionado" (when this Jet was introduced, dare I say, many in the audience likely thought he was from the cast of West Side Story), and since this fall will see the Broadway bow of Lombardi, it's entirely apropos.

(Click here for the full list of Tony Award winners).

Yes, there will be the carping about Memphis' big win as Best Musical, but let's face it -- the show has what it takes to be a huge success on tour, and lest we forget, a large number of the Tony voters represent the touring class. But it was telling that for the first time in years, the Tony-winning Best Musical earned less awards (four) than the year's Tony-winning Best Play, Red.

Red earned a total of six well-earned Tony Awards, including a first ever for estimable director Michael Grandage, who has become a master of both musicals and plays. Eddie Redmayne surprised (me) as the winner in the Best Featured Actor category, but given his astounding Broadway debut, I could not quibble with the choice of the Tony voters. I had hoped his co-star Alfred Molina would win in what was arguably the evening's most competitive category, but as I predicted, Denzel Washington won for his superb performance as Troy Maxson in Fences.

Which brings me to the photo above. In addition to also accurately predicting Fences would win Best Revival of a Play, Washington's co-star Viola Davis proved to be the most deserving winner of the evening for her bravura performance. In fact, so absolutely certain was I that Davis would win that I had made a twitter wager with @BroadwayGirlNYC that I would eat my Fences Playbill if she failed to take home the Tony. Although that Playbill looked mighty tasty on my plate, I knew all along that I never needed to worry about actually eating it.

In terms of overall predictions, I got 17 out of 26 correct or just over 65%. In the categories that were broadcast, I accurately predicted 11 out of 15 or just over 73%. Not bad, but after entering producer Ken Davenport's contest, I blew his tie-breaker question that asked how long (without going over) Marian Seldes' Lifetime Achievement Award speech would be; I thought I was being modest by predicting it would clock in at a bit over 2 minutes.

I'm sure all of us were wrong as she didn't utter a single word, opting instead to soak in the enormously deserved standing ovation before exiting the stage. Some say it was the best speech ever. And since she spoke volumes more with her eyes and sweeping gestures than most actors can say in a blue streak, I think they may be right.

Speaking of blue streaks, there were plenty to be seen in the hair of numerous cast members via the number of performances afforded American Idiot, which took home two Tony Awards in creative categories. But were all those televised numbers enough to move the needle on its struggling box office? I'm sure we'll hear soon enough. But let's just consider this. For the week of June 6, the show attracted a capacity of 52.6%, which was very anemic for a Best Musical nominee. If there isn't a box office boost for this tuner, you can expect to see closing notices posted very shortly.

Same goes for Come Fly Away, which failed to walk away with any awards. Like American Idiot, this Twyla Tharp tuner has been losing its audience and was down to 56.8% capacity for the week ending June 6. Million Dollar Quartet is in the danger zone, too (it attracted just 57.8% capacity during that same period), but at least Levi Kreis to score a Tony for Best Featured Actor in a Musical and the show didn't come off too shabbily during the broadcast.

But it's Next Fall I predict will post the first closing notice. The show grossed a paltry $116,150 for the week ending June 6 and attracted just 52.3% capacity in what is already one of Broadway's smallest houses. Perhaps they thought they could eke it out through the Tonys, but the producers may feel it's time to finally pull the plug after going home empty-handed. Expect a closing notice at any moment.

For the second year in a row, I spent my Tony Awards evening in the comfort of my own home where I tweeted the night away. Among my tweets that resonated most with my fellow Twitterers (by virtue of how frequently they were retweeted) were the following comments:

(Upon Tony Awards entrance of Angela Lansbury:) There's no legend quite like Angela Lansbury. She's not an overnight sensation ... she's a lifetime sensation! #Tonys

(As Catherine Zeta-Jones was singing "Send In The Clowns":) Catherine Zeta-Jones inexplicably became a bobble-head #Tonys

(During performance from cast of Come Fly Away:) Still think COME FLY AWAY looks like an after-after-after party where all the decent people already went home #Tonys

(As Cate Blanchett was presenting:) Could someone figure out a way to bring Cate Blanchett to Broadway? She's 1 of the best actresses of our time, stage or film. #Tonys

(At start of Lea Michele's rendition of "Don't Rain On My Parade":) Now for the biggest Broadway audition in history as Lea Michele has high hopes for FUNNY GIRL revival. #Tonys

(Just after it the winner was announced in this category:) Best Actress in a Musical: Catherine Zeta-Jones in A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC. All the other actresses were robbed, but I predicted this #Tonys

(When Memphis' Best Musical acceptance speech was cut-off:) It's over?! Most awkward finish to a Tony Awards show goes to Sean Hayes. What just happened?! #Tonys

Speaking of my Twitter comments, about halfway through the Tony Awards, my friend Esther at Gratuitous Violins alerted me that my Twitter feed was appearing on the New York Times' online Tony coverage (her tweets were there as well).

I was so honored, yet flabbergasted, that I couldn't help but tweet, "I feel like the folks from [title of show] in learning that my tweets are live on NYTimes' #Tonys Twitter feed. Will this go on site, too??"

And sure enough, it did.

So, what did you think of the Tony Awards? Thrilled? Disappointed? Somewhere in between? I'll be curious to know what you thought.

This is Steve On Broadway (SOB).


In keeping with the new Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regulations that unfairly discriminate against bloggers, who are now required by law to disclose when they have received anything of value they might write about, please note that I have received nothing of value in exchange for this post.

Labels: Box Office, Broadway, Fences, Gratuitous Violins, Marian Seldes, Mark Sanchez, Memphis, Red, Tony Awards, Tony Predictions, Twitter, Viola Davis

posted by Steve On Broadway (SOB) @ Monday, June 14, 2010 5 comments

2010 Tony Awards' Big Winner: Seeing Red!

2010 Tony Awards' Big Winner: Seeing Red!

Earlier this evening, the American Theatre Wing’s 64th annual Tony Awards ceremonies honored Broadway's best of the 2009-10 Theatrical Season.

