Awhile back if seemed like everyone considered Patrick Page to be an undeniable lock, but now that André de Shields has gotten quite a bit of love for his performance as well, it seems like this might be more of a race than once expected. Which one of the supporting men from Hadestown do you think will and should end up taking home the tony?
I think whoever gets the most votes from Tony voters will win. But, only if either of them has the most votes for their entire category. Otherwise, someone else might take it...
GeorgeandDot
Broadway Legend joined:12/13/16
Broadway Legend joined: 12/13/16
#4 Posted: 5/17/19 at 10:53pm
I really think Andre will take it. I loved both of them, but Andre is a theatre legend. I also think it's possible that they split the vote and one of the gentlemen from Ain't Too Proud win, but I'd put my money on a win for Andre.
GeorgeandDot said: "I really think Andre will take it. I loved both of them, but Andre is a theatre legend. I also think it's possible that they split the vote and one of the gentlemen from Ain't Too Proud win, but I'd put my money on a win for Andre."
This. He has a that bit of a "living legend" edge but I can very much see splits happening both here as well as with the Ain't to Proud actors so really it's anyone's game. I loved both of them in the show and really I thought I would be backing Page all the way but Shields really did surprise me in a good way. It also helps that the role of Hermes has more to do then the role of Hades. While Hades is the more important character to the plot itself and has a few really great moments, Hermes gets more to do and play with to stand out.
Listen I've seen the cast twice and personally my choice would be patrick any day. He is giving a tertific and suble performance. Andre was fine but did not impress the same way.
However, Andre has the momentum. At this point in time my money is on andre 100%
Andre = sassy, funny, 'MC' that keeps you entertained for the night and feels like he keeps the momentum going
Patrick Page = Very unusual/unique vocals with a genuine character arc (ruthless to heartbroken and sympathetic)
I personally don't want to be forced to choose!
"It’s the fractured quality in [Bernadette Peters'] singing voice and line readings that puts across the character as someone for whom resentment is sliding into madness." - NYtimes on Follies (2011).
It's interesting to have two nominees from Hadestown and two from Ain't Too Proud. Taking a look at recently history in this category, having two nominees from the same show generally has meant neither person from the same show wins (excluding juggernauts like Hamilton). But this was the scenario in 2015 too (2 shows each getting 2 nominees, and 1 show taking the last slot). There could be a surprise with ATP because this category has anointed newcomers before. And Pope IS a double nominee. But Page and De Shields both have solid arguments for rewarding career longevity. I'd give the edge to De Shields on that front but not having seen it since NYTW, I thought Hades was the more compelling part.
I love Patrick Page, but many others have found that he makes the most of an otherwise minor role in the plot. Andre’s basically the MC of this underworld cabaret and keeps things moving along at a brisk pace with buckets full of charisma. His living legend status and the fact he has yet to win a Tony also doesn’t hurt either.
I like Hadestown a lot but can’t for the life of me understand why Andre is getting so much attention. He’s a narrator. That’s a really easy part. There’s no arc or acting involved-it’s just singing.
This isn’t like 2015 because that year you had three actors from one show nominated and two from another in this category-so someone from a show with co-nominees would win no matter what. Not saying one of the guys won’t and frankly I didn’t don’t love Tootsie but Andy stood out (loved his act two opener). Don’t underestimate Tootsie or the comedic role.
I think André will win. All the marketing has him front and center. He’s also one of the ones who is eligible for all awards (like the Drama Desks) since he didn’t appear Off-Broadway, while we’re only seeing Patrick at the Tonys, so I think that is building momentum for André. Plus, he’s a living legend without a competitive Tony. He’s one-of-a-kind (to quote a previous Patrick Page role) and he’s a real gem in Hadestown. On paper, Hermes might seem like the narrator of the story, but André gives Hermes a reason to tell the story. There is an emotional arc, although not within the story he tells. He’s tremendous by just stepping out on the stage. I hope he wins, but I wouldn’t be sad if Patrick wins either.
