Student Blog: Tony Predictions

The 74th Annual Tony Awards are about 2 weeks away, and The Official Challenge, presented by Audience Rewards, has begun. Need some help predicting the winners?

I have attempted to predict about half of these categories (mainly the musical theatre categories since I was not able to see the majority of the plays in the 2019-2020 season), and have provided some rationale for each category. The bolded nominee is the one I believe will win as of now. Of course, all the nominees deserve awards, but only one can win in each. What do you think?

Best Musical

Jagged Little Pill

Moulin Rouge! The Musical

Tina - The Tina Turner Musical

Moulin Rouge! is the definition of live theatre. It creates a world where the audience feels truly a part of thanks to the set, unique staging, and lighting design. While the songs are familiar to maintain attention and interest, the story also has a great balance of comedy and drama. I would be surprised if this does not win the Tony, but sometimes original stories are favored more than an adaptation so Jagged Little Pill also has a strong chance.

Best Book of a Musical

Jagged Little Pill - Diablo Cody

Moulin Rouge! The Musical - John Logan

Tina - The Tina Turner Musical - Katori Hall, Frank Ketelaar and Kees Prins

I easily ruled out Moulin Rouge! in this category since it is an adaptation. Original stories, as aforementioned, seem to garner more respect in the book category. Even though Tina is not an adaptation, Jagged Little Pill's book has a wider range of social issues addressed and the story has tons of twists and turns.

Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical

Aaron Tveit, Moulin Rouge! The Musical

Just give Aaron Tveit his Tony already. His voice is incredible and he truly embodies the character in this show. I believe it would be disrespectful for him not to receive the award given that he is the only nominee.

Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical

Karen Olivo, Moulin Rouge! The Musical

Elizabeth Stanley, Jagged Little Pill

Adrienne Warren, Tina - The Tina Turner Musical

The Last Tony for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical went to Stephanie J. Block for Cher, and I would not be surprised at all if it went to Adrienne Warren for taking on another iconic singer. However, Elizabeth Stanley puts on a strong fight for this award with her heart wrenching performance in Jagged Little Pill. I think it is an equal game between these two, but Warren has just the slightest edge.

Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical

Danny Burstein, Moulin Rouge! The Musical

Derek Klena, Jagged Little Pill

Sean Allan Krill, Jagged Little Pill

Sahr Ngaujah, Moulin Rouge! The Musical

Daniel J. Watts, Tina - The Tina Turner Musical

Honestly, no one here stood out to me more than the others in these shows. I think Danny Burstein may have the slightest edge over everyone else since he has commanding moments in Moulin Rouge! and lets his vocals shine while taking on such a character role. Nevertheless, it is anyone's game here.

Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical

Kathryn Gallagher, Jagged Little Pill

Celia Rose Gooding, Jagged Little Pill

Robyn Hurder, Moulin Rouge! The Musical

Lauren Patten, Jagged Little Pill

Myra Lucretia Taylor, Tina - The Tina Turner Musical

If Lauren Patten does not take home the Tony for this role, I would be shocked. Patten literally stops the show and garners a standing ovation for You Oughta Know. I have never seen a Broadway audience clap for so long in the middle of an act.

Best Scenic Design of a Musical

Riccardo Hernández and Lucy Mackinnon, Jagged Little Pill

Derek McLane, Moulin Rouge! The Musical

Mark Thompson and Jeff Sugg, Tina - The Tina Turner Musical

Derek McLane's innovative set has paved the way for the future of set design and theatrical architecture. Need I say more??

Best Costume Design of a Musical

Emily Rebholz, Jagged Little Pill

Mark Thompson, Tina - The Tina Turner Musical

Catherine Zuber, Moulin Rouge! The Musical

The Moulin Rouge! costumes are stunning and intricate. Every piece felt like it belonged in the show and could not be seen anywhere else. Some standout pieces are Zidler's jacket and Satine's outfit during The Sparkling Diamond.

Best Lighting Design of a Musical

Bruno Poet, Tina - The Tina Turner Musical

Justin Townsend, Jagged Little Pill

Justin Townsend, Moulin Rouge! The Musical

All shows have a pretty fair game for this award, but Justin Townsend may take it home due to his use of lighting for shadows and the integration of lighting into the audience.

Best Direction of a Musical

Phyllida Lloyd, Tina - The Tina Turner Musical

Diane Paulus, Jagged Little Pill

Alex Timbers, Moulin Rouge! The Musical

As much as I loved Alex Timbers' directorial choices, Diane Paulus took many risks with Jagged Little Pill that paid off. For example, the staging of Uninvited, Forgiven, and Predator still give me chills.

Best Choreography

Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui, Jagged Little Pill

Sonya Tayeh, Moulin Rouge! The Musical

Anthony Van Laast, Tina - The Tina Turner Musical

The choreography in Moulin Rouge! is captivating. The tricks and turns give ensemble members a moments to shine and it is evident Sonya Tayeh pushed the cast to their limits. These challenges elevated the performance in every aspect.

Best Orchestrations

Tom Kitt, Jagged Little Pill

Katie Kresek, Charlie Rosen, Matt Stine and Justin Levine, Moulin Rouge! The Musical

Ethan Popp, Tina - The Tina Turner Musical

It must have also been an incredible challenge to arrange and orchestrate a musical with such a diverse range of musical styles. Every song fit into the show and did not feel like it strayed from the overall mood.

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