While musicals Memphis and La Cage Aux Folles fared well by earning Best Musical and Best Revival of a Musical, respectively, it was this year's Best Play winner Red that actually earned the most Tonys this year: six Tony Awards. Memphis earned four awards, while La Cage, Fences (this year's Best Revival of a Play) and Fela! each earned three.

Here is the full list of winners, along with my notations for whom I thought would win and those I thought most deserving of wins:

Best Play
In The Next Room (Or The Vibrator Play) - Author: Sarah Ruhl
Next Fall - Author: Geoffrey Nauffts
Red - Author: John Logan Will Win/Should Win
Time Stands Still - Author: Donald Margulies

Best Musical
American Idiot
Fela! Should Win
Memphis Will Win
Million Dollar Quartet

Best Book of a Musical
Everyday Rapture - Dick Scanlan and Sherie Rene Scott Should Win
Fela! - Jim Lewis & Bill T. Jones
Memphis - Joe DiPietro Will Win
Million Dollar Quartet - Colin Escott and Floyd Mutrux

Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre
The Addams Family - Music & Lyrics: Andrew Lippa
Enron - Music: Adam Cork Lyrics: Lucy Prebble
Fences - Music: Branford Marsalis
Memphis - Music: David Bryan, Lyrics: Joe DiPietro, David Bryan Should Win/Will Win

Best Revival of a Play
Fences Should Win/Will Win
Lend Me A Tenor
The Royal Family
A View From The Bridge

Best Revival of a Musical
Finian's Rainbow
La Cage Aux Folles Should Win/Will Win
A Little Night Music
Ragtime

Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Play
Jude Law - Hamlet
Alfred Molina - Red Should Win
Liev Schreiber - A View From The Bridge
Christopher Walken - A Behanding In Spokane
Denzel Washington - Fences Will Win

Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Play
Viola Davis - Fences Should Win/Will Win
Valerie Harper - Looped
Linda Lavin - Collected Stories
Laura Linney - Time Stands Still
Jan Maxwell - The Royal Family

Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical
Kelsey Grammer - La Cage Aux Folles
Sean Hayes - Promises, Promises
Douglas Hodge - La Cage Aux Folles Will Win
Chad Kimball - Memphis
Sahr Ngaujah - Fela! Should Win

Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical
Kate Baldwin - Finian's Rainbow
Sherie Rene Scott - Everyday Rapture
Montego Glover - Memphis Should Win
Christiane Noll - Ragtime
Catherine Zeta-Jones - A Little Night Music Will Win

Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Play
David Alan Grier - Race
Stephen McKinley Henderson - Fences
Jon Michael Hill - Superior Donuts Should Win/Will Win
Stephen Kunken - Enron
Eddie Redmayne - Red

Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Play
Maria Dizzia - In the Next Room (Or The Vibrator Play)
Rosemary Harris - The Royal Family
Jessica Hecht - A View From The Bridge
Scarlett Johansson - A View From The Bridge
Jan Maxwell - Lend Me A Tenor Should Win/Will Win

Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Musical
Kevin Chamberlin - The Addams Family Should Win
Robin De Jesús - La Cage Aux Folles
Christopher Fitzgerald - Finian's Rainbow
Levi Kreis - Million Dollar Quartet
Bobby Steggert - Ragtime Will Win

Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Musical
Barbara Cook - Sondheim On Sondheim
Katie Finneran - Promises, Promises Should Win/Will Win
Angela Lansbury - A Little Night Music
Karine Plantadit - Come Fly Away
Lillias White - Fela!

Best Direction of a Play
Michael Grandage - Red Should Win/Will Win
Sheryl Kaller - Next Fall
Kenny Leon - Fences
Gregory Mosher - A View from the Bridge

Best Direction of a Musical
Christopher Ashley - Memphis
Marcia Milgrom Dodge - Ragtime
Terry Johnson - La Cage Aux Folles Will Win
Bill T. Jones - Fela! Should Win

Best Choreography
Rob Ashford - Promises, Promises
Bill T. Jones - Fela! Should Win
Lynne Page - La Cage Aux Folles
Twyla Tharp - Come Fly Away Will Win

Best Orchestrations
Jason Carr - La Cage Aux Folles Will Win
Aaron Johnson - Fela! Should Win
Jonathan Tunick - Promises, Promises
Daryl Waters & David Bryan - Memphis

Best Scenic Design of a Play
John Lee Beatty - The Royal Family Should Win
Alexander Dodge - Present Laughter
Santo Loquasto - Fences
Christopher Oram - Red Will Win

Best Scenic Design of a Musical
Marina Draghici - Fela!
Christine Jones - American Idiot Should Win/Will Win
Derek McLane - Ragtime
Tim Shortall - La Cage aux Folles

Best Costume Design of a Play
Martin Pakledinaz - Lend Me a Tenor
Constanza Romero - Fences
David Zinn - In The Next Room (Or The Vibrator Play)
Catherine Zuber - The Royal Family Should Win/Will Win

Best Costume Design of a Musical
Marina Draghici - Fela! Should Win
Paul Tazewell - Memphis
Matthew Wright - La Cage Aux Folles Will Win

Best Lighting Design of a Play
Neil Austin - Hamlet
Neil Austin - Red Will Win
Mark Henderson - Enron Should Win
Brian MacDevitt - Fences

Best Lighting Design of a Musical
Kevin Adams - American Idiot Should Win
Donald Holder - Ragtime
Nick Richings - La Cage Aux Folles Will Win
Robert Wierzel - Fela!

Best Sound Design of a Play
Acme Sound Partners - Fences
Adam Cork - Enron Should Win/Will Win
Adam Cork - Red
Scott Lehrer - A View from the Bridge

Best Sound Design of a Musical
Jonathan Deans - La Cage Aux Folles Will Win
Robert Kaplowitz - Fela! Should Win
Dan Moses Schreier and Gareth Owen - A Little Night Music
Dan Moses Schreier - Sondheim On Sondheim

I'll provide more analysis tomorrow, but until then, please let me know what you thought about this year's Tonys. Did the voters get it right?

