Grade the 63rd Annual Tony telecast performances!- Page 2

[Kad]

Posted: 6/8/09 at 2:39pm

Hair - A+

Next to Normal - A

Rock of Ages - B

Opening - Ranged from C (the beginning), C- (the Stockard Channing/Aaron Tveit interlude), to C+.

Jersey Boys - B

Billy Elliot - B

West Side Story - B- (They have one of the best Marias ever and don't showcase her voice?)

Legally Blonde - C (Why.)

Guys and Dolls - D (Horribly disappointing.)

Mamma Mia - F

[ljay889]

Posted: 6/8/09 at 2:39pm

NEXT TO NORMAL: A-
BILLY ELLIOT: B
HAIR: A-
MAMMA MIA!: C
LEGALLY BLONDE: C
JERSEY BOYS: C
OPENING NUMBER: C+
WEST SIDE STORY: B+
GUYS AND DOLLS: F
ROCK OF AGES: C
Shrek- B-

[ZONEACE]

Posted: 6/8/09 at 2:48pm

The problem with the N2N performance was the orchestra was going WAY TO FAST.

[Sauja]

Posted: 6/8/09 at 3:07pm

It did seem like the Next to Normal music was going faster than normal, didn't it? They still had a solid performance. Hair turned it out (and saved the mess of an opening number). The touring companies really were the worst.

Opening Number: C. They tried. They did. But whatever the sound issues didn't muddle still ended up muddled and distracting.

Billy Elliot: B+. An incredibly odd choice, but little Trent danced his face off.

Guys and Dolls: C-. In the show, it was a stunner. Taking it out of that horrible context revealed that it only SEEMED strong because it was surrounded by such a dud of a production.

Hair: A+. They nailed it. Plain and simple.

Mamma Mia: F. Yowza! They were the WORST.

Legally Blonde: C. They fared the best out of the touring productions, but it still felt totally inorganic.

Jersey Boys: D. The five Frankies went together like oil and water. Love the show. Haaaaated the number.

Next to Normal: A: It seemed a bit off at first, and I question why they chose that pair of songs out of contect. But, hey, I loved it.

Rock of Ages: B-. Some corny fun that only partly worked. They tried to get too much into too little space.

Shrek: F. One of the only shows this season I didn't see. Am now glad I made that choice.

West Side Story: C+. Points off for the hellacious camera work. Loved this number live, though.

NPH Closing: A+. Ah, Doogie. He was the perfect host, and this was his shining moment.

[DrewBill]

Posted: 6/8/09 at 3:22pm

Opening Number: A (Sound problems of course, but I liked it anyway.)
Billy Elliot: B- (Probably great in person, but the angry dance just didn't work on TV.)
Guy and Dolls: B
Hair: A
Jersey Boys: B (I actually liked seeing all the "Frankies" on stage at the same time.)
Legally Blonde: C- (This song only reminds me of that awful reality show.)
Mamma Mia: C
Next to Normal: B- (I just didn't love this number the same way others on this site did.)
Rock of Ages: B+ (A pleasant surprise. I think it played well to Middle America.)
Shrek: B (Lightweight, but cute.)
West Side Story: A-
Closing Number: A+

Although they were not the strongest performances of the night, I actually liked the inclusion of the touring numbers -- it was a nice nod to the folks who make Broadway accessible to places far away from NYC.

Updated On: 6/8/09 at 03:22 PM

[WestVillage]

Posted: 6/8/09 at 3:24pm

Opening Number: C. Sort of a mess; interesting idea but it looked and sounded sloppy.

Billy Elliot: B. This number works great in the show, but as a standalone, it did not draw me in.

Guys and Dolls: F. Ouch, it sucked. Who ever knew G&D could stink?

Hair: A. Best performance of the evening. The fun is so obviously infectuous.

Mamma Mia: F. Why?

Legally Blonde: F. Another why?

Jersey Boys: D. None of those Frankies can hold a candle to JLY.

Next to Normal: B. Came off well, but didn't entice me to want to see it again (I've only seen it at 2nd Stage).

Rock of Ages: C. I liked ROA in the theatre (surprisingly!), but if I hadn't already seen it, the number would not make me want to buy tickets.

Shrek: F. One of the most idiotic and stupid things I have ever witnessed on stage. Haven't seen it, and have zero interest after seeing that number.

West Side Story: D. What should have been exciting was dull, although it is not exciting at the Palace either. Completely lackluster production.

NPH Closing: A. Very cute ending to the show.

[legally_popular]

Posted: 6/8/09 at 3:32pm

NEXT TO NORMAL: B+ (One of my favorite scenes, but I'm not sure how it comes across to people who've never seen the show before. Alice felt as though she was either holding back or self-conscious about her pitch. Aaron and Bobby were great though).

