Time Out's Adam Feldman and David Cote released their dream list of nominations. Looks pretty solid, aside from a few interesting choices. Still pretty remarkable how up in the air everything is. The TONY* Nominations
"...everyone finally shut up, and the audience could enjoy the beginning of the Anatevka Pogram in peace."
Oh, how I hope their choices for direction in both categories line up with the actual nominations. Actually, if these were the actual nominees, I would have quibbles but not complaints.
I think Fantasia deserves a nomination. Kd Lang, Vanessa Williams and Toni Braxton all failed to bring the magic and vocal brilliance Ms. Barrino brought to After Midnight. She deserves to be recognized (especially considering all of her replacements have 10+ years over her in the industry).
Aladdin snubbed almost completely by these predictions. Same with Cripple. Glass menagerie also only got one of 4 actors. And Act One got very little notice, even for scenic. Meanwhile Machinal, Winslow Boy and If/Then received more love than predicted. Maybe just biases that the critics have though.
Most of the nominations go to productions that are able to tour most a touring producers and I do not think Aladdin will do that well without a nomination Little Mermaid and Tarzan didn't (but they did not deserve it)
What Kad says. I never understand why people think that reviews are a foreshadowing of the Tonys. Voters will agree with some reviews, disagree with others, and vote for who they thought was best or who can best serve them. For instance, if I were a road producer, I'd be all over Aladdin. But nobody stares down at their ballot thinking, "Well Brantley really liked this" or "Variety gave it a pan." There are all sorts of biases involved such as friendships and professional relationships, both good and bad. I once heard a voter say, "I wouldn't vote for that ass if he'd written Show Boat." The writer in question was then the voter's ex-wife's boyfriend. So while many things effect nominations and eventual wins, reviews are not one of them.
I agree though! There's nothing spectacular about Michelle William's performance. I think she's been in a lot of predictions though, so that's why I brought it up.
Yeah, it's surprising. They love nominating Hollywood stars though, unfortunately. I'm sad Kate Baldwin will probably be left off the list. I thought she was just spectacular in Big Fish