This is Steve On Broadway (SOB).

In keeping with the new Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regulations that unfairly discriminate against bloggers, who are now required by law to disclose when they have received anything of value they might write about, please note that I have received nothing of value in exchange for this post.

Labels: Broadway, Fela, La Cage Aux Folles, Memphis, Red, Tony Awards, Tony Predictions

posted by Steve On Broadway (SOB) @ Sunday, June 13, 2010 0 comments

Tony Time 2010

Tony Time 2010

This evening marks the American Theatre Wing's 64th Annual Tony Awards hosted by one of Broadway's newest stars, Sean Hayes.

The Tonys remain the highest honors bestowed annually upon Broadway's new and revived plays and musicals. Named for theatre legend Antoinette Perry, the first Tony Awards were held in 1947 at the Waldorf Astoria's Grand Ballroom with 11 awards presented in only 7 categories, along with 8 special awards.

This year, the Tony Award winners will be honored at Radio City Music Hall, where awards will be announced in a 26 categories -- one less than last year (the Special Theatrical Event category has been eliminated).

Fela! and La Cage Aux Folles lead the pack with 11 nominations each, followed by Fences with 10, Memphis with 8 and Red with 7 nods.

I have posted my Tony Awards predictions here for whom I believe will win, as well as weighing in on whom I think deserves to win.

Additionally, Special Tony Awards for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre will honor the brilliance of both playwright Alan Ayckbourn and actress Marian Seldes. This year's Regional Theatre Tony Award will be bestowed upn the Eugene O'Neill Theater Center (Waterford, CT). David Hyde Pierce is flying back from London to receive the second annual Isabelle Stevenson Award for his work in the fight against Alzheimer's Disease. Last, but not least, four Tony Honors for Excellence in Theatre will be awarded, including to: the Alliance of Resident Theatres (New York), esteemed theatrical fight director B.H. Barry, the Midtown North and South New York City Police Precincts, and Tom Viola (Executive Director of Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS).

Just like last year, I'll be viewing tonight's ceremonies from the comfort of my own living room. Look for my full wrap-up later. And just like last year, I invite you to check out my live tweets throughout the course of the Tony Awards along the right hand side of SOB or by clicking here.

In the meantime, whether you're in Radio City Music Hall, in Times Square or watching on CBS beginning at 8 p.m. EDT tonight, here's hoping you enjoy this year's event.

Here's to all the nominees!

This is Steve On Broadway (SOB).

Labels: American Theatre Wing, Broadway, Fela, Fences, La Cage Aux Folles, Memphis, Red, Tony Awards, Tony Nominations, Tony Predictions

posted by Steve On Broadway (SOB) @ Sunday, June 13, 2010 0 comments

SOB's Best Of 2009-10: Top Ten Of The Year

SOB's Best Of 2009-10: Top Ten Of The Year

Over the last couple days, I've offered up my "Best Of" lists for each of the four major stage categories honored by the Tony Awards, including Best Musical Revivals, Best Play Revivals, Best New Musicals and Best New Plays.

Now, before this evening's Tony Awards are bestowed, here’s how the best of the best rank in my personal countdown of the “10 Best” theatrical productions I saw over the course of the 2009-10 Theatrical Season (ending April 30, 2010):


10 - A Streetcar Named Desire

Venue: Harvey Theatre, Brooklyn Academy of Music, Brooklyn, New York

Top 10 Worthiness: Liv Ullmann's crackling revival of Tennessee Williams' A Streetcar Named Desire became a must-see event not only because it starred the magnificent Cate Blanchett, but also because it so forthrightly showcased this classic work for what it is -- one of the best plays ever written.

Exceptional Standout Performance: Cate Blanchett

Status: Closed late 2010

SOB Review Rating: ***1/2 (out of ****)


9 - Fences

Venue: Cort Theatre, New York City, New York

Top 10 Worthiness: In Kenny Leon's exceptional revival of August Wilson's monumental Fences, Denzel Washington excels in delivering a solid line drive as former baseball player Troy Maxson -- once a player, always a player. Yet as Troy's wife Rose, Viola Davis hits this one out of the park with the most extraordinary, heartwrenching performance of the year.

Exceptional Standout Performances: Denzel Washington and Viola Davis.

Status: Limited run through July 11, 2010

SOB Review Rating: ***1/2 (out of ****)

8 - The Full Monty

Venue: McKnight Theatre, Theatre Latté Da, Ordway Center For The Performing Arts, St. Paul, Minnesota

Top 10 Worthiness: In one of those rarest of rarities, Theater Latté­ Da's excellent and thoroughly enjoyable revival of The Full Monty was actually much better than the Broadway original. Under Peter Rothstein's exceptional, confident direction, Terrence McNally's book and David Yazbek's underrated score became even more salient, all the more emotionally gripping and certainly more entertaining today.

Exceptional Standout Performances: Wendy Lehr and Randy Schmeling

Status: Closed last fall after limited run

SOB Review Rating: **** (out of ****)


7 - Brighton Beach Memoirs

Venue: Nederlander Theatre, New York City, New York

Top 10 Worthiness: Nothing could have prepared me for the earnest and devastating charms found in Neil Simon's superb Brighton Beach Memoirs. This semi-autobiographical period piece received an excellent (though sadly short-lived) Broadway revival, flawlessly executed by director David Cromer. Through Brighton Beach Memoirs, Cromer further burnished his credentials as a brilliant, visionary master at breathing vigorous new life into classic material.

Exceptional Standout Performances: Laurie Metcalf, Noah Robbins and Santino Fontana

Status: Closed last fall the Sunday after it opened

SOB Review Rating: **** (out of ****)


6 - Superior Donuts

Venue: Music Box Theatre, New York City, New York

Top 10 Worthiness: Tracy Letts' tasty and satisfying Superior Donuts may have appeared on my list last year, but since he and director Tina Landau further sharpened this dramatic comedy for its Broadway bow, the play once again earns its place on my list. Superior Donuts ostensibly left its audience with hope and an entreaty to wake up to the world around us, give a damn and take a stand.

