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On Sunday, the Tony Awards will have a go at reassert normalcy in 2022.
But there is a lot of good news.
According to somemetrics, we have actually managed to have something approximating a regular season.
Shows opened and audiences returned, iftentatively.
In any year, though, conversations about what will win are shot through with practicality.
Which show will appeal to the cadre of road producers?
Will voters forget the stuff that closed in January?
But accuracy isnt everything.
What for you was your mostpainfulprediction?
But, that said, the tough ones were the two lead actors in a musical.
:Devon, did you see Hugh Jackmanpeddling his wares?
Devon Ivie:I did.
And okay, do you know the moment I realized I wasnt so warm on Hugh Jackmans performance?
My favorite part ofThe Music Manis Youve Got Trouble.
And I felt like he spent 25 percent of the number with his back to the audience.
He was always looking backwards.
After that it was sad trombone sound.
I didnt make that joke on purpose.
H.S:Seventy-six sad trombone sounds.
:Also, Im surprised that Billy Crystal got a nomination.
His singing wasnt great, and that has to count for something.
I would have just liked to have him do stand-up comedy for the entirety of the musical!
Saturday NightI wouldabsolutelynominate Billy Crystal for Best Lead Actor … in a play.
The fact that the show was a musical was just a sad oversight.
Theres another practical concern at work here: Its been difficult for people to see the performances.
Jaquel Spivey has been out ofA Strange Loopbecause of a sinus infection and doctor-ordered rest.
I know hes not doing matinees anymore.
For the Tonys, youre not allowed to vote in a category unless youve seen all the nominated performances.
And of course no one can see the astonishing Deirdre OConnell inDana H.or Rob McClure right now becauseMrs.
:Wait,Doubtfireclosed already?
Hes doing something different but equally compelling.
Look at pictures of him before and afterMrs.
On the other hand, Jaquel Spivey has that It quality sothatsquite thrilling.
His is the performance you tell your grandkids about.
Hes very young, right?
H.S.:Wow.
[Thinks about her life.]
:I agree with both of you on Jaquel.
And there should be a Tony award for elevating a mediocre show.
- The Rise Above Award.
Thats where I would land.
But shes not likely to win, becauseCaroline, or Changealready closed.
:Did you feel there were any notable un-nominated performances?
Did either of you feel powerfully about Jeanna De Waal inDiana?
:Thats another Working Uphill Against the Material nominee.
:If the Tonys had a Best Ensemble Award, who would get your vote?
:The women ofSix.
:Youre saying they cut off their heads to spite their face.
J.M.:Helen.
:Its got to beThe Minutesensemble.
They jelled so well.
That deserves a special mention.
He played so many people dozens!
and he did it all after he had thrown out his back.
:Speaking of COVID accommodations, there should be some understudy recognition.
So many others too, like the swings ofmega-shows likeThe Lion King, or all the emergency Elphabas ofWicked.
:What about actors in plays?
Im still thinking about David Morse inHow I Learned to Driveand Chuck Cooper inTrouble in Mind … J.M.
:I love Julie White forPOTUS.
She throws it all against the wallandholds it all together.
:That photo can be the win forPlaza Suite.J.M.
It was hilarious to me every time.
Also, three men were nominated forTake Me Outbut somehow Brandon J. Dirden was not.
It was a small role, but he was incredible.
And he was alsoso good in the same season withSkeleton Crew.
:I agree I am his superfan.
Are you allowed to have MVP as a baseball player?
[Confusion on the call; no one knows anything about sports.]
:In that category, Ill give a special shout out to Uzo Aduba inClydes her performance was stellar.
She was like a firecracker; I didnt know when her fuse was going to blow.
:I can get right behind you on that.
:And Adam Godley inThe Lehman Trilogy!
I find that incredibly powerful.
It was the first Broadway play back after the shutdown, and the performances were immense.
So Im pretty cheesed off that that show didnt make the Tonys list at all.
Okay, so lets turn our attention to what things look and sound like.
What out of all of those plays and musicals had the biggest sensory impact on you?
:Its got to beLehmans rotating glass-office set by Es Devlin.
:So Jackson, what rotated its way into your heart this season?
:I had a very emotional reaction to the design work ofTheSkin of Our Teeth.
The way Adam Rigg squeezed so much out of a Lincoln Center budget!
:Best Use of Clothing wasPOTUS.
Vanessa Williams in stiletto Crocs we got to give them their due.
:There should be some sort of commendation for theCompanycast just forsurvivingtheir set.
Its New York; its just not pleasant to think about going down below.
Ugh, I need to shower.
Now lets turn our thoughts to direction.
Did that sway your vote?
:I thought Neil Pepes work onAmerican Buffalowas beautifully modulated.
But really, oh my gosh, what a cavalcade of gorgeousness.
So what was the best play?What was it?
:You know what, I tremendously enjoyed all five of these nominated plays.
I cant say the same for the six musicals and thats heartbreaking to admit as a Bob Dylan fan.
Its got to beLehmanfor me.
Those three actors pulled off a tremendous feat.
:Okay, musical revival.
Choose among:Caroline, orChange,Company,orThe Music Man.
H.S.:Agreed.
:Its time to talk about Best New Musical.
Okay, here are your options:Girl From the North Country,MJ,Mr.
Saturday Night,Paradise Square,Six,A Strange Loop.
What should win, Jackson?
But at least it already has all of this money.
:Im going to agree onA Strange Loop it really is a special show for 2022.
But it seemsSixhas more general popularity when I talk to people about the season.
I dont know how much of a factor that will be for voters.
I just wouldnt be surprised if itsSix.
:My heart cries out forA Strange Loop it is ambitious, powerful, innovative.
Its head-and-shoulders above the other projects.
But lets look at that list.
Saturday Nightall three are based on properties.
EvenParadise Squarestarted, way back, as a musical based on Stephen Fosters catalogue.
Its too rare that stuff like this manages to fight its way onto Broadway.
That is, again, something we need to address.
Anyway, happy Tonys, everybody!
Every year is a chance to be better.
See you Sunday night.
