"The sexual energy between the mother and son really concerns me!"-random woman behind me at Next to Normal
"I want to meet him after and bang him!"-random woman who exposed her breasts at Rock of Ages, referring to James Carpinello
I was crazy enough to go out on a limb at this point (in the ONCE reviews thread) and predict Jeremy Jordan will win the Tony for Best Actor in a Musical for NEWSIES. Although I could be quite wrong about the win (I stand by my prediction) I really believe he'll at least be nominated. The reason I think the Jordan situation is not comparable to Aaron Tveit is the fact that Aaron Tveit's performance in CMIYC was not roundly lauded, and Norbert Leo Butz's performance was recognized as the heartbeat of the production. In future productions, the scales may likely tip back in the other direction.
Also, Jeremy Jordan got excellent personal reviews for B&C and I expect him to receive similar (if not better) for NEWSIES, as I understand he leads that large cast well. Anyone who gives two strong leading performances in the same season simply stands a greater chance of winning, in my opinion. (Mark Rylance, anyone?)
No, because he's not nearly as bland a performer as Tveit is. As good as his voice is, Tveit hasn't proven himself to be nearly as versatile as Jordan has this past season alone. Tveit's performance in N2N was bland, but it sort of worked, because he was (SPOILER?) dead (END SPOILER). His performance in CATCH ME, however, was unforgivably uncharismastic, especially for a character that is supposed to be so charming and brash.
Jordan will get a nomination. He deserves it. In my opinion, Tveit's snubs aren't surprising and he wasn't robbed of anything.
Jordan's also going to get significantly better reviews for Newsies than Tveit did for Catch Me.
Yes, I think he'll surely be nominated, and honestly, stands a more than decent chance at actually winning the award. Burstein's performance will be remembered with a nomination, but who knows if voters will remember him. If Leap of Faith is not well-received, Esparza may not be recognized. Ricky Martin (who could potentially be bumped to featured, anyway) sounds like he sings well in Evita, but lacks the dramatic gravitas Patinkin brought to the role. That leaves Steve Kazee as the biggest competition, in my opinion. He received stellar reviews for Once, and that could be the Tonys' way of honoring the show if they go with the safer, more commercial Newsies as Best Musical.
At this point, I expect the nominees to be:
Danny Burstein, Follies Raul Esparza, Leap of Faith Jeremy Jordan, Newsies Steve Kazee, Once Ricky Martin, Evita or Norm Lewis, Porgy and Bess
I agree with adamgreer wholeheartedly! I would definitely give the fifth slot to Norm Lewis over Ricky Martin. Yes, Steve Kazee will be the biggest competition for Jeremy Jordan.
I just realized the glaring omission from this discussion is Matthew Broderick. His is one I simply cannot call until the show opens. If his performance is highly praised then he likely knocks out either Esparza or Norm Lewis. Jordan and Kazee are the only two at this point, guaranteed nominations, but I think we can safety bet that Danny Burstein will make the list.
Updated On: 3/20/12 at 04:35 PM
I think it's between Danny Burstein and Raul Esparza.
Burstein is a respected actor who's come into his own in Follies and was amazing (I really loved his Buddy and I think they might want to give Follies an award in some category, and this might be their best shot.)
Esparza is a respected actor who has never won as well.
The nominees:
Danny Burstein Raul Esparza Jeremy Jordan Steve Kazee Norm Lewis *Ricky Martin could take one of the younger actors' slots I think. Evita is turning out to be a big hit and that could bode well come Tony time.
"Jordan received excellent personal noeices for B&C" Huh?
Burstein's performance will NOT be forgotten. I see 5 slots and 6 Actors. Love a good race! Burstein Esparza Kazoo Jordan Lewis Broderick (?) A TONY fav.
“The leads, while a tad too wholesome to portray the Barrow gang, outshine their material... Jordan, recently in the pre-Broadway run of Disney’s Newsies, plays Clyde with a winning twinkle in his eye and a cocky presence that should land him roles in better vehicles.”
Hollywood Reporter
“Yet in spite of a mostly pleasant country-and-blues score and strong, sexy performances from the doll-faced Laura Osnes and heartthrob Jeremy Jordan, this remains a problematic show that lacks focus and tends to pause and meander too often. “
amNewYork
“Osnes and Jeremy Jordan — who plays Clyde, and won raves recently for “Newsies” in New Jersey — are the biggest assets here: young and easy on the eye, good actors and even better singers.”
I think Norm should win hands down. He really is turning in a wonderfully deep heartfelt performance. He could have easily been overshadowed by McDonald, but he's astounding. Especially given the fact that he hasn't had to do much 'acting' in the past couple of shows. I don't see how he could lose out to such a bland show like Newsies.