I want to spend some time over the next few weeks taking a closer look at some of the Tony races and the individuals that are competing for those coveted silver gongs.  Now, these types of Tony articles are usually called "Road to the [insert name of award show] " or "Journey to the [insert another famous award show]".  However, when I think of "The Broadway", it doesn't really conjure up images of weaving highways towards Radio City Music Hall (where the Tonys are held).  It is really only a few blocks away from any theater to the Tony telecast. When I think of "The Broadway"I tend to think of scurrying feet and bumping bodies as they try to navigate the packed sidewalks of Times Square.  If you have never seen the rialto before an 8:00pm curtain, it is a sight to behold.  It always amazes me how many people can squeeze into such a small space and manage to get where they are going to. The sidewalks look like they are going to overflow! Note, not everyone still finds this charming, but I think I will always love the neon lights of Broadway and the throngs of Times Square (to quote a few songs)!  

So, since I don't really think the whole "road to" thing applies - I am going to name my posts "Sidewalk to the Tonys".  How does that sound?  Now, let's get down to it.

Best Musical

Today, I want to focus in on the highly coveted Best Musical Tony and take a look at the major competitors in this field.  

As you know, the Best Musical Tony is BIG deal.  Winning the Tony for Best Musical can bring millions of dollars in tickets sales and national attention that is unprecedented.  Grabbing top honors in this category can be the difference between a show running for 3 more months and 3 more years.  Last year's winner, Spring Awakening, was a little rock musical that was beloved by critics but hadn't really taken off at the box office.  When SA scooped the Tony; tickets sales skyrocketed and now it is expected to last a very very long time (note: they have just lost all the major original cast members and they are still going strong - the true sign of a HIT).  

The Nominees

This year all four shows nominated for the Best Musical Tony are struggling to become financial hits and would ALL benefit from snagging the silver gong on Tony night.  The nominees are the high energy In the Heights, the groovy and funky rock musical Passing Strange,  the campy movie adaptation of Xanadu and the John Waters' movie turned stage musical Cry-Baby.  (It should be noted here that the more serious A Catered Affair and the mega musicals Young Frankenstein and The Little Mermaid were already cut out of the competition - they did not receive Tony nods this year).  

ITH vs. PS

In my opinion, and it is just my opinion, Passing Strange and In The Heights are the only two shows that are really up for the prize.  Cry-Baby was panned by most critics and wasn't even expected to snag a nomination -  a win by this show would be a huge huge upset.  Xanadu is really out of the running as well, it opened a long time ago and that is always a difficult hurdle to overcome and while it was given a glowing rave review in the NY Times, others in the industry have a mixed reaction to the piece (too campy, too lite - they say).  I think the race really comes down to the two critical darlings of ITH and PS.  

Strange Show

Passing Strange is not your typical B'way fare.  A rock concert wrapped up in Broadway musical, Passing Strange is created and narrated by the singer/songwriter Stew.  Just one word - Stew!  The show tells the funny and poignant journey of a young man exploring the world and himself at the same time.  There is a band on stage the whole time, the music is more rock ‘n roll then Oscar and Hammerstein and the story structure is not traditional.  Many people complain that the show is too weird or crazy or too much of a rock concert (they whine it is not a real Broadway musical - I say "get over it").  Others just think the show is too loud and confusing.  Me - I love it!  I saw the show downtown when it opened at The Public Theater and I recently returned to see it on Broadway.  I find the story totally engrossing, I absolutely love the music and songs and I think Daniel Breaker is giving an Ah-Mazing performance as the young boy (I am hoping for a Tony upset in the Best Featured Actor category for him).   Sure, Passing Strange is different.  It is not your typical B'way show.  Yes, it is sometimes loud and flashy.  But, I would recommend it to anyone - it is a unique theatrical event that will make you laugh, cry and think.  I believe that Tony voters would have no trouble awarding Passing Strange the Tony this year; if it weren't for another little show a few blocks away.

Hitting the Heights

The other contender for the Best Musical Award is In The Heights.  With music and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda and a book by Quiara Alegría Hudes, In The Heights tells the story of three days in the characters' lives in the New York City Latino neighborhood of Washington Heights. The score features hip-hop, salsa, merengue and soul music and is, well, it is a ton of fun!  Lin-Manuel also stars in the production and he is the brilliant pulsing heartbeat at the center of this lovable show.  In The Heights is also an Off-Broadway transfer (like Passing Strange) and has been warmly welcomed by "The Broadway".  I have also had a chance to see ITH and once again, I really loved this show (see my open letter to the cast in an earlier post).  As I watched the show, I found myself grinning from ear to ear and sort of dancing in my seat (if that is possible).  I was completely charmed by the story and the cast (especially Mr. Miranda - who I hope will take home a Best Actor trophy).  It is definitely more of a traditional "book" musical (a story, singing and dancing - I might add the dancing is phenomenal in the show).  However, I think In The Heights both embraces the traditions of musical theater and at the same time creates something new and unique with its on special feeling and vibe.  Comparing the two shows side by side, I would say the PS is edgy and introspective where ITH is more joyful and open hearted (less cynical, maybe).  ITH really qualifies as (to use a cliché) "the feel good hit of the year"! 

It is a tough choice that Tony voters are going to have to make.  I don't really think either show is a shoe-in - oh and I think I am going to throw a tiny wrench into this whole thing...

The Dark Horse

Now, I am pretty sure that either ITH or PS will take home the trophy on June 15th, but I have to tell you that a little show with a big heart and some roller skating is NOT going to give up without a fight.  The folks over at Xanadu are not giving up on their Tony, the rest of the industry may be counting them out, but they are wagging and all out battle.  They have a secret weapon and he is called Cubby Bernstein.  Xanadu has started a marketing campaign based around a 13 year old boy who they bill as Tony campaign manager.  There are viral YouTube clips, a website, they announced a national tour and (most importantly) they have taken out a number of high profile web ads on several industry portals.  I haven't seen any of the other shows try this type of thing and, who knows, it might just work.  It really reminds me of the whole Avenue Q Tony campaign (Vote Avenue Q) which worked brilliantly for them - they won, remember!  One thing for sure, it is getting Xanadu noticed and, perhaps, causing Tony voters to take a second look at the show and open this back up into a 3 way race.  Could there be a Tony night shocker (a la Avenue Q stealing the prize from Wicked)?  I doubt it, but would that be exciting!!!

Prediction

All that being said, I am going to have to put my money on In The Heights.  This is the type of show that Tony voters love!  Fun, exciting, a good story they can understand, lots of energetic dancing, a compelling back story attached to the writer and it can tour around the country.  I think it will be a tight race, but in the end I think that In The Heights will prevail.  What do YOU think?  Please leave me your thoughts in the comments section.  I am really curious to know what other folks are thinking!

Next on "Sidewalk to the Tonys" I will take a look at the fight for the Best Actress in Musical Tony: Patti vs. Kelli.  Until then I will...

~ See You On The Aisle