Tony season is definitely here and I have a bevy of Broadway/Tony related news to pass on to you.  Some of it funny, some of it sad, and some of down right infuriating.  Check out what is going on...

Cubby Will Get You a Tony Award

Have you heard about Cubby Bernstein, yet?  You MUST click HERE to check it out.  It appears that the folks at Xanadu (although they are currently denying it) have come up with a HYSTERICAL way to campaign for the Best Musical Tony.  Douglas Carter Beane (the book writer for Xanadu) has gathered a group of his famous friends (Julie White, John Collum, Duncan Sheik) and made a few YouTube videos staring a 13 year old boy who claims to be Cubby Bernstein - a Tony Campaign Manager.  The vids are priceless (check out him interviewing the producers of Xanadu in his office - ah-mazing).  They also feature testimonials from recent Tony winners on how Cubby snagged them their Tony Awards.  Cubby is an over-the-top/ old-school B'way type with a foul mouth and a hard as nails reputation - except he is 13 years old and sucks on lollipops.  Cubby's catch phrase is "I smell a Tony".

This is a very clever ploy by the gang at Xanadu.  Everyone in the industry is talking about Cubby and by extension, they are talking about Xanadu.  Even the New York Times ran an article on this.  The question is; will this help Xanadu land their own Tony for Best Musical?  We will have to wait and see, but if Cubby has his way they definitely will!

Tony Déjà Vu

Didn't we go through this last year with Legally Blonde?  Word on the street is that CBS wants to feature the NON-Tony nominated musicals The Little Mermaid and Young Frankenstein on the Tony telecast.  This, of course, makes total sense...the shows are hugely popular, have great name recognition, big stars (especially in the case of YF) and would draw in viewers.  Easy decision, right?  Hold your horses.  This issue is never easy and I don't anticipate CBS getting their way (for the second year in a row).  Because as soon as you say "yes" to YF and TLM then you have to add A Catered Affair (I can hear audiences across America falling asleep - I am sorry - but that show will NOT translate well on to TV).  Then, if you add A Catered Affair to the show then you will have to give EVERY show a slot.  Because, lord knows, you have to be fair!  Fair Schmaer.  Who said network television has to be fair - can't CBS do whatever the heck they want to?  Ohhh this issue always burns me up.  I am so angry I could spit.   I need to cool down, let's move on.

Cry-Baby By a Vote

The producers and creators of A Catered Affair will definitely be crying over this piece of news - get out the hankies.  The rialto is buzzing about Cry-Baby taking a slot on the list of Best Musicals when the Tony Noms were announced last week.  Many thought A Catered Affair would win out over Cry-Baby.  Well, news comes that it was very very close.  Apparently the two shows TIED on the first ballot when the Tony nominators voted for Best Musical.  On the second ballot CB beat ACA by ONE VOTE.  ONE VOTE - yikes.  That must hurt - a lot!  Not to be snarky, but I don't think the vote for the winner in this category will be anywhere as close.  Next item.

Laughing all the Way to the Bank

The all African-American production of Tennessee Williams' Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (starring Terrence Howard) did not get a single Tony nomination last week (which is, frankly, shocking).  The producers can't be that terribly upset though; they just announced that they have recouped their entire 2.1 million dollar investment - which means everything after this point is ALL PROFIT.  Nothing cheers you up after you get shut out of the Tonys like the sound of cold hard cash slipping into your pocket. 

The producers also announced that they are likely to make a film version of the show in 2009 (no word on the cast but one would have to assume that most from this production would return).   If this wasn't enough news - they are also planning on a "simulcast" of the B'way show that would run in movie theaters.  Looks like they don't need any Tony Awards - they seem to be doing just fine all on their own!

In Non-Tony Related News

Just a quick note to say that Jonathan Groff and Lea Michele played their final performances in the Tony Award winning B'way musical Spring Awakening, last night.  Canadian musician Kyle Riabko will replace Groff as Melchior and ensemble member Alexandra Socha will take on Michele's part.  This is the end of a Spring Awakening era, but I guess that (in the words of the show) is "The Bitch of Living".

More Non-Tony Info - The Battle of the Biceps Continues

Michael Reidel at The NY Post continues his coverage of bicep controversy over at A Chorus Line.  You remember the story about Mario Lopez and his big gunz and co-star Nick Adams and his bulging arms - well, Riedel is declaring a victor.  Based on reader responses (over 100) Reidel has awarded Nick Adams the winner of the battle.  Congratulations Nick - this must be a very big day for you!  Click HERE to read the entire article.

Have a GREAT Monday everyone.  I will be bringing you more Tony gossip, drama and predictions over the course of the next few weeks; until then I will...

~ See You On The Aisle