BILLY ELLIOT: B (I actually haven't seen Billy yet, but I wish they showed a song that involved singing too. I liked this scene though).

HAIR: A (LOVED it! It was like one giant party with the cast members going out into the audience. As soon as it was over, I told my sister, "We NEED to see this!")

MAMMA MIA!: C (Whatever...)

LEGALLY BLONDE: C (I like LB and the song, but it just seemed so out of place.)

JERSEY BOYS: C (I like the songs, but I was so anxious for the final category and that it was like, now we have to listen to Jersey Boys? All the touring performances seemed unnecessary.)

OPENING NUMBER: A (I actually really enjoyed this. It was fun to see what show or actor would come out next. And I loved seeing all the different casts dancing with each other at the end. Maybe it looked like a giant mess on TV, but seeing it live for me was very exciting).

WEST SIDE STORY: B (I love WSS, but of all songs they choose this?)

GUYS AND DOLLS: B- (I love the number, but it was just underwhelming for me. This scene stops the show, but there was just a lack of energy or something missing.)

ROCK OF AGES: B+ (Don't really like the show, but love "Don't Stop Believing," so I had a good time singing along. I lost my "lighter" though before it was time to wave them around.)

SHREK THE MUSICAL: B (I hate Shrek, but I love Chris Seiber in it.)

NPH'S FINALE: A (Love him and loved this song!)
Updated On: 6/8/09 at 03:32 PM

[florida theatre kid]

Posted: 6/8/09 at 3:39pm

Opening Number- Kind of choppy, but actually suprised how well some of the songs flowed together. They could have used a few more blocking rehearsals. B-

Shrek- Hate the movie, have no desire to see the show on Broadway, but that number was entertaining. B

Guys and Dolls- I knew from the second Tituss' microphone wasn't working that this number was only going to go downhill from there. The cast looked exhausted after an 8 show week and looked bored. How can you be bored when you're performing on the Tony Awards. And I guess I have to see the show to understand this, but Mary Testa...WTF was that? C-

Rock Of Ages- I hate 80s music more than anything in the world, so this show is clearly not for me. The vocals were pretty good...but what was with the NFL Cheerleader choreography? B-

West Side Story- Seeing Dance at the Gym performed live on the Tony Awards was pretty incredible in itself. As been said, Karen Olivo is not the best dancer, but she has incredible star power that draws your eyes to her. Pamela Otterson is incredible as well...would have been nice for her to get an Astaire nomination. And loved the Tonight ending. A

Next To Normal- That was intense. All I have to say. A

Billy Elliot- This show really blew me away when I saw it in NY....BUT WHY THE ANGRY DANCE?! This does not work out of context, and for some reason, I remember the choreography being much more exciting live. I was truly hoping for Solidarity, but instead got this mass of confusion. C

Hair- Ok....so they really got screwed with the camera angles in this one. I would have preferred more footage of the ensemble cast than of 30 seconds of Gavin awkwardly playing with Anne Hathaway. I know they performed Let The Sunshine In during the opener, but I would have REALLY loved if they did they always amazing Aquarius/Sunshine. And the microphones were turned up way too loud on Will and Gavin...I could hardly ear the ensemble. An A for effort, but an F to the camera and sound crew, so overall a B+

[STUCKinOH]

Posted: 6/8/09 at 3:48pm

Opening Number: A (few glitches, but overall clever.. too much Shrek time)
Billy Elliot: C (terrible song choice)
Guy and Dolls: B
Hair: A+
Jersey Boys: B (nothing special)
Legally Blonde: B+ (love becky)
Mamma Mia: C-
Next to Normal: A (favorite of the night)
Rock of Ages: B+
Shrek: C
West Side Story: B
Closing Number: A

[scaryclowns2232]

Posted: 6/8/09 at 4:00pm

Opening Number- A for Intentions and Last Segment, B- for Execution

New Musicals:

Shrek- C (Just didn't translate well to the screen, despite it being a great song)

Rock of Ages- B for Mitchell Jarvis, A for everyone else

Next to Normal- A- (I thought it worked quite well.)

Billy Elliot- B-/C+ (Would have liked to see some singing, or all three Billys)

Revivals:

West Side Story: B (I was intrigued, and thought the dancing was great.)

Guys and Dolls: D for Mary Testa (Anachronistic and overdone), C for everything else, F for Sergio Trujillo's choreography, A for Titus's ability to hang in there.

Hair: A+ (Absolute perfection, and totally true to the show.)

