In 1985, the Tony Awards eliminated the categories of Best Lead Actor and Actress in a Musical. It was deemed there were not enough lead performances to fill the categories. I also imagine that Piel was billed below the title for that production.
"In 1985, the Tony Awards eliminated the categories of Best Lead Actor and Actress in a Musical. It was deemed there were not enough lead performances to fill the categories."
Which would probably explain why she is the only Anna to have ever lost a Tony race (we'll have to wait and see if Kelli O'Hara will be joining her in June).
well you would think she would have had a better chance of winning the tony since she was the only one in a lead actress role in the supporting actress category
I've always found it fascinating the way the focus shifted for this show based solely on the charisma of Yul Brynner. Gertrude Lawrence's tailor made star vehicle quickly became a showcase for a previously unknown supporting player, who rode the show throughout the rest of his career!
How is the show billed for the revival? Both above, both below, just Kelli above? I can't imagine just Watanabe would be billed above.