Exceptional Standout Performances: Michael McKean and Jon Michael Hill

Status: Closed at the beginning of this year

SOB Review Rating: **** (out of ****)


5 - Twelfth Night

Venue: Delacorte Theatre, Central Park, New York City, New York

Top 10 Worthiness: Love was in the air, and that breeze blowing straight through Central Park was William Shakespeare's Twelfth Night. Daniel Sullivan’s gorgeous gender-bending revival was brimming with bawdy charms and an extraordinary ensemble. I walked out of Central Park both enthralled and enchanted.


Exceptional Standout Performances: Anne Hathaway, Raúl Esparza, Audra MacDonald and David Pittu

Status: Closed last summer after limited run

SOB Review Rating: **** (out of ****)


4 - The Brother / Sister Plays

Venue: Upstairs Theatre, Steppenwolf, Chicago, Illinois

Top 10 Worthiness: The Brother / Sister Plays, Tarell Alvin McCraney's excellent and deeply poetic trilogy, cast an unusally enthralling spell over me through its lyrical power. Standing as a towering achievement, not only for the incredibly young yet wise-beyond-his-years playwright, but also for its outstanding ensemble, The Brother / Sister Plays may ultimately prove to be the most important new work of this new decade.

Exceptional Standout Performances: K. Todd Freeman and Alana Arenas

Status: Closed this spring after limited run

SOB Review Rating: **** (out of ****)


3 - Ruined

Venue: New York City Center Stage I

Top 10 Worthiness: What playwright Lynn Nottage and director Kate Whoriskey have achieved with the heartstopping and excellent Ruined was nothing short of monumental. They skillfully succeeded in placing many a human face on those who are grossly dehumanized, even if it ranks as one of the most difficult plays I ever sat through.

Exceptional Standout Performances: Portia, Quincy Tyler Bernstine and Russell G. Jones

Status: Closed last summer after multiple extensions

SOB Review Rating: **** (out of ****)


2 - Red

Venue: John Golden Theatre, New York City, New York

Top 10 Worthiness: John Logan's magnificent Red, masterfully directed by Michael Grandage, has forever changed how I'll view abstract art, particularly that of artist Mark Rothko. A modern-day masterpiece imported directly from London's Donmar Warehouse, Red intrigues and titillates the senses with its potent examination of the internal conflicts Rothko may have endured.

Exceptional Standout Performances: Alfred Molina and Eddie Redmayne

Status: Limited run scheduled through June 27, 2010

SOB Review Rating: **** (out of ****)


1 - Brief Encounter

Venue: McGuire Proscenium, Guthrie, Minne-apolis, Minnesota

Top 10 Worthiness: The all too Brief Encounter stands out as the most magnificent entertainment production I saw anywhere this year.

As its conceit, director Emma Rice ingeniously builds on the precepts from the Oscar-nominated 1945 motion picture written by Noël Coward about two married individuals who enjoy a chance meeting in a train station only to find themselves swept away in a mad love affair. Silver screen images are shown on the stage, but it's seemlessly brought to life with a captivating fusion with live theatre. Topping off this delectable treat is a perfect blend of music from the era that breaks the fourth wall.

To say much more beyond this doesn't seem fair because this excellent production has to be seen to be believed and fully appreciated. But I'll add one more thing. It took Brief Encounter's spellbinding trip back in time to catch a glimpse of the future in entertainment and the integral role projection designs -- like those offered here by Gemma Carrington and Jon Driscoll to mesmerizing, dramatic effect -- can have in stage productions.

Fortunately, Broadway audiences will have their chance this fall to encounter this excellent work that defies description. And don't be surprised if there's further call for a new Tony Award category to be created for Best Projection Design. It's an element that's here to stay.

Exceptional Standout Performances: Hannah Yelland and Milo Twomey

Status: Closed in April after limited run. Production will be mounted this fall at Broadway's Studio 54

SOB Review Rating: **** (out of ****)


What shows would be on your top ten list? Do you think I've completely missed the boat, or would your choices largely mirror mine?

I invite you to join the discussion and post your comments here.

This is Steve On Broadway (SOB).

In keeping with the new Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regulations that unfairly discriminate against bloggers, who are now required by law to disclose when they have received anything of value they might write about, please note that I have received nothing of value in exchange for this post.

Labels: A Streetcar Named Desire, Brief Encounter, Brighton Beach Memoirs, Fences, Red, Ruined, SOB's Best of 2009-10, Superior Donuts, The Brother/Sister Plays, The Full Monty, Twelfth Night

posted by Steve On Broadway (SOB) @ Sunday, June 13, 2010 2 comments

SOB's Best Of 2009-10: Best New Plays

SOB's Best Of 2009-10: Best New Plays

During the 2009-10 Theatrical Season, I've had the opportunity to see over 80 performances of a wide range of new and revived musicals and plays, as well as other theatrical events.

As noted earlier, unlike this past year's selection of musicals, the plays were once again "the thing." That included a startling array of first rate new plays on Broadway as well as other venues near and far.

So, without further ado, here is my list of the "5 Best New Plays" I've seen over the 12 months ending April 30, 2010:


5 - Superior Donuts (Music Box Theatre, New York City, New York)

Sure, Tracy Letts' tasty and satisfying Superior Donuts appeared on my list last year, but since he and director Tina Landau sharpened this work for its Broadway bow, this play deserves to be judged again as a new show. And this enthralling and profoundly moving work deserves to be on this list as it sits precisely where the American dream -- and all its endless possibilities -- intersects with fears of America lost.

The essential ingredients Letts has baked into this dramatic comedy were as sweet and savory as ever. Proving that no one backs Letts into a corner, Superior Donuts offered plenty of his trademark ribald barbs while ostensibly leaving its audience with hope and an entreaty to wake up to the world around us rather than to shut it out. To give a damn and take a stand. Once again, this courageous show lived up to its name.


