To add to my last comment and to echo macnyc, I can't help but think that if Fun Home had managed to get a theater, it would have (deservedly) had Musical, Book, and Score in the bag.
I'd be surprised by After Midnight being nominated for Best Musical. Not at all a knock on the show- but it is a revue, which will almost certainly be held against it come nominating time.
Reviews don't mean nominations.
"...everyone finally shut up, and the audience could enjoy the beginning of the Anatevka Pogram in peace."
Well this hasn't been a landmark year for musicals. I think After Midnight is a rather safe bet for a nod. It's got a terrific shot at a win. (Other revues have won as well-Fosse, and Smokey Joe's Cafe really are revues. They are 'safe' shows for the out of town voters-known music and easy to put in other venues.)
And those productions all won in weaker years for new musicals.
After Midnight is reliant on revolving headliners for sales. It's a revue in a year with - if no TRANSCENDENT new musicals- many strong "true" musicals.
"...everyone finally shut up, and the audience could enjoy the beginning of the Anatevka Pogram in peace."
I'd sure like to see what's so strong about "Bridges," "If/Then" (gag me), among others. I have not seen a single Broadway show that made me believe it was a full production worthy of best musical. Period.
Bridges was received equally as well as After Midnight overall, according to StageGrade. Both it and After Midnight (and Gentleman's Guide) have an aggregated grade of A-, based on critical reviews.
You may not have enjoyed Bridges- but word of mouth in the theatrical community is generally positive, as well.
Obviously, it's too early to determine anything for If/Then, and Rocky is divisive (though I would say it skews positive due to overall production).
"...everyone finally shut up, and the audience could enjoy the beginning of the Anatevka Pogram in peace."
I doubt After Midnight is at any disadvantage. Revues are not ignored by the committee because of their structure and presentation. Plus it is awesome.
Listen, I don't take my clothes off for anyone, even if it is "artistic". - JANICE
"Bridges of Madison County (if it can stay open until then)"
One has nothing to do with the other. Bonnie and Clyde got two nominations, a show that closed more than six months before the awards.
I think it will be Bridges of Madison County, If/Then (they love original material) and Bullets Over Broadway. After Midnight is more of a concert, so it's doubtful. Fantastic though.
I hope Kelli, Steven, and Norbert get nominations for their outstanding performances.
@ljay889 the committee got together and ruled that with so many eligible nominees in different categories, including Best Musical/Score/Book and the performance awards, the number of final nominees could be adjusted to 5. or something along those lines, don't quote me. lol.
Since BULLETS is, as I am writing this, in the midst of its SECOND preview, why are so many of you sure it has a "lock" on a nomination? Maybe it will, maybe it won't... aren't you being just a tad premature? I recall everyone saying the same thing about BIG FISH. And we all know how that turned out...
"In the new rules, going from four to five nominees will only happen if, in the nominating process, a fifth show achieves a vote tally that would put it in the same ballpark as the show with the fourth highest total. Final decision will be made by the accountants totting up the votes of the nominating committee.
"In the new rules, there’s also the chance to reduce a show category to as few as three nominees, if five or fewer productions in that class qualify for nomination consideration."
And I put "true" in quotes. I have nothing against After Midnight- I just have no confidence it's as locked as some people here- because it's a revue (and one with alternating headliners) in a year of several strong book musicals. I think the nominating committee will be conservative about this especially because the show is, in effect, operating like a special engagement concert.
That's my opinion and has never been presented as anything but. Doesn't affect how awesome you think the show is.
"...everyone finally shut up, and the audience could enjoy the beginning of the Anatevka Pogram in peace."