Special Tony for Ali Stroker?
Special Tony for Ali Stroker?
#1Special Tony for Ali Stroker?
Posted: 11/25/15 at 11:01pm
Ali Stroker may not be a major character in Spring Awakening. But, she is the very first wheel chaired performer on Broadway and that's something definitely worth remembering Tony-time.
c0113g3b0y
Leading Actor Joined: 9/16/15
#2Special Tony for Ali Stroker?
Posted: 11/25/15 at 11:04pm
If they want to give a special tony it should be for the entire cast. Not just Ali. I don't see why she should be singled out just because she happens to be in a wheelchair
The thing is, besides being an utter toad of a human being, Riedel usually has the least knowledge of the topic in the room. He doesn't usually understand the content or approach of a show, and is always completely and unfailingly socially ignorant, which makes it really infuriating when Susan can't get a word in edgewise. A definitive mansplainer; it's always painful when he has female guests. I watch the show sporadically when I really want to see a guest, because it's the only theatre talkshow we have, but it would be so much better without this hateful clown in a dadcoat. (thanks ScaryWarhol)
IlanaKeller
Leading Actor Joined: 10/14/15
#3Special Tony for Ali Stroker?
Posted: 11/25/15 at 11:04pm
Intriguing idea. I don't think it will happen this year (maybe in the future as a kind of watershed moment?), but being honored at the Tonys I could see.
Twitter: @IlanaKeller
Latest work: app.com/topic/asbury-park-broadway/
#4Special Tony for Ali Stroker?
Posted: 11/25/15 at 11:06pm
is that true that no other performer in a wheelchair ever appeared on Broadway? I find that shocking.
"Contentment, it seems, simply happens. It appears accompanied by no bravos and no tears."
dramamama611
Broadway Legend Joined: 12/4/07
#5Special Tony for Ali Stroker?
Posted: 11/25/15 at 11:19pm
It's true. But no, it does.t mean she should get a Tony for it.....that's ridiculous.
If we're not having fun, then why are we doing it?
These are DISCUSSION boards, not mutual admiration boards. Discussion only occurs when we are willing to hear what others are thinking, regardless of whether it is alignment to our own thoughts.
#6Special Tony for Ali Stroker?
Posted: 11/25/15 at 11:24pm
I could see the entire cast getting a Special Tony Award just like the cast of Big River back in 2004.
#7Special Tony for Ali Stroker?
Posted: 11/25/15 at 11:30pm
dramamama611 said: "It's true. But no, it does.t mean she should get a Tony for it.....that's ridiculous.
"
Why would it be ridiculous? That's a huge first for Broadway and a huge achievement for Ali
#8Special Tony for Ali Stroker?
Posted: 11/25/15 at 11:37pm
what character does she play?
"Contentment, it seems, simply happens. It appears accompanied by no bravos and no tears."
#9Special Tony for Ali Stroker?
Posted: 11/25/15 at 11:39pm
I definitely see where you're coming from. Ali is an actress who has indeed faced incredible adversity and has come out if it successful, and with a history-making performance.
But what I wonder is: would Ali really want to be recognized by the Tony committee just for being in a wheelchair? She's giving a perfectly good performance in the show, but far from Tony-worthy. The fact that it's 2015 and she is the only person in a wheelchair to perform on Broadway is something that Broadway as a community should not feel particularly proud of. The way I see it, Ali getting a special Tony for being in a wheelchair sends the following message: "Dear Ali, good job overcoming the many obstacles that we as a community/institution/business have put in your way."
Updated On: 11/25/15 at 11:39 PM#10Special Tony for Ali Stroker?
Posted: 11/25/15 at 11:42pm
seriously what the f broadway, get your shiz together
"Contentment, it seems, simply happens. It appears accompanied by no bravos and no tears."
#11Special Tony for Ali Stroker?
Posted: 11/26/15 at 12:32am
I have to echo what JBroadway said. Ali is thrilled that she helped break boundaries and that she can be a role model for others. She's stated this multiple times. But if she gets a Tony, she wants it to be for being an outstanding actress. Not for being in a wheelchair or even for being an outstanding actress in a wheelchair.
I have no no idea if the cast will get special recognition as Big River did. It wouldn't surprise me. But it'll be for taking accessibility in theater another step farther.