I won't comment on the touring performances, other than to say that none were horrible, but none were particularly good either.

Closing Number: A (I agree that NPH was a bit underused, but its ok for me- they fit in a lot of material into this year's show.)

[wonderfulwizard11]

Posted: 6/8/09 at 4:40pm

Opening Number: C (The performers were all fine, but it was not well put together. The Stockard Channing/Aaron Tveit interlude was particularly odd)

Shrek: B+ (Not the most birlliant number, but cute, funny and enjoyable)

Billy Elliot: A- (The general consensus seems to be one of dislike, but I really enjoyed it)

Rock of Ages: B (I don't think it would get me to the theatre, but it was a pretty good performance)

Next to Normal: A (Really well done, great performance)

West Side Story: B (I was really enjoying it until the dialogue between Tony and Maria, but it was still well done)

Guys and Dolls: F (Ugh, terrible. How can you mess up that song? I really disliked Tituss' voice, and the staging left a lot to be desired. Mary Testa was somewhat funny though)

Hair: A+ (Absolutely brilliant, made me want to buy tickets immediately. It looked like so much fun!)

Legally Blonde: C (The song choice was awkward, but it wasn't terrible)

Mamma Mia!: D (Pretty bad, overall)

Didn't see Jersey Boys

Closing Number: A (Awesome, Neil Patrick Harris did a great job)

[futurenala]

Posted: 6/8/09 at 5:45pm

Opening Number:B-
Shrek: B-
Billy Elliot:A+
Rock of Ages:B-
Next to Normal:B+
West Side Story:B
Guys and Dolls:F+
Hair:A+
Legally Blonde:F
Mamma Mia!:C
Jersey Boys:B+
Closing Number:B+

Updated On: 6/8/09 at 05:45 PM

[hmpeterson]

Posted: 6/8/09 at 6:43pm

Opening Number: A- ( I really liked it)

Billy Elliot: D (I know I am going to get killed for this but that was awful. That number made me lose my interest in wanting to see that show. I know the boys are very talented and very good dancers, but that number just looked like a kid spazing out on stage for what I don't know. )

Guys and Dolls: C+ (It was better when I saw the show live and the cast looked completely dead last night. But Titus acted very professional and didn't miss a beat with the sound issues.)

Hair: A+ (Loved, loved, loved, loved it!)

Legally Blonde: B (It was fine. I didn't hate it and I thought it was just long enough.)

Mamma Mia: F (The worst performance of the night.)

Jersey Boys: B (I liked it.)

Next to Normal: B- (You can tell this is an amazingly talented cast but again, another song choice that makes me not want to see the show. It didn't flow and was very choppy and just didn't enjoy it. But J. RObert, Alice, and Aaron are so good!)

Rock of Ages: C (It wasn't as good as I was hoping it would be but I was very entertained.)

Shrek: B+ (Love Chris Sieber. And props to him doing the entire show on his knees!)

West Side Story: B (I love the dance at the gym!!!!! I am so glad Karen won the Tony but I still can't get over that I watch Graziella in that number more than Anita...so wrong. I wish they picked a number where you heard Josefina sing more, she is truly something special.)

NPH Closing: A+ (I love NPH!!! Adorable, and a memorable way to end the evening. I hope he does the Tony's for a long time!!!!!)

[Marianne2]

Posted: 6/8/09 at 9:31pm

Opening Number: A

Shrek: B+ (It was cute.)

West Side Story: A- (I thought it was odd how they used a non singing thing.)

Next to Normal: A (The song was good, and it got stuck in my head.)

Hair: B- (I'm probably the only person who was not overly impressed by this. It was fun, but it was the song I disliked. I perferred Aquarius in the opening.)

Mamma Mia!: C- (I like this show, but this was not good.)

Rock of Ages: B (It seems like a fun show.)

Legally Blonde: F (Worst number ever. There was nothing to it.)

Jersey Boys: C (Best of the 3 touring companies, but not necessary.)

Billy Elliot: B (I liked what I saw, for the most part, but it seemed weird out of context.)

Guys and Dolls: C- (Just disappointing all around.)

Closing : A

[BLOCK ROCKS]

Posted: 6/8/09 at 10:34pm

Next to Normal: A+
Hair: A+
Billy Elliot: A
Jersey Boys: B- (interesting idea)
Shrek: B-
West Side Story: C+
Rock of Ages: C
Legally Blonde: C-
Mamma Mia: D
Guys and Dolls: F (I've seen community theatre productions that were better ... I predict it will be closing soon)

Opening number - B-
Closing number - A

Overall grade for Neil Patrick Harris: A

[mariusmyhomeboy]

Posted: 6/8/09 at 11:02pm

NEXT TO NORMAL: B+
BILLY ELLIOT: B-
HAIR: A+
MAMMA MIA!: D
LEGALLY BLONDE: D
JERSEY BOYS: B-
OPENING NUMBER: A
WEST SIDE STORY: C+
GUYS AND DOLLS: C-
ROCK OF AGES: C
SHREK THE MUSICAL: (missed this one)
CLOSING NUMBER: A

Hair and the opening numbers were my favorites.

