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This Sunday is going to be awesome. No, wait! It’s going to be more than awesome. Sunday is going to be legand-wait for it…lactose intolerant dairy!!! And if you don’t get the reference (and shame on you if you don’t) click here.
That’s right loyal Chreg readers, this Sunday marks the 63rd annual American Theatre Wing’s Tony Awards. Or as I like to call it the Superbowl for us theater geeks out there.
Now no matter what, I always watch the telecast, but lately I have been disappointed in the fact that the Tony Awards have not been able to get a top notch host. After an amazing 2-year run with Hugh Jackman, the Tony’s decided to go with a host-less format. To be blunt; it sucked. Last year they slightly redeemed themselves with snatching Whoopi Goldberg; but this year they hit a major home run! Ladies and gentlemen, the doctor is in the house, Doogie Houser himself, Neil Patrick Harris!!! I don’t know what they all have planned for him, but I know for sure it’s going to be….you guessed it…legendary!!
Along with an amazing host, I believe this year’s telecast will leave a lot of people on the edge of their seats, as there are a lot of tight races. So you know what that means…prediction time!!
Check out predictions after the jump!
Best Play
Winner – God of Carnage – Why you ask? Easy…it’s a sexy pick since everyone else is picking it. But I guess A-listers like Jeff Daniels and James Gandolfini have something to do with it too…
Best Musical
What will win – Billy Elliot - It’s this year’s heavy hitter with 15 nominations, so of course it is going to win. Trust me, ever since the American Theatre Wing ticked off every teenage girl in America when Wicked was upset by Avenue Q in 2004, they will never make that mistake again.
What should win – Next to Normal – When my sister gave me a copy of this cast recording, I was not entirely impressed. But after a few listens, the story and music are quickly growing on me. It truly takes a special talent to discuss mental health issues within a Broadway musical.
Best Revival of a Musical
Winner – Hair – You want proof. I’ll give you proof! These hippies can bring it!
Of course I do believe the cast from 40 Year Old Virgin could give them a run for their money.
Leading Actor in a Musical
Who will win – David Alvarez, Trent Kowalik, and Kiril Kulish – Billy Elliot – Yes you are reading that correctly. The three boys do alternate the role of Billy throughout the week and they do do a hell of a job. Just watch below, they pull off some dance moves which no boy or man should ever be able to pull off in their lives.
And you do have to give them credit, once these boys get on stage the barely leave. But I would have wished the Tony committee would have given a special Tony for their performances.
Upset pick – Brian d’Arcy James – Shrek the Musical – Any actor who can fart or burp on cue deserves a Tony dammit! Not to mention anyone who has to go through this before every show is well deserving…
Of course I’d also give a Tony to James’ understudy…
Leading Actress in a Musical
Winner – Alice Ripley – Next to Normal – This will most likely be the tightest race of the evening. Ripley’s toughest competition with be Allison Janney of 9 to 5. Note to Tony voters, don’t let Janney’s 4 Emmys from The West Wing blind you. If you can’t award a woman who sings her heart out while getting shock therapy, then you need to do some soul searching, and maybe get some shock therapy of your own.
Best Special Theatrical Event
Ok, I lied before. This is the category that will have the most competition. The contenders: in this corner a legendary Broadway leading lady, and in the opposite corner a great white way newcomer whose bare ass has been seen on a movie screen numerous times. That’s right ladies and gentlemen, presenting…Liza Minnelli vs. Will Ferrell.
Most theater gurus have Minnelli taking the prize for her show Liza at the Palace, but I’m giving the edge here to Ferrell for his stellar performance in You’re Welcome America. A Final Night With George W. Bush. Now if Ferrell does lose, it looks like he is ready to join the cast of the revival of West Side Story.
I wonder though, is Will Ferrell a shark or a jet? Only time will tell. But regardless, enjoy the Tonys!!!!