4 - The Brother / Sister Plays (Upstairs Theatre, Steppenwolf, Chicago, Illinois)

The Brother / Sister Plays, Tarell Alvin McCraney's excellent and deeply poetic trilogy, cast an unusally enthralling spell over me through its lyrical power. Standing as a towering achievement, not only for the incredibly young yet wise-beyond-his-years playwright, but also for its outstanding ensemble, The Brother / Sister Plays may ultimately prove to be the most important new work of this new decade.

Director Tina Landau's singular focus ensures that McCraney's immense gift for language dances just as soulfully across all three portions of this mighty work as does the beautiful choreography from its first installment In The Red And Brown Water. Each play is anchored by the impeccable K. Todd Freeman as Ogun Size, arguably the heart pulsating throughout this ambitious work; Freeman imbues Ogun with a rare level of humanity that makes him and The Brother / Sister Plays simply breathtaking to watch.


3 - Ruined (New York City Center Stage I, Manhattan Theatre Club, New York City, New York)

It wasn't until this Theatrical Season that I finally saw Lynn Nottage's devastatingly exceptional Ruined. What Nottage and director Kate Whoriskey achieved with this heartstopping, excellent production was nothing short of monumental. They skillfully succeeded in placing many a human face on those who are grossly dehumanized even if it ranks as one of the most difficult plays I ever sat through.

Nottage created some of the year's most remarkable female roles, including a madame named Mama Nadi (a superb Portia) whose brothel doors are open to military officials and rebels alike. Nottage endowed each of her central characters with a breathtaking resilience, and a surprising degree of good humor. Ultimately, they demonstrated grace and resolve in their desperate attempts to rise above it all.


2 - Red (John Golden Theatre, New York City, New York)

John Logan's magnificent Red, masterfully directed by Michael Grandage, has forever changed how I'll view abstract art, particularly that of artist Mark Rothko. Imported directly from London's Donmar Warehouse, Red intrigues and titillates the senses with its potent examination of the internal conflicts Rothko (an excellent Alfred Molina) may have endured.

Molina paints his Rothko with a tortured, self-conscious brilliance that turns ferocious on dime, including on his young protégé Ken, a captivating Eddie Redmayne, in an absolutely stunning Broadway debut. Together, they transform Red into a modern-day masterpiece.


1 - Brief Encounter (McGuire Proscenium, Guthrie, Minneapolis, Minnesota)

The all too Brief Encounter stood out as one of the most magnificent entertainment productions you were likely to see anywhere this past year.

As its conceit, director Emma Rice ingeniously builds on the precepts from the Oscar-nominated 1945 motion picture written by Noël Coward about two married individuals who enjoy a chance meeting in a train station only to find themselves swept away in a mad love affair. Silver screen images are shown on the stage, but it's seemlessly brought to life with a captivating fusion with live theatre. Topping off this delectable treat is a perfect blend of music from the era that breaks the fourth wall.

To say much more beyond this doesn't seem fair because this excellent production has to be seen to be believed and fully appreciated. But I'll add one more thing. It took Brief Encounter's spellbinding trip back in time to catch a glimpse of the future in entertainment and the integral role projection designs -- like those offered here by Gemma Carrington and Jon Driscoll to mesmerizing, dramatic effect -- can have in stage productions. Fortunately, Broadway audiences will have their chance this fall to encounter this excellent work that defies description.


So what were the best new plays you saw over the past year? I invite you to join the conversation by sharing your theatre experiences with me.

This is Steve On Broadway (SOB).

In keeping with the new Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regulations that unfairly discriminate against bloggers, who are now required by law to disclose when they have received anything of value they might write about, please note that I have received nothing of value in exchange for this post.

Labels: Best New Plays, Brief Encounter, Red, Ruined, SOB's Best of 2009-10, Superior Donuts, The Brother/Sister Plays

posted by Steve On Broadway (SOB) @ Saturday, June 12, 2010 0 comments

SOB's 2010 Tony Predictions

SOB's 2010 Tony Predictions

This Sunday, the American Theatre Wing’s 64th annual Tony Awards ceremonies will honor the best of Broadway's 2009-10 Theatrical Season. As we count down the days to the Tonys, it's time for me to place my wagers on those nominees I believe will actually win, as well as tell you whom I think should win.

As noted on Monday, I've been extraordinarily fortunate to see every single show, eligible and otherwise, that opened on Broadway over the past year. So unlike last year, I'll be able to at least make informed decisions. Whether I'm right or not remains to be seen.

There is plenty of momentum behind Red, La Cage Aux Folles and Fences, and it doesn't hurt that they all remain open to Tony voters and that they're pulling in respectable audiences. In the case of Fences, it's become box office titanium.

Given the dearth of truly new musicals this season, Tony voters are going to reward Memphis for being one of the lone tuners with original score and an actual book, plus it stands the best chance of being a hit on tour. The exception for Memphis will come (but shouldn't) in Tony voters' starstruck decision for Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical.

Something also tells me that given the lack of nominations -- except for one key nod -- for one of the season's earlier critical hits, Superior Donuts, along with the love shown already this awards season for its talented nominee that you shouldn't be surprised when they call his name. Similarly, with a certain Ragtime actor becoming a bona fide darling of the stage, don't be surprised if he pulls off an upset as well as Tony voters recognize the future star they have a chance to honor now.

