The Tony Awards are just around the corner! On June 12, the biggest names in Broadway will come together to celebrate the best in live theater. The Tony Awards are like the Oscars for the theater world, and something theater fans look forward to each year. It’s a special year for the Tony Awards, as they have been around for 70 years now. With the special celebration come performances from brilliant shows and an exciting host (James Corden). Everyone is excited to see who wins, and here are my predictions for the winners in each of the categories for the musicals:
Best Musical
My Pick: "Waitress"
With an amazing cast and an important message, the musical "Waitress" deserves to take the cake...or pie. This musical is a powerful story about a woman who enters a pie baking contest to escape from an abusive relationship. The creative team working on this musical is comprised of women in the top three creative spots, which is unheard of for a Broadway musical. The leads in the show are charming, the songs catchy and the show will stay with you long after you leave your seat.
Best Revival of a Musical
My Pick: "Spring Awakening"
The theater company Deaf West brought the musical "Spring Awakening" back to Broadway with a twist: incorporating American Sign Language into the choreography and staging. The musical, when it was first at the Tony Awards, won eight Tonys. Though it has not been nominated for as many this time around, they should receive recognition for the hard work they’ve put into making the show accessible for everyone.
Best Book of a Musical
My Pick: Lin Manuel Miranda for "Hamilton"
I’m sure everyone has heard about "Hamilton" by now, and this musical is a favorite for this year’s Tony Awards. The show tells the story of Alexander Hamilton, and Lin Manuel Miranda did a wonderful job explaining the history of our nation in this musical.
Best Original Score
My Pick: Music and Lyrics by Lin Manuel Miranda for "Hamilton"
"Hamilton" wins yet another Tony, at least in my book. The entire show is told on the cast album that was released last year, and each song is a masterpiece in itself. Lin Manuel Miranda is a talented man and has already won a Tony for Best Score with his musical "In The Heights," and "Hamilton" once again proves how talented he is.
Best Performance By an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical
My Pick: Leslie Odom, Jr. for "Hamilton"
Both Lin Manuel Miranda and Leslie Odom, Jr. were nominated for their performances in "Hamilton," but Leslie deserves this award. His performances, especially in "Dear Theodosia" and "Wait For It" are powerful and moving, and he is one of the reasons that "Hamilton" is so darn successful.
Best Performance By an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical
My Pick: Jessie Mueller
Jessie Mueller is not a newcomer to the Tony Awards. She won a Tony for her performance in "Beautiful: The Carol King Musical," and she deserves one for this performance as well. Her powerful voice makes songs like "She Used To Be Mine" stand out from the crowd. She is the real star of "Waitress" and deserves recognition for another amazing performance.
Best Performance By a Featured Actor in a Musical
My Pick: Daveed Diggs
Three words: "Guns and Ships." Daveed Diggs raps one of the fastest songs on Broadway, all while running and jumping around on stage. Though he is a newcomer to the theater world, he plays two different characters in this show. This man has gone above and beyond in his roles.
Best Performance By a Featured Actress In a Musical
My Pick: Renee Elise Goldsberry
I won’t be satisfied until Renee wins her Tony Award. With her commanding presence on stage, she steals the spotlight in whatever number she’s part of. Though she is a featured actor, she has many songs that show off just how talented she truly is.
Other awards
Best Scenic Design of a Musical
My Pick: Es Devlin & Finn Ross for "American Psycho"
Best Costume Design of a Musical
My Pick: Ann Roth for "Shuffle Along"
Best Lighting Design of a Musical
My Pick: Justin Townsend for "American Psycho"
Best Choreography
My Pick: Andy Blankenbuehler for "Hamilton"
Best Direction
My Pick: George C. Wolfe for "Shuffle Along"
There you have it, my picks for who should win at this year’s Tony Awards. Tune in to CBS June 12 at 8/7c to see who wins each coveted award, as well as some amazing performances from this year’s best musicals.
