Bubbling up with Helena

As a huge Broadway fan, the Antoinette Perry (Tony) Awards, which honor excellence in Broadway theater are my favorite event of the year. It has been that way for as long as I can remember. I even made my husband watch the Tonys from Disney World last year.

This year, the ceremony, which will happen at the United Palace Theater in Washington Heights tomorrow, feels complicated to me. The Writer’s Guild is striking to ask for fair wages, and the Tony Awards had to push to move forward (mostly) as planned. Broadway is in a difficult place right now as we’re still dealing with COVID-19, and I understand that shows need the publicity the Tony Awards can offer. However, it still feels wrong to be moving forward during the writer’s strike.

With all that said, here are my predicitions for who will win in the Musical categories tomorrow night. I will also include who I think should win.

One caveat I will add here is that the only nominated performance in the musical categories that I have not seen is Ruthie Ann Miles’ performance in Sweeney Todd. She was unfortunately ill both times I saw the show. (Never fear, I will return to Fleet Street to catch her).

Best Musical

Will Win: Kimberly Akimbo

Should Win: Kimberly Akimbo

As much as I adore & Juliet with my whole heart, Kimberly Akimbo feels to me like the only choice here. David Lindsay-Abaire’s script takes the audience on a journey through comedy, heartbreak, and hope. The show is stacked with phenomenal performances bringing the material to life as well.

Best Revival of a Musical

Will Win: Sweeney Todd

Should Win: Parade

This season, Broadway was blessed with several truly phenomenal revivals. I was lucky enough to see the current revival of Parade at City Center and on Broadway, and it rocked my world. It left me shaking and thinking about it for weeks. The production reminded me of how powerful theater can be. I am so glad that Parade has returned to Broadway.

Best Direction of a Musical

Will Win: Michael Arden, Parade

Should Win: Michael Arden, Parade

See above for my effusive thoughts on this production. Michael Arden did incredible things with his revivals of Spring Awakening and Once on this Island in the way he reimagined those existing pieces. He has done that again with Parade, and I think his work will be recognized.

Best Book of a Musical

Will Win: Robert Horn, Shucked

Should Win: David Lindsay-Abaire, Kimberly Akimbo

The book of Shucked is funny at best, but often cheesy (or dare I say, corny?) However, the book of Kimberly Akimbo is funny, heartbreaking, and heartwarming.

Best Original Score Written for the Theater

Will Win: Jeanine Tesori and David Lindsay-Abaire, Kimberly Akimbo

Should Win: Jeanine Tesori and David Lindsay-Abaire, Kimberly Akimbo

There are several lines from the Kimberly Akimbo score that make me cry just thinking about them: “Getting older is my affliction/Getting older is your cure.” Tesori and Lindsay-Abaire have really created something special with their score.

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

Will Win: Josh Groban, Sweeney Todd

Should Win: J. Harrison Ghee, Some Like it Hot

I will say that the performances in this category did not excite me the way that way that the performances in the leading actress category did.

We all know that Josh Groban can sing, and he is giving an appropiately tortured performance as Sweeney. However, there is a reason everyone is talking about J. Harrison Ghee’s performance as Jerry/Daphne. They can sing and dance like very few others and are just a joy to watch onstage. They are also telling a beautiful story of self-discovery and self-acceptance.

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

Will Win: Victoria Clark, Kimberly Akimbo

Should Win: Victoria Clark, Kimberly Akimbo

First, let me acknowledge that every single performance in this category is truly STELLAR. Micaela Diamond had me sobbing, Annaleigh Ashford had me cackling, Lorna Courtney has me doing both every time I see her. I would also be remiss not to acknowledge the transcendant Sara Bareilles who has beautifully transitioned from songwriter to performer.

However, there is no one like Victoria Clark. She is playing a 16 year old girl who looks like a 70 year old woman so genuinely and with so much heart. I am just in awe of her.

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

Will Win: Alex Newell, Shucked

Should Win: Alex Newell, Shucked

Alex Newell is giving a spectacular performance in what I found to be a pretty mediocre show. “Independently Owned” will bring the house down every time.

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

Will Win: Bonnie Milligan, Kimberly Akimbo

Should Win: Betsy Wolfe, & Juliet or Bonnie Milligan, Kimberly Akimbo

This one is hard for me. Bonnie Milligan is giving a great performance as Aunt Debra in Kimberly Akimbo. Her number, “Better,” is simply the best part of the show.

However, I adore Betsy Wolfe’s Anne Hathaway. She is so funny, but has so many moments in the show that shatter me every time. The way she says, “I have no control, William” will never not break my heart. (If you’ve seen the show, you know what I mean.)

Are you going to watch the Tonys? Let me know what you think!