Here are my picks:

Best Play
In The Next Room (Or The Vibrator Play) - Author: Sarah Ruhl
Next Fall - Author: Geoffrey Nauffts
Red - Author: John Logan Will Win/Should Win
Time Stands Still - Author: Donald Margulies

Best Musical
American Idiot
Fela! Should Win
Memphis Will Win
Million Dollar Quartet

Best Book of a Musical
Everyday Rapture - Dick Scanlan and Sherie Rene Scott Should Win
Fela! - Jim Lewis & Bill T. Jones
Memphis- Joe DiPietro Will Win
Million Dollar Quartet - Colin Escott and Floyd Mutrux

Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre
The Addams Family - Music & Lyrics: Andrew Lippa
Enron - Music: Adam Cork Lyrics: Lucy Prebble
Fences - Music: Branford Marsalis
Memphis - Music: David Bryan, Lyrics: Joe DiPietro, David Bryan Should Win/Will Win

Best Revival of a Play
Fences Should Win/Will Win
Lend Me A Tenor
The Royal Family
A View From The Bridge

Best Revival of a Musical
Finian's Rainbow
La Cage Aux Folles Should Win/Will Win
A Little Night Music
Ragtime

Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Play
Jude Law - Hamlet
Alfred Molina - Red Should Win
Liev Schreiber - A View From The Bridge
Christopher Walken - A Behanding In Spokane
Denzel Washington - Fences Will Win

Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Play
Viola Davis - Fences Should Win/Will Win
Valerie Harper - Looped
Linda Lavin - Collected Stories
Laura Linney - Time Stands Still
Jan Maxwell - The Royal Family

Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical
Kelsey Grammer - La Cage Aux Folles
Sean Hayes - Promises, Promises
Douglas Hodge - La Cage Aux Folles Will Win
Chad Kimball - Memphis
Sahr Ngaujah - Fela! Should Win

Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical
Kate Baldwin - Finian's Rainbow
Sherie Rene Scott - Everyday Rapture
Montego Glover - Memphis Should Win
Christiane Noll - Ragtime
Catherine Zeta-Jones - A Little Night Music Will Win

Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Play
David Alan Grier - Race
Stephen McKinley Henderson - Fences
Jon Michael Hill - Superior Donuts Should Win/Will Win
Stephen Kunken - Enron
Eddie Redmayne - Red

Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Play
Maria Dizzia - In the Next Room (Or The Vibrator Play)
Rosemary Harris - The Royal Family
Jessica Hecht - A View From The Bridge
Scarlett Johansson - A View From The Bridge
Jan Maxwell - Lend Me A Tenor Should Win/Will Win

Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Musical
Kevin Chamberlin - The Addams Family Should Win
Robin De Jesús - La Cage Aux Folles
Christopher Fitzgerald - Finian's Rainbow
Levi Kreis - Million Dollar Quartet
Bobby Steggert - Ragtime Will Win

Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Musical
Barbara Cook - Sondheim On Sondheim
Katie Finneran - Promises, Promises Should Win/Will Win
Angela Lansbury - A Little Night Music
Karine Plantadit - Come Fly Away
Lillias White - Fela!

Best Direction of a Play
Michael Grandage - Red Should Win/Will Win
Sheryl Kaller - Next Fall
Kenny Leon - Fences
Gregory Mosher - A View from the Bridge

Best Direction of a Musical
Christopher Ashley - Memphis
Marcia Milgrom Dodge - Ragtime
Terry Johnson - La Cage Aux Folles Will Win
Bill T. Jones - Fela! Should Win

Best Choreography
Rob Ashford - Promises, Promises
Bill T. Jones - Fela! Should Win
Lynne Page - La Cage Aux Folles
Twyla Tharp - Come Fly Away Will Win

Best Orchestrations
Jason Carr - La Cage Aux Folles Will Win
Aaron Johnson - Fela! Should Win
Jonathan Tunick - Promises, Promises
Daryl Waters & David Bryan - Memphis

Best Scenic Design of a Play
John Lee Beatty - The Royal Family Should Win
Alexander Dodge - Present Laughter
Santo Loquasto - Fences
Christopher Oram - Red Will Win

Best Scenic Design of a Musical
Marina Draghici - Fela!
Christine Jones - American Idiot Should Win/Will Win
Derek McLane - Ragtime
Tim Shortall - La Cage aux Folles

Best Costume Design of a Play
Martin Pakledinaz - Lend Me a Tenor
Constanza Romero - Fences
David Zinn - In The Next Room (Or The Vibrator Play)
Catherine Zuber - The Royal Family Should Win/Will Win

Best Costume Design of a Musical
Marina Draghici - Fela! Should Win
Paul Tazewell - Memphis
Matthew Wright - La Cage Aux Folles Will Win

Best Lighting Design of a Play
Neil Austin - Hamlet
Neil Austin - Red Will Win
Mark Henderson - Enron Should Win
Brian MacDevitt - Fences

Best Lighting Design of a Musical
Kevin Adams - American Idiot Should Win
Donald Holder - Ragtime
Nick Richings - La Cage Aux Folles Will Win
Robert Wierzel - Fela!

Best Sound Design of a Play
Acme Sound Partners - Fences
Adam Cork - Enron Should Win/Will Win
Adam Cork - Red
Scott Lehrer - A View from the Bridge

Best Sound Design of a Musical
Jonathan Deans - La Cage Aux Folles Will Win
Robert Kaplowitz - Fela! Should Win
Dan Moses Schreier and Gareth Owen - A Little Night Music
Dan Moses Schreier - Sondheim On Sondheim

Do my picks for this year's Tony Awards match yours? Let me know.

Tune in to CBS this Sunday, June 13, when Sean Hayes hosts the three-hour live broadcast.

This is Steve On Broadway (SOB).

In keeping with the new Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regulations that unfairly discriminate against bloggers, who are now required by law to disclose when they have received anything of value they might write about, please note that I have received nothing of value in exchange for this post.

Labels: Bobby Steggert, Fences, Jon Michael Hill, La Cage Aux Folles, Memphis, Ragtime, Red, Superior Donuts, Tony Awards, Tony Predictions

posted by Steve On Broadway (SOB) @ Wednesday, June 09, 2010 3 comments

My Year On Broadway: Most To Least

My Year On Broadway: Most To Least - 2009-2010 Theatrical Season

During Broadway’s 2009-10 Theatrical Season, 38 new and revived musicals and plays opened on the Great White Way. I was fortunate to see every single one of them, which is up from last year when ultimately I caught 32 out of last year's 44 new shows.

While I'll write soon about the best and worst shows I've seen over the past year -- with some topping my lists from venues other than Broadway -- I'm once again pleased to rank all this past season's Main Stem shows beginning with those I liked the most to the least (you may click on each to see my full SOB Review).

