This isn’t the Oscars. The Tony Awards doesn’t do a “memoriam,” thankfully.
Nikki James has been very well known since playing Nabulungi in the original cast of “Book of Mormon.” I agree that she’s simply wonderful.
If NPH isn’t busy starring in another hit I really hope he is back next year as host. I enjoyed the awards last night but it didn’t reach the fun and originality that Neil brings when he emcees. But how much cooler was it for Doogie to be a winner this time? I’m very happy for him.
Holy Crap. I didn’t realize they did a performance of the upcoming Finding Neverland. I went to bed before that came up. I don’t quite get why they are showing that (and Sting), but whatever. I’m excited because I have tickets to see it at A.R.T. in Cambridge. I was fortunate enough to see All the Way last Fall at A.R.T. too. A.R.T. is really on a roll. Here’s to hoping Finding Neverland will be excellent too. If you live in the Boston area, getting tickets to A.R.T. is a great way to see Broadway quality shows before they hit Broadway. (Previously at A.R.T.: Porgy and Bess, Hair, Pippin, The Glass Menagerie).
Do you mean “How is there not a Hugh Jackman Broadway Musical Revue and Variety Show thread yet”?
Seriously? My wife and I, big broadway fans, thought she was AWFUL. Screechy and not very well in tune, and completely jarred us out of an otherwise excellent performance.
I felt like she was so bad that she must either be having a completely off day, or a case of Tony nerves, or really bad miking, or something, because no professional broadway singer could sound that bad.
I have to agree with Max. I loved her performance in Book of Mormon (from the cast recording…haven’t actually seen it), but she was very off last night. She wavered a lot and her voice was forced, like she was REALLY nervous.
Our viewing group agrees, too. When she started to sing, we looked at each other like, “THAT’S the best performer they could find for Eponine?” She may be great in the actual show, but she was definitely not great in that Tony number … whether that be nerves, a technical issue, or just an off night.
On another point, I know I’m in the minority of the viewing audience, but I would like to see more of the non-musical stuff shown during the Tony broadcast. They used to perform scenes from the nominated plays, or more recently show short filmed clips. In the last several years, you’re lucky to get a line or two from any non-musical. Meanwhile, we get two - TWO - performances from musicals that haven’t even opened yet, along with a number from a ten-year-old show.
Yeah, I know, TV viewers want the musical numbers, but I’m a theatre nerd who wants to see more acting, dammit!
“Bridges of Madison County” didn’t do a song because it is already closed.
I loved the “WTF” joke at the top of the show. I was howling for minutes. As the camera did a shot of NPH, his facial expression just put the cherry on top.
I don’t think “If/Then” won anything, did it? Neither did “Cripple of Inishmaan”.
I agree, given the political wonks and Bryan Cranston love on this board the audience would have positively LOVED a scene from All The Way.
Or if they had of given a minute to Lady Day, people would be stunned at how Audra captured the tragedy and the beauty of Billie Holliday.
Was in the right place at the right time last night completely by accident, and was able to watch actors walk the red carpet. Very cool seeing NPH, Bryan Cranston, etc. Got a couple of lousy pics. Wish I was better at the celebrity identity game. It was fun, nonetheless.
Yes they do, but they only showed it to the audience in Radio City during a commercial break, it was not broadcast to TV. (I was at the Tony rehearsal yesterday morning so I did see the In Memoriam segment.)
You can view it online here.
Add me to those who were really not impressed by Nikki M. James. I have not seen the new Les Mis revival yet, but her few lines as Eponine during the Tonys were awful. Screechy and unpleasant to listen to. She was no better at the rehearsal.
No one I spoke to at the rehearsal understood the opening number. We knew it was referencing the movie on the TV screen Jackman hopped past, but could not figure out the significance of why it was included. If an audience completely made of Broadway & theatre people didn’t get it, why in the world did they think it would work for a wider television audience? 
The Tony Administration Committee has announced that they’re cutting the Tony awards for Sound Design of a Play and Sound Design of a Musical from regular competition. From now on, they’re only awarding “Special Tony Awards to a production when it determines that extraordinary sound design has been achieved.”
That’s a terrible idea. Sound is at least as important as lighting, directing, costumes, or any of half a dozen other categories that they award. I hope there will be some blowback on this.
Let’s not forget that Jackman can also do an amazing opening number given time, cooperation, and budget… though I have no idea which factor or factors was missing this year.
2004 Tony Awards Opening, One Night Only (Youtube)