Sydney Lucas Tony Buzz

[broadwayindie]

So Sydney Lucas has been getting a LOT of Tony Buzz. Do you think her chances are likely in the category? Do you think she is getting noticed because of her age or did she give a stellar performance? Not knocking anything just wanted to hear what everyone thought as there seems to be more buzz surrounding Lucas than anyone else.

[steven22]

Sydney deserves all of the praise and then some. She's giving an incredible performance. 

[RagzJr]

"So Sydney Lucas has been getting a LOT of Tony Buzz. Do you think her chances are likely in the category? Do you think she is getting noticed because of her age or did she give a stellar performance? Not knocking anything just wanted to hear what everyone thought as there seems to be more buzz surrounding Lucas than anyone else."

I appreciate the question... I've not been able to come up to the city this season, though I've been obsessing over recordings, watching performances online and ravenously reading about it.  I watched Sydney's 54 Below performance of "Ring of Keys" and thought, "THAT could absolutely earn it -- for such a young lady, there was such earnest dedication there."  But then I watched a clip of Judy's "Days and Days' on NYTimes.com and thought, "Nope, that should be the winner."  

But I can't say... I'm not there and haven't actually experienced the performances.  I'd not be unhappy either way.  BUT I'd love to hear from folks who've seen all the performances in this category.

[Mr Smith]

she did not give an amazing performance because the tonys never give noms to great actors like they did not give it to victoria clark for light in the piazza

[dramamama611]

I'm the first one to call out the "aw, isn't that young'un cute" awards/nominations -- but not this time.  That girl is amazing.  She has major amounts of talent oozing out of her. 

I think she's giving one of the best performances on a b'way stage right now -- it's astounding when you figure in her age.  She is so real, so present in every moment she's on the stage -- you can't really teach that, you can either get that or you don't.

 

 

I agree that Kuhn is also amazing and while I wouldn't be upset if she won, Sydney has my vote and that's who I'm really rooting for next week.

[lindsey618]

Victoria Clark did win for Light in the Piazza. What are you trying to say?

[dramamama611]

Reason 612 why he is blocked.

[macnyc]

I saw Fun Home this afternoon, my eighth time. Sydney just gets better and better. She's giving an amazing performance, period. Then, considering that she's 11 years old, it becomes mind-blowing. Of course, I started to tear up after Judy Kuhn did Days and Days, so I'm really torn. Such a surfeit of talent in this production! Honestly, we are so lucky to have this show. Best of luck to all the Tony nominated Fun Home actors!

[asmith0307]

I also think that one reason why her performance is so notable is because she IS so young. Not many actresses could pull off a performance like hers, let alone at the age of 11.

[starcatchers]

She's giving a stellar performance, but would not be the award winner in that show for me. My vote would go to Judy Kuhn. 

[Mr Smith]

"Victoria Clark did win for Light in the Piazza. What are you trying to say?"

 I was trying to say that they vote for the best actors. That is why she is nominated. I hate the stupid first post saying that she was voted in because of any other reason

[Tag]

It might be better if she doesn't win (I think Kuhn will anyway).  It seems from past child Tony winners that it's a peak they can't overcome, professionally at least.

[BroadwayNYC2]

Though I think Kuhn will take it, I think Lucas does laps around her. Kuhn left me cold, nothing to do with the character itself. Lucas' performance is one I will remember forever, especially the way she acts with her eyes. I hope she wins, she deserves it.

[steven22]

I really wish Sydney and Judy weren't up against each other. Both are so good. 

[Someone in a Tree2]

Coincidentally, Dramamama and I both saw the same performance of FUN HOME sitting next to eachother. (First time I've ever met a BWW vet in person.) Though I know she loved the show as a whole a skosh more than I, we are in total agreement on the dazzlement of Sydney Lucas' performance. She is spellbinding and genuine and pure and present, along with funny and lovely and heartbreaking. Everything a Tony winner should be. Though my vote is still for Ruthie Ann Miles, I would be delighted for Sydney to take home the Tony.

[Fantod]

I hope she wins. She was the best member of the cast by a wide margin, which is difficult to do against such veterans that were in the cast.

[perfectlymarvelous]

I would be thrilled if either she or Judy Kuhn won. She's giving a beautiful, fully realized performance that would be impressive for any actress, much less an 11-year-old one. Judy Kuhn is also incredibly heartbreaking and both have gotten even better since the run at the Public. 

[delongpre]

Sydney is an amazing talent no matter her age. Considering she was not even a glimmer in her parents' eyes when her part of  Fun Home takes place, she certainly captures the feel of kids in that era perfectly. I am the same age as Alison Bechdel and Sydney reminds me of myself and kids I played with back then.

Judy Kuhn is great but she gives 1/5 of Sydney's performance.

[Falling]

I don't think this thread should turn into a bashing of a performer-either one. It's amazing that the show has produced such terrific performances. I happen to favor Ms. Kuhn's performance and think she's tremendously deserving of the Tony. Her performance has felt richer and more complex as I've seen it. I think she is doing a remarkable job and has a very difficult role to pull off. I think Sydney is very good-but there is something about Kuhn's performance that just draws me in.

[wonderfulwizard11]

I want her and Kuhn to tie. I know it's not likely, but I have such a difficult time saying one of their performances is better than the other. Each of them gives an astonishing, beautiful performance in this show, and each should be rewarded.

[ABB2357]

Both Sydney and Judy Kuhn are incredible and deserving. I think Kuhn has the edge right now, being an industry vet and finally getting her due. At the same time, I can't think of a debut performance that's seared into my brain quite like Sydney Lucas. Her work in the entire show (not just "Ring of Keys") is astonishing. Pretty sure the Tony winner will be one of them in a tight race. A tie would be fantastic.

[cglaid]

I felt nothing for Kuhn's performance at the Public and even less on Broadway, though I will admit she absolutely brings the house down with "Days and Days." However, to me, the song feels unearned. I think Helen is a mostly background character, not given her proper due throughout the show to be given such a big, show-stopping number. For the record, this is a slight against the way the character is presented, not Kuhn, who does well with the material she's given. Do I think it deserves a Tony nom? Nah. But what Sydney Lucas has done with Small Alison, absolutely. But, it's also a more "shine-worthy" role which Lucas has completely crushed and made her own.

[dramamama611]

I think that's what makes her performance so amazing....the fact that her character is so repressed until she can't take it anymore.

[vfd88]

I keep going back and forth between who I want to win and who I think will win between Lucas and Kuhn. Kuhn is of course a highly respected vet that I've always been a fan of, and I'd love for her to get her recognition. And it doesn't hurt that her performance is heartbreaking. But...Lucas was just unbelievable. Not just in Ring of Keys, which had me in joyful tears, but even in the book scenes. The image of her shocked and saddened face in the scene where their father leaves them by themselves in a strange apartment has haunted me for weeks.

A tie is the only fair solution!

[nicnyc]

I agree with others who have said Sydney Lucas gave a truly stellar performance, certainly deserving of a Tony nomination on its' merits alone. She carries so much of the emotion of the show - beautifully balancing Michael Ceveris' performance as the tragically repressed, closeted father.  Emily Skeggs and Judy Kuhn are also wonderful in their roles - but Sydney Lucas is truly magical.  I hope she wins.