As regular readers know, in addition to my SOB Reviews for each show, I also employ a star system, awarding up to four stars for the best productions all the way down to zero stars for absolute bottom-of-the barrel rubbish (fortunately, in my decades of theatregoing, I've only seen shows that come within a half-star of rock bottom, and none of this year's Broadway shows are ranked any lower than a single star).

While the system is imperfect, it does offer readers seeking a quick reading as to whether I thought the show was excellent, poor or somewhere in between. Even though there were some exceptional offerings this season, I’ve long believed that this has been a rather mediocre year overall, and the star system average of 2.5 seems to bear that out.

So here's my most to least favorite list of the Broadway shows I've seen over the past year:

1. Red ****
2. Superior Donuts ****
3. Brighton Beach Memoirs ****
4. Fences ***1/2
5. Enron ***1/2
6. Time Stands Still ***1/2
7. Lend Me A Tenor ***1/2
8. La Cage Aux Folles ***1/2
9. Fela! ***1/2
10. Oleanna ***1/2
11. The Royal Family ***
12. Memphis ***
13. A Little Night Music ***
14. Hamlet ***
15. Everyday Rapture ***
16. Ragtime **1/2
17. Sondheim On Sondheim **1/2
18. A View From The Bridge **1/2
19. Finian's Rainbow **1/2
20. Wishful Drinking **1/2
21. The Addams Family **1/2
22. A Steady Rain **1/2
23. Burn The Floor **1/2
24. Million Dollar Quartet **
25. In The Next Room or the vibrator play **
26. Promises, Promises **
27. Collected Stories **
28. A Behanding In Spokane **
29. All About Me **
30. American Idiot *1/2
31. The Miracle Worker *1/2
32. Present Laughter *1/2
33. Looped *1/2
34. Next Fall *1/2
35. After Miss Julie *1/2
36. Race *1/2
37. Bye Bye Birdie *
38. Come Fly Away *

What were your most and least favorite Broadway shows of the past year?

This is Steve On Broadway (SOB).

In keeping with the new Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regulations that unfairly discriminate against bloggers, who are now required by law to disclose when they have received anything of value they might write about, please note that I have received nothing of value in exchange for this post.

Labels: Broadway, Favorite Shows, Musical, Play, Red, Revival, The SOB Review

posted by Steve On Broadway (SOB) @ Monday, June 07, 2010 2 comments

Red (The SOB Review)

Red (The SOB Review) – John Golden Theatre, New York, New York

**** (out of ****)

Abstract paintings created by artists such as Mark Rothko used to leave me cold. But that's largely because I never took the time to really study them closely or scrutinize their fluidity in movement.

That's forever changed now that I've seen John Logan's magnificent Red, masterfully directed by Michael Grandage. Imported directly from London's Donmar Warehouse, Red intrigues and titillates the senses with its potent examination of the internal conflicts Rothko (an excellent Alfred Molina) may have endured in accepting a commission to adorn the walls of the (then) new Seagrams Building's Four Seasons Restaurant with his works.

Molina portrays Rothko with a tortured, self-conscious brilliance that turns ferocious on dime, including on his young protégé Ken (a captivating Eddie Redmayne, in an absolutely stunning Broadway debut). When Ken presses Rothko on whether he has compromised himself in taking the commission, Rothko seeks to redeem himself by declaring contemptuously that what he's creating is "something that will ruin the appetite of every son-of-a-bitch who ever eats in that room."

Resplendent with a mesmerizing recreation of how this artist may have placed paint brush to his canvas, Grandage cleverly leaves nothing to the abstract in framing Rothko's lasting artistic expressions. At that point, just as one of Rothko's works now has a power to do, this enthralling play suddenly snuck up on me and sent chills down my spine.

Red is a masterpiece -- far and away, the best new play I've seen all year. Don't miss it.

This is Steve On Broadway (SOB).

In keeping with the new Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regulations that unfairly discriminate against bloggers, who are now required by law to disclose when they have received anything of value they might write about, please note that I have received nothing of value in exchange for this post.

Labels: Alfred Molina, Broadway, Eddie Redmayne, John Logan, London, Mark Rothko, Michael Grandage, Play, Red, The SOB Review, Transfer

posted by Steve On Broadway (SOB) @ Tuesday, May 25, 2010 0 comments

2010 Tony Award Nominations Announced

2010 Tony Award Nomina-tions Announced

At 8:30 a.m. EDT this morning, Jeff Daniels (God Of Carnage) and Lea Michele (Spring Awakening) announced the nominees for the 2010 Tony Awards.

The top nominees are musicals Fela! (a new musical) and La Cage Aux Folles (a revival), each earning 11 nominations. The revival of Fences scored the most nominations among plays with ten nods. With 7 nominations, Red is the highest ranking new play of the season.

While I fully expected the Tony nominators to try and prove that they exude cool by selecting American Idiot among the Best Musical nominations, they also demonstrated an incredible degree of stodginess by placing Million Dollar Quartet in the same category. Fela! is the show to beat in this category.

It was great seeing some love shown for two musical revivals that closed prematurely: Ragtime (7 nominations) and Finian's Rainbow (3). Nevertheless, the critically-acclaimed La Cage Aux Folles is the odds-on favorite to win Best Revival of a Musical.

As for new plays, Red and Time Stands Still were expected to be nominated, but the eleventh hour Pulitzer Prize nomination (and ultimate snub) for In The Next Room (Or The Vibrator Play) assured its place among Best Play nominees. Expect to see Red win. Fences will likely win Best Revival of a Play.

Notable shows with few nominations, include The Addams Family (2), A Behanding In Spokane (1), Race (1) and Superior Donuts (1). Despite the year's most spectacular star turns, Daniel Craig and Hugh Jackman, as well as A Steady Rain, were shut out of this year's nominations.

Among acting nominations, Jan Maxwell has earned two well-deserved nominations both for her leading performance in The Royal Family and for her featured role in Lend Me A Tenor. It's interesting to note that in that latter category, she'll be competing against her Royal Family co-star Rosemary Harris, who herself was nominated for Best Actress in the same lead role as Maxwell back in the 1975-76 production.

