Going for 2013 Tony Gold! Handicapping the Race for Best Featured Actress in a Musical

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 lengthy list of candidates for Best Featured Actress in a Musical.

FRONTRUNNERS
Annaleigh Ashford, Kinky Boots
Ashford gives a funny, bubbly performance (complete with working-class British accent) as the loyal hometown girl who falls for her boss, a shoe heir played by Stark Sands.


Andrea Martin, Pippin
To describe Martin’s big number as Pippin’s granny is a major spoiler—so let’s just say that we’ve never seen any other sixty-something actress pull off anything close.


Lauren Ward, Matilda
The single ray of sunshine in a dark musical, Ward’s Miss Honey nurtures the title character and faces off with Miss Trunchbull; her “My House” number is especially moving.


IN THE MIX
Victoria Clark, Cinderella
Tony winner Clark takes flight and sings beautifully as Cinderella’s fairy godmother Marie.

Charlotte d'Amboise, Pippin
How many Tony nods can Pippin’s ladies nab? Don’t count out this high-kicking star.

Katie Finneran, Annie
A two-time winner for expert comic performances, Finneran gleefully goes dark as Miss Hannigan.

Chita Rivera, The Mystery of Edwin Drood
Still stunning at age 80, Rivera thrilled fans with a seductive turn as music hall queen Princess Puffer.

Keala Settle, Hands on a Hardbody
“Joy of the Lord” indeed! Settle stood out in this short-lived musical as a contestant with bedrock beliefs.

Also possible: Jenn Colella (Chaplin), Ann Harada (Cinderella), Harriet Harris (Cinderella), Lesli Margherita (Matilda), Jessie Mueller (The Mystery of Edwin Drood), Christiane Noll (Chaplin), Brynn O’Malley (Annie), Ryann Redmond (Bring It On), Teal Wicks (Jekyll & Hyde), Betsy Wolfe (The Mystery of Edwin Drood)

BROADWAY.COM SHOUT OUT
Rachel Bay Jones, Pippin
In a breakthrough performance of wit and subtlety, Jones spars with the Leading Player and guides Pippin toward his destiny as older lover Catherine. A Tony nod is her due!


Click here for more 2013 Tony forecasts!