[SharpCookies]

Posted: 6/8/09 at 11:33pm

Opening Number: A (got me excited!)
Next To Normal: A (despite sound problems I really enjoyed it. Made me intrigged to hear more of its music/see the show)
Guys and Dolls: C (hated Tittus's vocals. A lot. It passes because of the epicness of the song in general and Mary Testa.)
Shrek: C+ (it was performed much better before. And beginning technical problems made me angry. I still love the song however)
Hair: A+ (they really know how to put on a show! Now I really want to see this revival.)
Rock of Ages: B (I liked the beginning and that guy in the cap made me lol)
West Side Story: B+ (found the end dialogue odd, but the dancing was fantastic... and I really love West Side Story)
Jersey Boys: B
Legally Blonde: D
Billy Elliot: C+ - B (not sure which one. Good dancing, but I found the screams and some of his flailing movements off putting)
Mamma Mia! - C (it was fun, but not by any means great)
Closing Number - A+. I love Neil Patrick Harris with all my being.

[broadwaygirl99]

Posted: 6/9/09 at 12:01am

I was so happy when Aaron Tveit had that little solo/duet in the opening number. His voice is absloutly incredible and he is gorgeous! I just wished he got to perform that wonderfully as a Tony nominee.

[jonartdesigns]

Posted: 6/9/09 at 12:13am

Billy Elliot: D It made me want to see the show less.
Guy and Dolls: C (D for most of it, A for the last minute or so)
Hair: A+
Legally Blonde: B+ weird place to start the song
Mamma Mia: F what the hell was that?
Jersey Boys: B- Seemed way too clumsy
Next to Normal: B+
Rock of Ages: A+ Jarvis's interaction with Liza was priceless.
Shrek: A+ They let Chris do the Wicked joke!
West Side Story: C
NPH Closing: A

The opening: Overall C+... and it breaks down like this:
Elton and the Billy Boys: B+ the flying was a bit clunky, especially the shot of the kid clearly hanging in the air in the wings waiting to go)
WSS/Guys and Dolls) C Bierko looked like he wanted to be anywhere but on that stage
Rock of Ages A just because Bret Michaels knocking himself out has gotten the Tony's a lot more news coverage
Pal Joey/ Next to Normal- F whoever thought this was a good combination should be shot
Shrek- B+ I was stunned Brian was there in costume but the beginning was a little stilted.
9to5- A, can't go wrong with Dolly doing her thing
Liza- F talk about grinding things to a screeching hault.
Hair A+ great way to end the opening

[bluesoprano]

Posted: 6/9/09 at 12:29am

Overall, I thought the performances were good, but wish some of the song choices would have been different.

Opening Number: A-

Shrek: B+/B (it was nice and cute)

West Side Story: B (I would have liked to have seen more singing then dancing. But overall, the dancing was ok)

Next to Normal: A+ (Was such a amazing performance. Despite the sound problems at the beginning, it was outstanding. Alice Ripley, J. Robert Spencer and Aaron Tveit were all outstanding)

Hair: A (I loved this performance. Very energetic. Now I want to see this show.)

Mamma Mia!: D (The three ladies looked bored)

Rock of Ages: B (Looks like a fun show.)

Legally Blonde: D- (it was whatever)

Jersey Boys: B-/C+(It was nice to see all the different Frankie's but I wanted more)

Billy Elliot: B- (I've never seen this show and had wished that they would have done a number with a little more singing.)

Guys and Dolls: C- (I love "Sit Down Your Rocking Boat" and was very underwhelmed with this performance)

Closing : A (NPH did a great job with the whole show. He was a wonderful host)

[IdinaBellFoster]