Here is the full list of nominees. Those with an asterisk (*) were on my list if I had been nominating. Those with two asterisks (**) were among those I accurately predicted the Tony nominators would actually choose (that truncated list only went as far as lead acting nominations).

Best Play
In The Next Room (Or The Vibrator Play)** - Author: Sarah Ruhl
Next Fall - Author: Geoffrey Nauffts
Red* ** - Author: John Logan
Time Stands Still* ** - Author: Donald Margulies

Best Musical
American Idiot**
Fela!* **
Memphis* **
Million Dollar Quartet

Best Book of a Musical
Everyday Rapture* - Dick Scanlan and Sherie Rene Scott
Fela!* - Jim Lewis & Bill T. Jones
Memphis*- Joe DiPietro
Million Dollar Quartet - Colin Escott and Floyd Mutrux

Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre
The Addams Family* - Music & Lyrics: Andrew Lippa
Enron* - Music: Adam Cork Lyrics: Lucy Prebble
Fences* - Music: Branford Marsalis
Memphis* - Music: David Bryan, Lyrics: Joe DiPietro, David Bryan

Best Revival of a Play
Fences* **
Lend Me A Tenor* **
The Royal Family* **
A View From The Bridge**

Best Revival of a Musical
Finian's Rainbow* **
La Cage Aux Folles* **
A Little Night Music* **
Ragtime* **

Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Play
Jude Law - Hamlet**
Alfred Molina - Red* **
Liev Schreiber - A View From The Bridge
Christopher Walken - A Behanding In Spokane**
Denzel Washington - Fences* **

Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Play
Viola Davis - Fences* **
Valerie Harper - Looped* **
Linda Lavin - Collected Stories* **
Laura Linney - Time Stands Still* **
Jan Maxwell - The Royal Family* **

Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical
Kelsey Grammer - La Cage Aux Folles
Sean Hayes - Promises, Promises
Douglas Hodge - La Cage Aux Folles* **
Chad Kimball - Memphis*
Sahr Ngaujah - Fela!* **

Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical
Kate Baldwin - Finian's Rainbow* **
Sherie Rene Scott - Everyday Rapture* **
Montego Glover - Memphis* **
Christiane Noll - Ragtime* **
Catherine Zeta-Jones - A Little Night Music* **

Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Play
David Alan Grier - Race
Stephen McKinley Henderson - Fences
Jon Michael Hill - Superior Donuts*
Stephen Kunken - Enron*
Eddie Redmayne - Red*

Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Play
Maria Dizzia - In the Next Room (Or The Vibrator Play)*
Rosemary Harris - The Royal Family*
Jessica Hecht - A View From The Bridge
Scarlett Johansson - A View From The Bridge*
Jan Maxwell - Lend Me A Tenor*

Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Musical
Kevin Chamberlin - The Addams Family*
Robin De Jesús - La Cage Aux Folles*
Christopher Fitzgerald - Finian's Rainbow*
Levi Kreis - Million Dollar Quartet*
Bobby Steggert - Ragtime

Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Musical
Barbara Cook - Sondheim On Sondheim
Katie Finneran - Promises, Promises*
Angela Lansbury - A Little Night Music*
Karine Plantadit - Come Fly Away
Lillias White - Fela!*

Best Direction of a Play
Michael Grandage - Red*
Sheryl Kaller - Next Fall
Kenny Leon - Fences*
Gregory Mosher - A View from the Bridge

Best Direction of a Musical
Christopher Ashley - Memphis*
Marcia Milgrom Dodge - Ragtime
Terry Johnson - La Cage Aux Folles*
Bill T. Jones - Fela!*

Best Choreography
Rob Ashford - Promises, Promises
Bill T. Jones - Fela!*
Lynne Page - La Cage Aux Folles
Twyla Tharp - Come Fly Away

Best Orchestrations
Jason Carr - La Cage Aux Folles*
Aaron Johnson - Fela!*
Jonathan Tunick - Promises, Promises
Daryl Waters & David Bryan - Memphis

Best Scenic Design of a Play
John Lee Beatty - The Royal Family*
Alexander Dodge - Present Laughter*
Santo Loquasto - Fences
Christopher Oram - Red

Best Scenic Design of a Musical
Marina Draghici - Fela!
Christine Jones - American Idiot*
Derek McLane - Ragtime
Tim Shortall - La Cage aux Folles*

Best Costume Design of a Play
Martin Pakledinaz - Lend Me a Tenor*
Constanza Romero - Fences
David Zinn - In The Next Room (Or The Vibrator Play)*
Catherine Zuber - The Royal Family*

Best Costume Design of a Musical
Marina Draghici - Fela!*
Santo Loquasto - Ragtime*
Paul Tazewell - Memphis
Matthew Wright - La Cage Aux Folles*

Best Lighting Design of a Play
Neil Austin - Hamlet*
Neil Austin - Red
Mark Henderson - Enron*
Brian MacDevitt - Fences

Best Lighting Design of a Musical
Kevin Adams - American Idiot*
Donald Holder - Ragtime
Nick Richings - La Cage Aux Folles
Robert Wierzel - Fela!

Best Sound Design of a Play
Acme Sound Partners - Fences
Adam Cork - Enron*
Adam Cork - Red
Scott Lehrer - A View from the Bridge

Best Sound Design of a Musical
Jonathan Deans - La Cage Aux Folles
Robert Kaplowitz - Fela!*
Dan Moses Schreier and Gareth Owen - A Little Night Music
Dan Moses Schreier - Sondheim On Sondheim

This year's Tony Awards will be televised on CBS during a three-hour live broadcast on Sunday, June 13.

This is Steve On Broadway (SOB).

In keeping with the new Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regulations that unfairly discriminate against bloggers, who are now required by law to disclose when they have received anything of value they might write about, please note that I have received nothing of value in exchange for this post.

Labels: Broadway, Fela, Fences, La Cage Aux Folles, Red, Tony Awards, Tony Nominations, Tony Predictions

posted by Steve On Broadway (SOB) @ Tuesday, May 04, 2010 3 comments