Neil Patrick Harris and Jefferson Mays tied at the Drama Desk Awards on Sunday. Before that, Neil had won the Distinguished Performance prize from the Drama League, and Jefferson had gotten the Best Actor in a Musical citation from the Outer Critics Circle. Many pundits are picking Neil to take home the Tony. Or is it a really a two-man race between Neil and Jefferson, or could Ramin Karimloo, Andy Karl or Bryce Pinkham pull off an upset? GoldDerby: Why Neil Patrick Harris loved tying at the Drama Desk Awards
Mays could easily ride the Gentleman's Guide tidal wave, if it bags the best musical prize... That would be considered an upset, but Harris is a former host of the Tonys, so I can't really see them not giving it to him... Tbh, if we're talking upsets, I'd really just kill to see Kelli taking the gold home instead of Mueller as much as I love her
To clarify myself on why I think it will be Neil :
The role(s) that Jefferson plays is such a hard demanding role that Not everyone can pull it off, and he did, so he's exceptional that way. But that's because the role is hard to play.
Hedwig is a role that technically anyone can do. But not every one can do it like Neil.
So to speak, if these actors are leaving the show, the Dysquith role can be replaced and if a certain actor can pull it off, it would pretty much be identical to Jefferson's performance.
While if Neil leaves Hedwig, the next actor will not be like him but will probably have to come up With a different approach.
Of course they both are extremely talented but Neil had maximize the craft of acting with this role
I think Neil Patrick Harris has it. One tie-but he took the Drama League, Outer Critics Circle and every other award without that tie. I think Harris' performance is deserving of a Tony.
Actually Jefferson Mays won the Outer Critics Circle Award.
When I see the phrase "the ____ estate", I imagine a vast mansion in the country full of monocled men and high-collared women receiving letters about productions across the country and doing spit-takes at whatever they contain.
-Kad
It would not surprise me in the least if Mays took this... Remember we all thought Laura Benanti was going to win the Tony for Women on the Verge, then out of the blue, Nikki M. James took it, riding the Book of Mormon sweep. Gentleman's Guide may very well nab the best actor prize with the big best musical win.
I think one thing against Benanti was the fact that Book of Mormon was a huge hit. (And her show was a big flop.)
I think a more likely scenario is Worsham beating out Hall-that is how they can honor the ensemble.
Frankly, I didn't love any of the best musical nominees. (I think Hedwig was probably the best overall Broadway production of a musical of the year.) If Mays wins, life goes on. (If a tie happens, even better. I thought he was fine, but for me the outstanding performance was Jane Carr-her performance should have been nominated.)
I like what Mays did well enough-but I never felt wrapped up in a performance that was a once in a lifetime experience.