2023 Tony Awards

[Sarah]

That’s not my favorite song from Kimberly Akimbo. I like it, but it doesn’t sell the show like many of the other numbers do. But, I love Justin so much.

 

[peibeck]

That’s not my favorite song from Kimberly Akimbo. I like it, but it doesn’t sell the show like many of the other numbers do. But, I love Justin so much.

I don't know that any number could really sell the show. It's not a big splashy song and dance show and the subject matter is pretty atypical.

 

[Wyliefan]

I've heard a lot about the musical, but this is my first time hearing or seeing a number from it. I thought it was well done and sweet.

 

[peibeck]

Best Play: "Leopoldstat"

 

[Sarah]

I don't know that any number could really sell the show. It's not a big splashy song and dance show and the subject matter is pretty atypical.

I get this. But I like skater planet, how to wash a check, and anything really with Bonnie…

 

[peibeck]

"Shucked" was a super fun evening of theater, not sure that mash of multiple numbers gets to highlight that though.

 

[Sarah]

"Shucked" was a super fun evening of theater, not sure that mash of multiple numbers gets to highlight that though.

that didn’t sell it to me, but everyone I know who has seen it has loved it so…

 

[peibeck]

I get this. But I like skater planet, how to wash a check, and anything really with Bonnie…

The number they picked did highlight a bit of the plot with the main character's illness, so it kind of made sense whereas most other numbers might not have, especially with no scripted intros.

 

[peibeck]

Best Leading Actress in a Musical: Victoria Clark "Kimberly Akimbo"

 

[Sarah]

The number they picked did highlight a bit of the plot with the main character's illness, so it kind of made sense whereas most other numbers might not have, especially with no scripted intros.

Definitely. I get it in that sense. I will say, this is a show that the songs grow on you the more you listen to them. It’s a good song, just not my favorite.

 

[peibeck]

Lead Actor in a Play: Sean Hayes "Goodnight, Oscar"

 

[peibeck]

Forbidden Broadway? No, just Lea Michelle doing her Babs impersonation.

 

[peibeck]

Best Musical: "Kimberly Akimbo"

 

[Sarah]

Mostly predictable but a very enjoyable telecast.

 

[victorskid]

Mostly predictable but a very enjoyable telecast.

And they finished right on time

 

[peibeck]

La Chanze, actress turned producer, a big winner of the night for Best Musical and Revival of a Play. She's turned the tragedy of her husband dying in the World Trade Center on 9/11 into inspiring art.

 

[screech]

Why someone has not adapted a Tom Hanks movie into a musical solely for Brian D'Arcy James is a mystery to me. (Yes, I remember there was a version of "Big" but I'm trying to supress that one).

There was also Catch Me if You can, for which Norbert Leo Butz won the Tony in the Tom Hanks role...

I've heard mixed things about this production of Sweeney Todd, but man was that performance amazing! Makes me want to see it. Also, was that makeup on Josh Groban's eyes or was he just really tired? I get why there'd be that makeup, but unless you're in the first 2 rows of the theatre, you wouldn't really see it.

When watching the Funny Girl performance, all I could think of was that quote from Glee about her character: "She may be difficult, but boy can she sing."

I really liked the dance opening of the show - if you've got someone like Ariana Debose (who looked absolutely flawless btw), why not take advantage of that! And while I know she probably practiced what she was going to say, scriptless, she did a really good job with her 'monologue'. Also, loved her 'did the thing' mention late in the broadcast. I'm glad that she's embracing it now.

I do wish that Joel Grey and John Kander were permitted to actually say a few words. And also wish that Julianne and Ariana danced to music from Cabaret instead of Chicago, as Cabaret is connected to both of them (though of course, Chicago is more dance-y)

 

[Sarah]

I do wish that Joel Grey and John Kander were permitted to actually say a few words. And also wish that Julianne and Ariana danced to music from Cabaret instead of Chicago, as Cabaret is connected to both of them (though of course, Chicago is more dance-y)

Either that or they could have just highlighted part of their words from the first part of the non-CBS broadcast? Supposedly they had a nice speech then.

Speaking of the early awards, I wish they had highlighted those winners with a quick recap...

 

[Jayar]

I saw Parade a couple of months ago. I love this show so much-- one of my top three of all time. This production was dismal in my opinion. Ben Platt was not right for the part -- he was essentially a tense adult version of Evan Hanson who was completely unlikable. This production cut so much that added context to the show that it was a lot disjointed and by the end, I didn't really care if Leo lived or died. Was one of the most disappointments on a Broadway stage for me (and I have seen 200+ shows).

 

[paskatefan]

We saw Parade as a play several years ago (local theater production). As much as I like Ben Platt, I find it hard to imagine this play as a musical, considering the subject matter.