Going for 2012 Tony Gold! Handicapping the Race for Best Featured Actor in a Play

It’s almost Tony time, and let's face it: We’re obsessed! In anticipation of the 2012 Tony nominations, which will be announced on May 1, the Broadway.com editorial staff clocked 12 of the top races. Take a look at our forecast, including frontrunners, hopefuls and a “shout out” to one performer or show we hope the Tony nominators won’t forget. Below, our cheat sheet on the race for Best Featured Actor in a Play.

FRONTRUNNERS
Christian Borle, Peter and the Starcatcher
A previous Tony nominee and newly minted TV star in Smash, Borle is the standout in Starcatcher’s ensemble, delivering an abundance of laughs in full-on scenery chewing mode as theatrical pirate Black Stache. 

Michael Esper, The Lyons
As Linda Lavin and Dick Latessa's isolated son, Esper shows off his range and creates a character that demands attention. He anchors The Lyons' second act in a performance that is surprising at every turn.

Andrew Garfield, Death of a Salesman
Rising Hollywood heartthrob Garfield is making a powerhouse Broadway debut. The British-bred actor holds his own against onstage pop Philip Seymour Hoffman, mixing anger and angst as Salesman’s fallen son Biff. 

IN THE MIX
Adam Chanler-Berat, Peter and the Starcatcher
Co-star Borle has flashier material, but Starcatcher's storyline centers on Peter's emotional journey.

Tom Edden, One Man, Two Guvnors
It isn't easy to steal a scene from James Corden, but Edden gives an award-worthy physical performance as Alfie, the waiter.

Hamish Linklater, Seminar
Linklater charmingly transforms nerdy writer Martin into the heart of Seminar.  

Jeremy Shamos, Clybourne Park
Doing double duty, Shamos hilariously handles Clybourne’s least likeable characters.

Finn Wittrock, Death of a Salesman
This newcomer makes a powerful impression as younger Loman brother Happy.

Also possible: Oliver Chris (One Man, Two Guvnors),  Jim Dale (The Road to Mecca), Boyd Gaines (The Columnist), Wood Harris (A Streetcar Named Desire), Dick Latessa (The Lyons), Jefferson Mays (The Best Man), Michael McKean (The Best Man), Ruben Santiago-Hudson (Stick Fly), Peter Scolari (Magic/Bird), Frank Wood (Clybourne Park)

BROADWAY.COM SHOUT OUT
Thomas Sadoski, Other Desert Cities
Sadoski departed the production in December, but we haven't forgotten his career-best star turn as Trip Wyeth, the pot-smoking brother trying to keep the peace among his tightly wound family. The Tony nominators should remember him, too!

Click for more Broadway.com Tony forecasts!