Rant and Rave Concerning the Tony Awards
First of all, I always get pissed off at how the Tony Awards are just shoved aside. I understand, Broadway is a small corner of the world, but it's still a big deal to see who's being honored and what's happening in the world of live theatre. I'm appalled at how much attention is given to the Oscars, the Golden Globes, the Emmys, the MTV Video Awards and not a splash is made about the Tonys. I mean, these performers do eight freakin' shows a week and more of a big deal is made on what dress Nicole Kidman is wearing than the Tonys as a whole.
Case in point, in the entertainment section of the Sunday paper, the ENTIRE cover is devoted to the Sopranos finale. There's a huge photo of Tony Soprano and features up to wazoo. Then in a small box, it asks "Who will win the Tonys?" As if they're asking who's going to appear on Monday's edition of the Today show. How ridiculous. Why bother? And the thing is....is this is a newspaper that is circulate IN NEW YORK CITY! I mean, if it's not a big deal here in the suburbs of NY, where will it be a big deal?
But there were some things that annoyed me about the awards show itself.
First, why were there performances from shows that were nominated last year? Do I give a crap that Fantasia is replacing someone in Color Purple? Does that warrant her performing at the Tony awards? Ummmm......no. And okay, so Jersey Boys won last year, but does that mean they should do a musical number AGAIN? What's the deal with that?
But all in all, I still like watching them. I like seeing all the faces that are familiar to the stage. I like getting a glimpse of musical numbers from shows I probably can't afford to go see. (I'm still trying to get to see 'Spelling Bee' and now I'm dying to see 'Spring Awakening') I like knowing where the future of musical theatre is heading.
7 comments:
I totally agree that not enough attention if given to the Tony's and thats a shame...it's absolutely amazing that these performers ( who really ARE performers) can do what thay do!
I normally watch the Tony's....even though I've never even been to NYC.
I just love them.
I didn't get to see them this year and it sounds like I didn't miss much. :(
p.s. The Soprano's finale was HORRIBLE!
Princess - Welcome to my blog! It's a shame how much hoopla is made around the Oscars and the Tonys are just kinda mentioned the next day. To me, so much more blood, sweat and tears go into the day to day running of a show than do in a movie. Performers in those shows have to do spotless work eight times a week, not just enough for a good camera take!
Pissy - I love watching them and usually make an evening of it - special take-out, fill out a little ballot, etc. But with the DH's birthday I just taped the opening scene which I'll watch later tonight. I was disappointed with what I saw. BUT.....it's still just so much classier than the Oscars. And you don't have to be a NYer to love the Tonys! (And if ever you do make it here, we'll go catch a show!)
None of the awards shows are what they used to be. It's pathetic.
*clapping wildly*
Excellent rant! Keep 'em coming, sister.
I think a lot of people in mainstream America are a little bit afraid of Broadway shows. In the back of their minds, they believe that once they give in to the seduction of a well-executed, full-blown production number, next thing you know, they'll be prancing down the street and singing the details of their lives to total strangers.
Personally, I think that would be a grand improvement. ;)
Crabby - I remember watching the Oscars and enjoying them ONCE.
Buddha Girl - I promise, any rant I have will now dutifully be recorded here!
Bucky - Welcome aboard! I agree - I think prancing around is a much needed improvement than the zombie shuffle while on the cell phones.
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