#12Special Tony for Ali Stroker?
Posted: 11/26/15 at 12:35am
She is excellent in what is basically an ensemble role, but I agree, I'm sure she'd much rather be recognized for her acting than for her disability.
c0113g3b0y
Leading Actor Joined: 9/16/15
#13Special Tony for Ali Stroker?
Posted: 11/26/15 at 1:35am
gypsy101 said: "what character does she play?
"
she plays Anna, an ensemble role originated by Phoebe Strole in the OBC
The thing is, besides being an utter toad of a human being, Riedel usually has the least knowledge of the topic in the room. He doesn't usually understand the content or approach of a show, and is always completely and unfailingly socially ignorant, which makes it really infuriating when Susan can't get a word in edgewise. A definitive mansplainer; it's always painful when he has female guests. I watch the show sporadically when I really want to see a guest, because it's the only theatre talkshow we have, but it would be so much better without this hateful clown in a dadcoat. (thanks ScaryWarhol)
dramamama611
Broadway Legend Joined: 12/4/07
#14Special Tony for Ali Stroker?
Posted: 11/26/15 at 4:19am
This (like her accident) is something that happened to her. The decision was the producers and the director. It just happened to be her.(not saying she hadn't worked hard, but it could have easily gone to a different wheelchair bound performer. It just happened to be her)
I thought she was quite good in the show, btw.
If we're not having fun, then why are we doing it?
These are DISCUSSION boards, not mutual admiration boards. Discussion only occurs when we are willing to hear what others are thinking, regardless of whether it is alignment to our own thoughts.
smidge
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/16/06
#15Special Tony for Ali Stroker?
Posted: 11/26/15 at 10:06am
Loved her since the Glee Project. She would be a wonderful Galinda
tamra2
Stand-by Joined: 1/9/07
#16Special Tony for Ali Stroker?
Posted: 11/26/15 at 6:58pm
Being the first to do something is not a reason to earn a Tony award which is supposed to be for excellence in theater... Perhaps being noted in something like the Guinness book of world records... But definitely not a Tony award.
#17Special Tony for Ali Stroker?
Posted: 11/26/15 at 7:01pm
Totally agree about the Glinda comment. She would be perfection.
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Wilmingtom
Broadway Legend Joined: 7/18/11
#18Special Tony for Ali Stroker?
Posted: 11/26/15 at 7:07pm
Perhaps a special Tony for Bernard Telsey, the casting director who had the vision to bring Stroker into the mix.
#19Special Tony for Ali Stroker?
Posted: 11/27/15 at 11:48am
That's a terrible idea. "Good for you, getting a part in this show, handicapped girl! You get an award for that!"
#20Special Tony for Ali Stroker?
Posted: 11/27/15 at 3:35pm
Call_me_jorge said: "Totally agree about the Glinda comment. She would be perfection.
"
That's actually one of her dream roles. She'd be great!
kade.ivy
Broadway Star Joined: 7/28/13
#21Special Tony for Ali Stroker?
Posted: 11/27/15 at 4:10pm
I would say give the production itself (so I guess the producers and/or maybe director) Tony Honors or a Special Tony and have normal eligibility rules for the cast. Of course, it would hardly be fair to have a non-competitive award for the producers/director AND have them compete for the regular awards, unless the reason for the special awards is specified as the contribution to breaking down barriers, giving actors with disabilities the opportunity to shine, something like that.
Speaking of the cast-has the Tony committee met to discuss Spring Awakening? Will the deaf actors and hearing actors in the same role be considered dually eligible a la the Billy Elliots?
Updated On: 11/27/15 at 04:10 PM
Bwaydide92
Leading Actor Joined: 5/16/12
#22Special Tony for Ali Stroker?
Posted: 11/27/15 at 4:36pm
They have made eligibility determinations for Spring Awakening. Only Austin P McKenzie and Sandra Mae Frank will be considered for best leading actor and actress. So Katie Boeck will not be considered as a lead. They may still nominate her for featured, but I'm sure that means that the Moritzs will be considered separately as well.
#23Special Tony for Ali Stroker?
Posted: 11/27/15 at 5:24pm
agree with Collegeboy... a special tony for the whole cast or no tony at all.
