Who Will Wake Up to a Nod? Broadway.com Predicts the 2015 Tony Nominees for Performances in Musicals
Who's ready to obsess over those awesome triple threats that made Broadway's musicals sing and dance (and pierce the heart)?! We sure are! Read on for our picks in the four musical acting categories in the 2015 Tony races. We've got legends and newcomers, always-nominees and never-nominees, laugh-getters and tear-makers. Here’s our Tony cheat sheet for performances in musicals!
BEST ACTOR IN A MUSICAL
FRONTRUNNERS
Left to Right
Michael Cerveris, Fun Home — A past winner for playing John Wilkes Booth, this versatile favorite is a natural for dark subjects and as a mysterious dad, he's unforgettable.
Brian d'Arcy James, Something Rotten! — After showing tremendous diversity throughout his career in serious dramas, rock musicals and more, this two-time nominee is a joy leading a big musical comedy.
Robert Fairchild, An American in Paris — As the titular character, this Broadway newcomer wows with his genuine triple threats and left no critic pining for Gene Kelly.
IN THE MIX
Left to Right:
John Cariani, Something Rotten! —A charmer as the more awkward Bottom brother, this actor and playwright could earn his second Tony nod.
Peter Gallagher, On the Twentieth Century — Snubbed when he headlined the hit 1992 Guys and Dolls revival, this film and stage fave should earn Tony love this year.
Matthew Morrison, Finding Neverland —The popular Glee star has returned to Broadway in a true leading man turn that is equal parts dazzling and touching.
Roger Rees, The Visit — Although his role is smaller than some of his competition, this past winner is a great match for leading lady Chita Rivera and a well-liked member of the community.
Tony Yazbeck, On the Town — This hoofer with eight Broadway credits to his name could easily score his first nomination for his winning turn as Gabey.
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Michael Esper, The Last Ship — This stage regular gave a sexy, stirring performance in last fall's failed Sting musical and deserves some late-season trophy attention.
ALSO POSSIBLE
Corey Cott, Gigi; Rob McClure, Honeymoon in Vegas; Tam Mutu, Doctor Zhivago; Ken Watanabe, The King and I; Saul Williams, Holler if Ya Hear Me
BEST ACTRESS IN A MUSICAL
FRONTRUNNERS
Left to Right:
Kristin Chenoweth, On the Twentieth Century — This past winner is showing off all of her considerable skills in this high-comedy performance and is guaranteed a nomination.
Kelli O'Hara, The King and I — Yes, the five-time nominee is heading back to the Tony ball for her beautiful, naturalistic take on the heroine of this classic.
Chita Rivera, The Visit —A genuine stage legend with two Tonys to her name, she's basically guaranteed her tenth (!!) nomination for this unforgettable turn.
IN THE MIX
Left to Right:
Leanne Cope, An American in Paris — This Broadway newcomer is a dazzler and a true contender.
Erin Davie, Side Show — Of the conjoined twins, Violet has the sadder story and she nailed it.
Lisa Howard, It Shoulda Been You — Her show has a lot of famous names, but she's the real star, delivering a heartfelt turn.
Beth Malone, Fun Home — As lesbian cartoonist Alison Bechdel, she's an unlikely narrator and a transfixing presence.
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Laura Michelle Kelly, Finding Neverland — Shockingly, nominations have eluded this British star's turn, which gives the new musical its beating heart.
ALSO POSSIBLE
Kelli Barrett, Doctor Zhivago; Vanessa Hudgens, Gigi; Brynn O’Malley, Honeymoon in Vegas; Emily Padgett, Side Show; Rachel Tucker, The Last Ship
BEST FEATURED ACTOR IN A MUSICAL
FRONTRUNNERS
Left to Right
Christian Borle, Something Rotten! — As the Bard, this past winner shakes his leather-clad ass and gets big laughs throughout the night.
Andy Karl, On the Twentieth Century — As a strapping goon of a Hollywood star, he plays deliciously off his leading lady and offers a startling change of pace from last season's Rocky.
Brad Oscar, Something Rotten! — In his eighth Broadway show, this past nominee earns a mid-show standing O following his Act One showstopper and is a lock for a nod.
IN THE MIX
Left to Right:
Tony Danza, Honeymoon in Vegas —This crowd favorite could earn a date with a different Tony.
Josh Grisetti, It Shoulda Been You — His hilarious turn as the "you" of the title puts him squarely on the short list.
Brandon Uranowitz, An American in Paris — As the musical's narrator, this newcomer is winning throughout.
Max von Essen, An American in Paris — This Broadway baby deserves a nod for his Act Two showstopper alone.
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Brooks Ashmanskas, Something Rotten! — One of the most reliable funny men in town, this past nominee is the secret weapon of the show, quietly milking laughs for every second of time on stage.
ALSO POSSIBLE
Clyde Alves, On the Town; Jason Danieley, The Visit; Kelsey Grammer, Finding Neverland; Tom Hewitt, Doctor Zhivago; Matthew Hydzik, Side Show; Jay Armstrong Johnson, On the Town; Howard McGillin, Gigi; Paul Alexander Nolan, Doctor Zhivago; Conrad Ricamora, The King and I; Ryan Silverman, Side Show; David St. Louis, Side Show
BEST FEATURED ACTRESS IN A MUSICAL
FRONTRUNNERS
Left to Right
Tyne Daly, It Shoulda Been You — Although her show isn't loved by all, this past winner could get her fourth nod as the funny mother of the bride.
Sydney Lucas, Fun Home — Only 11, she's delivering the most touching song of the season and is a lock for a chance at Tony glory.
Judy Kuhn, Fun Home — After earning three nominations before 1994, this powerhouse is back on the boards and a major player in this year's Tony race.
IN THE MIX
Left to Right:
Heidi Blickenstaff, Something Rotten! — She could earn her first nomination for a gender-bending turn as a feminist wife.
Carolee Carmello, Finding Neverland— Always a standout, she could earn a fourth nomination as a buttoned-up mum.
Victoria Clark, Gigi — This past winner brings great humor and warmth to the story of Gigi and her grandma.
Ruthie Ann Miles, The King and I — As the King's #1 wife, this Broadway newcomer stirs the heart.
Mary Louise Wilson, On the Twentieth Century— She's a first-class kook with possible round-trip ticket to the Tonys.
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Alysha Umphress, On the Town — As sexed-up taxi lady Hildy, she can boogie, belt and, yes, cook, too. But can she be remembered for her sassy turn? We sure hope.
ALSO POSSIBLE
Sierra Boggess, It Shoulda Been You; Veanne Cox, An American in Paris; Megan Fairchild, On the Town; Lora Lee Gayer, Doctor Zhivago; Harriet Harris, It Shoulda Been You; Jackie Hoffman, On the Town; Dee Hoty, Gigi; Kate Reinders, Something Rotten!; Nancy Opel, Honeymoon in Vegas; Jill Paice, An American in Paris; Ashley Park, The King and I; Mary Beth Piel, The Visit; Tonya Pinkins, Holler If Ya Hear Me; Emily Skeggs, Fun Home; Elizabeth Stanley, On the Town