Tony Award for Best Musical Ensemble

[passing strange]

Posted: 6/14/13 at 2:57pm

Hi everyone! I have thought for some time now that there should be a Tony award for best musical ensemble. I have seen a number of shows in which the ensemble was by far the best part about the production, but they get no recognition. That's a real shame. Does anyone else think this is a good idea?

[all that jazz]

Posted: 6/14/13 at 3:03pm

Well, considering they once awarded all of the Von Trapp children as Best featured actress, I think it's a brilliant idea to give ensembles a separate category. Ensembles like Pippin deserve recognition.

[Starship]

Posted: 6/14/13 at 3:09pm

I really feel Ensembles should have their own category. The show wouldn't be the same without a fantastic Ensemble! And as the previous poster said, Pippin's Ensemble definitely was a standout for me!
Updated On: 6/14/13 at 03:09 PM

[ucjrdude902]

Posted: 6/14/13 at 3:12pm

I think there should be an ensemble award for plays and musicals.

[HenryTDobson]

Posted: 6/14/13 at 3:26pm

I think the problem with ensemble awards is that almost all ensembles on Broadway are great. I don't remember a time when I left a show thinking that the ensemble was poor. The award would then become more about what they're doing, rather than how they're doing it. Sure, Pippin's ensemble was incredible, but of course they're the standout with all the circus stunts.

In a way, the choreography award is a shoutout to the ensemble.

[Someone in a Tree2]

Posted: 6/14/13 at 4:02pm

Maybe everyone who appears on a Broadway stage should just win a Participation Tony. That way no-one goes home empty-handed. Oy with the prizes already.

[SFFrontRow]

Posted: 6/14/13 at 4:27pm

Good idea on paper, not a good idea in practice.

IMHO it kind of cheapens the "Tony Award recipient" for an actor if an ensemble gets an award every year. Does that preclude the starring players?

I recently saw Pippin and thought the skill sets required for that ensemble are pretty rigorous and eliminates a lot of "non-acrobatic" supporting ensemble players.

I think a better alternative is to allow the Tony committee to award an outstanding ensemble special Tony (not unlike the one given to "the Matildas" this year) that will recognize the unique nature of an ensemble like that of the Pippin production.

All that being said, it would be fun to try and handicap a Best Musical Ensemble and Best Play Ensemble but assume these awards would be used politically to award a production or actor that was great but will not win Best Musical/Musical Revival/Play/Play Revival/Actor/Actress/Featured Actor/Actress.

(e.g., Matilda wins Best Ensemble but Kinky Boots wins Best Musical - or - The Nance wins Best Ensemble to award it even though not in the running for Best Play - or Tracy Letts does't win Best Actor because he will get part of Best Ensemble - or - Lucky Guy wins it because they figure it won't win Best Play and Tom Hanks MAY not win Best Actor - YIKES).

[dreaming]

Posted: 6/14/13 at 4:58pm

Pippin should've gotten a special award for that ensemble like the Matildas got. The ensemble is the heart of the show-as outstanding as the nominees' (and winners in the cases of Patina Miller and Andrea Martin) performances were, the ensemble was absolutely deserving of recognition.

[all that jazz]

Posted: 6/14/13 at 5:49pm

They already do it at the sag awards, so it's not like it's an unheard of practice.

[jaxel614]

Posted: 6/14/13 at 6:01pm

But for the SAG Awards, the Best Ensemble winner is equivalent to Best Musical at the Tonys.

[all that jazz]

Posted: 6/14/13 at 6:28pm

Yes, because they only recognize acting, but I don't see why that same award couldn't work at the Tonys.

It could be awarded not to the whole ensemble, but to the chorus of a musical.

[dramamama611]

Posted: 6/14/13 at 7:44pm

If the show wins Best "whatever*" that award is FOR everyone. It is part of the "best". Yes, only the producers physically receive a trophy, but EVERY MEMBER of the production has a part of that award -- and they know it.



And by whatever I mean: Best Musical, Best Play, or best revival of either category.

Updated On: 6/14/13 at 07:44 PM

[Brave Sir Robin2]

Posted: 6/14/13 at 7:59pm

I think one for the ensemble would be great, but not the ensemble in the SAG sense. Make it for all shows with an ensemble and make it one category. Easy.