“Tony Nominations 2024: The Surprises and Snubs in the Best Play Category”
Introduction
The 2024 Tony nominations have recently been announced, and as always, they have brought both surprises and snubs. In this blog post, we will be taking a closer look at the Best Play category and discussing some of the notable omissions and unexpected inclusions. Without further ado, let’s dive in!
Snub: “The Wiz” Shutout
One major snub in this year’s Tony nominations was the complete shutout of the beloved musical “The Wiz.” After a 30-year absence, the show made a highly anticipated return to Broadway. However, despite its strong audience turnout and a high-powered creative team, “The Wiz” received no nominations. This comes as a surprise to many theater enthusiasts who were expecting to see the production recognized for its outstanding performances and creative vision. The exclusion of “The Wiz” could pose a challenge for the producers of the Tony telecast, as they may have wanted to feature this well-liked production but are limited by time constraints.
Surprise: “Stereophonic” Shines
On the other hand, the play “Stereophonic” received even more love than expected. As a late addition to the Broadway calendar, it was already anticipated to be a strong contender. However, the nominators went above and beyond by recognizing the play’s addictive, 70s-inflected rock tunes in the Best Score category, typically reserved for musicals. This is a groundbreaking recognition for a play and highlights the innovative and boundary-pushing nature of “Stereophonic.” Additionally, five out of the seven actors in the tight ensemble received nominations, making “Stereophonic” the most-nominated play in Tony history with a total of 13 nominations. This is truly a remarkable achievement for the production and its talented cast and crew.
Snub: Michael Imperioli Overlooked
Another snub that caught the attention of theater enthusiasts was the exclusion of Michael Imperioli from the Featured Actor in a Play category. Despite his captivating performance, Imperioli did not secure a nomination. This omission comes as a surprise to many who believed that Imperioli’s talent and contribution to the play deserved recognition. It is unfortunate to see such a talented actor overlooked in this year’s Tony nominations.
Other Snubs and Surprises
The Best Play category was not the only one to bring surprises and snubs. Several notable actors and actresses were overlooked in their respective categories. Aaron Sorkin, despite his extensive revisions to the musical “Camelot,” did not receive a nomination. Lead actors and actresses such as Oscar Isaac, Rachel Brosnahan, John David Washington, and Nathan Lane were also not recognized for their exceptional performances. Marcel Spears and Olivier Award winner Hiran Abeysekera were left out, and Jefferson Mays was notably absent from the list as well. Laura Linney, who delivered a remarkable performance, was overlooked in the Leading Actress/Play category, while her co-star Jessica Hecht received a nomination.
In the Featured Performers category, Danielle Brooks, Sharon D Clarke, Michael Potts, and David Krumholtz were surprising omissions. Scott Foley, known for his TV work, was not recognized for his performance in “The Thanksgiving Play.” The absence of musical directors Susan Stroman, Bartlett Sher, and Thomas Kail was also unexpected. However, Lear deBessonet was recognized for his work on “Into the Woods.” The Direction/Play category also had notable snubs, including LaTanya Richardson Jackson, Kenny Leon, Anne Kauffman, and Daniel Sullivan. Justin Martin, director of “Prima Facie,” was also left off the list.
Closing
The 2024 Tony nominations have certainly sparked discussions and debates among theater enthusiasts. While there were some surprises and snubs in the Best Play category, it is important to remember that the Tony Awards are a celebration of the incredible talent and creativity in the world of theater. We congratulate all the nominees and look forward to the Tony Awards ceremony, where the winners will be announced. Stay tuned for more updates on the Tony Awards and the world of theater!