Posted: 6/9/09 at 12:47am

NEXT TO NORMAL: A+ (I was worried about the song choice, but it worked perfectly. Alice's vocals were perfect)
BILLY ELLIOT: B+ (The lack of singing bothered me more than it should have)
HAIR: A- (Perfect Energy)
MAMMA MIA!: D+ (The plus is for the woman who played Rosie. I saw her a few months back, and she was fantastic)
LEGALLY BLONDE: C- (Becky has lost some of her flair since October)
JERSEY BOYS: C (Not bad, but unneeded)
OPENING NUMBER: A (Most of the small numbers were fantastic, especially 9 to 5 with Dolly and Shrek. But the combo of "I'm Alive" with "Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered" just kinda confused me)
WEST SIDE STORY: B+ (A surprisingly good choice)
GUYS AND DOLLS: D (Flat, flat flat...)
ROCK OF AGES: B (I hate the show but they are gonna sell a load of tickets with that performance...very smart)
SHREK THE MUSICAL: B+ (More for Freak Flag then Whats Up Duloc?, but that dancing on his knees thing gets me every time)

[eatlasagna]

Posted: 6/9/09 at 1:12am

i live on the west coast and i always use the Tonys as a guage of what shows i would want to see if i make it to new york ever.. ha

West Side Story- i felt bored during most of it. the dancing felt not so energetic. and do matt and josefina have chemistry in the theater? this is the second time i've seen them perform on tv and they just seem so... not into each other. if karen olivo weren't in the show, i'd probably have no desire to want to see it

Hair- i had no desire to ever want to see this show but now if i ever make it to new york.. i would want to see it

Shrek- eh... it did nothing for me... looked boring

Next to Normal- i want to see this show

Guys and Dolls- Titus Burgess really bugged me for some reason. he seems horribly miscast or maybe i just hated his performance. he seemed to overdo the song to show off. and the cast looked bored. and the projections were ANNOYING

Billy Elliot- that number did absolutely NOTHING to make me want to see this show... it didn't look like the best number to showcase to America

Rock of Ages- probably my fav one of the night. although i can't stand constantine. i just don't get him. i saw him in RENT and he was the worst thing about that production and his facial expression... yeeeesh... he looks constipated and i just don't buy him as a rocker


Legally Blonde, Mamma Mia, Jersey Boys- worthless... what was the point really... BORING

The Opening- like someone said.. A for effort but the execution was just kinda not that great

Closing Song- brilliant

[broadwayman17]

Posted: 6/9/09 at 2:01am

Opening Number: A-
Billy Elliot: B
Guy and Dolls: B-
Hair: A
Jersey Boys: B-
Legally Blonde: C-
Mamma Mia: D
Next to Normal: A-
Rock of Ages: B+
Shrek: C+
West Side Story: C+
Closing Number: A

[Mamie]

Posted: 6/9/09 at 8:39am

I had the pleasure of watching the show from Radio City Music Hall so I didn't know about the sound and camera problems - and for that reason, I won't grade them. I was stunned when I got home from NY and read the negative reviews of the Tony Awards show. After more than a half century of watching live performances on stage I could easily place this show in the top 5 of all time best theatrical events. It was fast-paced and fun almost all the way through. I'm terribly sorry that it didn't transfer well via television because it was a real winner when seen live.

If I could have changed anything it would have been:
1. Billy Elliot performing SOLIDARITY. Absolutely, no question about it. I'd heard about the ANGRY DANCE on Saturday and knew it was a bad choice. When taken out of context it just wouldn't work - and it didn't. On the good side, I was happy that Trent was given an opportunity to show his strength.

2. I would have made sure that the mike's worked BEFORE Guys and Dolls started their performance.

3. I would have made sure that her mike DIDN'T work if I'd known that Alice Ripley was going to make her acceptance speech IN CHARACTER. It looked and sounded like a breakdown on stage.

5. Ax the road shows. They don't belong here and they brought the show down.

4. I would make sure that a clear statement is made IN ADVANCE about bringing cameras inside. Neither I nor my friends brought in cameras and so I have no images captured of the event. It looked like almost everybody else there DID have cameras. Flashes were going off all over the place and nobody checked for them at the doors.

The opening was BRILLIANT, EXCITING, THRILLING, and whatever else positive adjective you want to add. At the end the audience was standing and cheering en masse. I thought "they can try all they want - they'll never come close to anything this wonderful again". And now I find out that the sound didn't work on the television coverage and the camera work stunk. Believe me - it WAS fabulous and now it is a testament to those who say that live theatre must be experienced LIVE and not filmed.

Updated On: 6/9/09 at 08:39 AM

[boombaboy]

Posted: 6/9/09 at 8:49am

The show gets a D from me. NPH tried to save it with the final number but that was like trying to save the Titanic from sinking. Pandering to touring companies was a huge mistake. While the Jerry Herman tribute was nice, it could have been fabulous with full-blown production number and great guest stars. I mean Poison, really? Get the f%&k off my Tony Awards. Lame year, lame awards show. What they really needed was Cheyenne Jackson, he can make anything fabulous even the Phony Awards Show.