Going for 2013 Tony Gold! Handicapping the Race for Best Play

It's Tony time on Broadway, and as always, we can't stop thinking about who'll be going for the gold on June 9! In anticipation of the 2013 nominations, which will be announced on April 30, we're clocking 14 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, we analyze the race for Best Play, including a trio of stage biographies.

FRONTRUNNERS
The Assembled Parties
Critics went wild for Richard Greenberg’s multigenerational comedy, praising its elegant language and truthful, often heartbreaking familial relationships.


The Nance
Douglas Carter Beane’s ambitious, moving play (with period skits) about a 1930s gay burlesque performer’s struggle to accept himself should sail to a Tony nod.


Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike
You don’t have to be a Chekhov scholar to enjoy Christopher Durang’s sendup of the morose title characters, featuring the season’s sharpest comic writing.


IN THE MIX
I'll Eat You Last
Bette Midler’s bravura performance as Sue Mengers could push Tony winner John Logan into contention.

Lucky Guy
Affection for the late Nora Ephron (and George C. Wolfe’s canny production) boosts this bio drama.

The Testament of Mary
The highbrow choice, Colm Toibin’s poetic monologue depicts the defiant mother of Jesus.

Also possible: The Anarchist, Ann, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Dead Accounts, Grace


BROADWAY.COM SHOUT OUT
The Other Place
Sharr White’s combination of family drama and medical mystery, with a riveting central character (played on Broadway by Laurie Metcalf), gave audiences lots to chew on and is a worthy nominee in the vein of Wit.

Click here for more 2013 Tony forecasts!