That’s your opinion. I don’t think he’s giving anything special. It’s not an acting role. He just prisses around the stage and sings big notes. Not acting. I’d rather anyone else win. He’s not owed an award-no one is.
Patrick Page. I think a number of actors could do well narrating the story of Hadestown, but I really couldn't picture many actors making as much of Hades, which is actually a very small role. But Patrick Page's enormous bass and magnetism IMO make the show work.
"I like Hadestown a lot but can’t for the life of me understand why Andre is getting so much attention. He’s a narrator. That’s a really easy part. There’s no arc or acting involved-it’s just singing. "
That's kind of a crappy statement. maybe you think it's easy because he MAKES it look easy. When you are doing an emcee/narrator role, you are not hiding behind a character to influence your choices. You have to rely on your own personal charisma and talent to entertain and to move the show along. Charisma is rarer and more special than acting chops IMO.
There are many great actors. there are far fewer great entertainers. There is a difference. It's a special skill set that should not be looked down upon or shrugged off as being "easy" to do. that's not fair, and it delegitimizes the pedigree and pure entertainment factor that Andre is bringing to the show.
In the hands of a lesser actor/entertainer, the show may have suffered.
so my vote goes to Andre.
"I'm an American, Damnit!!! And if it's three things I don't believe in, it's quitting and math."
Updated On: 5/18/19 at 10:56 AM
SomethingPeculiar
Broadway Legend joined:6/15/14
Broadway Legend joined: 6/15/14
#18 Posted: 5/18/19 at 11:00am
If just Jeremy Pope or just Ephraim Sykes had been nominated, I would be predicting that Page & DeShields would split the vote and one of them would win. But I think it's between Page and DeShields, and it's going to be close. I keep going back and forth, but after the NYTimes piece I give DeShields a very slight edge.
Music_Maker42 said: "That’s your opinion. I don’t think he’s giving anything special. It’s not an acting role. He just prisses around the stage and sings big notes. Not acting. I’d rather anyone else win. He’s not owed an award-no one is."
I was more or less giving a reason why I think he will win, which was the point of the thread. I wasn’t attacking someone’s opinion, but you’re free to have your own opinion without putting down someone else’s. I disagree that André is just “prissing around the stage.” He’s giving a very calculated performance with the added natural charisma and presence that only be possesses. I don’t think he’s owed anything by being an unawarded legend, but in my opinion it would be deserved for his body of work and this performance, which I thought was tremendous.
Music_Maker42 said: "That’s your opinion. I don’t think he’s giving anything special. It’s not an acting role. He just prisses around the stage and sings big notes. Not acting. I’d rather anyone else win. He’s not owed an award-no one is."
That's not really an argument for why he won't win. This category has rewarded quiet performances with emotional arcs but it has also rewarded big, flashy scene stealing performances. And they're not opposed to camp. So it's hard to predict what this year's voters will go for.
Both are incredibly worthy, and I believe they would both win if they weren't against each other. That being said, Andre will win. The "Living Legend" idea that someone mentioned earlier will propel him to the win. I'm thrilled for him!
carolinaguy
Broadway Star joined:10/13/06
Broadway Star joined: 10/13/06
#22 Posted: 5/18/19 at 8:28pm
When I think back on seeing Hadestown, the first image that comes to mind is Andre owning that stage. That method has been my awards prediction guide successfully in the past, so I’m sticking with it.
I'm sending pictures of the most amazing trees/You'll be obsessed with all my forest expertise
Before I saw the show, I thought Patrick was a lock based on what I read here. And I would love for him to win as I’ve been a fan of both him and his wife Paige Davis for a long time. But now that I’ve seen the show, I do think Andre has more presence and therefore may be more memorable to voters.
That said, I could also easily see them splitting votes. Same goes for the Ain’t Too Proud guys. So I wouldn’t discount Andy Grotelueschen from Tootsie either. I thought he was fantastic and I’d be totally fine with him winning.
joined:4/24/19
joined:
4/24/19
Posted: 5/17/19 at 10:28pm