Tonys 2014 --Hugh's Back as Host!!!

[mamaleh]

Jo, the only year the Tonys had a "theme" was, I believe, in 1971, when it celebrated its 25th anniversary with highlights from Tony-winning musicals over the years. I remember that telecast; it was magical. Original stars of notable productions performed excerpts of their iconic roles from classic shows.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/25th_Tony_Awards

Ellen

[jo]

They have changed some of the rules for nominations --

variety.com/2014/legit/news/tony-awards-take-a-page-from-the-oscars-with-option-to-supersize-major-categories-1201120531/

Tony Awards Take a Page from the Oscars with Option to Supersize Major Categories

Tony Awards
February 25, 2014 | 12:27PM PT



Gordon Cox
Legit Editor

@gcoxvariety


Ask anyone in the theater industry with a horse in the awards-season race, and they’ll tell you that the Tony category for best musical — or any of the four major awards for overall productions — are limited to just four contenders apiece. But that could all change this year.

In a meeting last month, the Tony Awards administration committee quietly voted to allow the option of expanding one or more of the four show categories (musical, play, musical revival and play revival) to five nominees, if nine shows or more that season are eligible to be considered in a given category.

In the new rules, going from four to five nominees will only happen if, in the nominating process, a fifth show achieves a vote tally that would put it in the same ballpark as the show with the fourth highest total. Final decision will be made by the accountants totting up the votes of the nominating committee.

It’s not quite as extreme as the Oscar expansion of the best picture nominations list from five to as many as ten. But the inclusionary impulse is the same — and it might actually happen this year for what’s widely considered the only Tony to move the box office needle: new musical.

The 2013-14 slate of new musicals encompasses “First Date,” “Soul Doctor,” “Big Fish,” “A Night with Janis Joplin,” “After Midnight,” “A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder,” “Beautiful,” “The Bridges of Madison County,” “Rocky,” “Aladdin,” “If/Then” and “Bullets Over Broadway.” That’s 12 right there, and that’s no even counting Off Broadway alumna “Violet” and “Hedwig and the Angry Inch,” which could theoretically be classified as new because neither has ever appeared on Broadway. It also doesn’t count the recently added “Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill,” which bills itself as a “musical play.”

“The number of shows eligible for the Tony Awards, both in the new and revival categories, will now vary based on the number of productions that open each season,” said a statement from Tony Awards Prods. “The Tony Award Administration Committee’s new ruling allows the Nominating Committee the flexibility to acknowledge the best of each season’s eligible shows.”

In the new rules, there’s also the chance to reduce a show category to as few as three nominees, if five or fewer productions in that class qualify for nomination consideration.

A five-title race is also a possibility in the play revival category this season, which has yielded a robust crop of starry revivals including “Romeo and Juliet,” “The Winslow Boy,” “The Snow Geese,” “Betrayal,” “Twelfth Night/Richard III,” “700 Sundays,” “Macbeth,” “No Man’s Land/Waiting for Godot,” “Machinal,” “A Raisin in the Sun” and “Of Mice and Men.”

Just as the Oscars loosened up the best picture category in an attempt to acknowledge a broader spectrum of worthy film work (and potentially expand the box office boost from awards-season attention), the Tonys also aim to recognize the broadening scope of Main Stem fare and, while they’re at it, showcase one more production during a nationally televised awards ceremony that serves as a prime marketing opportunity for individual shows and for Broadway overall.

Tony Awards tradition used to allow on-air performance segments for only those productions nominated for a major show award. More recent years, however, have incorporated segs from older, more familiar productions as well as from some of the season’s prominent shows left out of the major nominations.

The Tony acting races have long included five nominees a piece, but all others, including directing laurels and design kudos, remain set at four.

Although the new rule is now in place, it’s still not certain the nominating process will result in the expansion of any of the show categories to five titles. With a slew of productions yet to open before the April 24 eligibility cutoff, Tony noms are due to be announced April 29.

Will Hugh's Opening Number be more like a well-written and relevant piece as his OSCARs opener in 2009? Will it also acknowledge the changes being made in the nominating process?

Hmmm... do the play revivals sound more like exciting choices than the new musicals/plays as well as musical revivals ( Will Les Mis have a chance?).


Jo

[mamaleh]

I wonder: If the telecast has to squeeze in at least one more major production number (assuming five musicals are nominated), will that mean less time for the host to do his thing? I hope not.

Ellen

[carouselkathy]

Feb 11, 2014 18:00:26 GMT -5 mamaleh said:

"Second to none" is right--and that includes Mr. Harris, who will probably be nominated for HEDWIG. Is it nasty of me to hope he doesn't win? Actually, if they're nominated, I'm hoping either Jefferson Mays (A GENTLEMAN'S GUIDE) or Steven Pasquale (BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY) wins.

I wonder if Hugh will seek or be accorded co-producer status, as Harris has been in the past.

Ellen

Ellen,

Have you seen BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY? I've been trying to find an OCR, but can't seem to find anything. What did you think of the score? Do you think it will still be there in June?

[mamaleh]

Hi, Kathy--The OCR is about to be recorded (next week) and should be released within the next few months. I've seen the show three times now: once in its pre-Bway tryout in Williamstown, Mass., and twice in previews on Broadway. I think the score is lush and lovely, almost operatic at times, which might prove an acquired taste. But it's unabashedly romantic, with powerhouse vocals by Kelli O'Hara and Steven Pasquale. (I've been waiting for the latter to do a Broadway musical for years; can't believe it's taken so long.) A couple of country-flavored numbers provide some Iowa atmosphere but don't really move the show along. There's one Joni Mitchell-like song, stemming from the Pasaquale character's memory of his ex-wife, that I also liked. Unfortunately, sales have been softer than anticipated for a show with a Jason Robert Brown score. I think if it gets some major Tony nominations and hopefully a win or two, it should be around through June at least. Some people find it boring, but not having read the novel and having seen the '95 movie a while ago, I was fully engaged throughout, even though after some cutting a few slow spots remain. But I find that a minor quibble. Note to Hunter Foster fans: He's sort of wasted in the throwaway role of the husband. Cass Morgan definitely steals a scene as a nosy neighbor. I'm going back for a third (Broadway) visit soon.

Update: www.broadwayworld.com/article/THE-BRIDGES-OF-MADISON-COUNTY-Cast-Recording-in-the-Works-from-Ghostlight-20140228#.UxDRIYUqs-0

Ellen

[jo]

Hugh Jackman ‏@realhughjackman · 4h
#TonyAwards promo taping day. #CBS. Because I'm happy!

http://instagram.com/p/lNu8zTihPr

www.broadwayworld.com/article/Twitter-Watch-Hugh-Jackman-Tapes-Tony-Awards-Promo-20140306#.UxkYdNHNuJc


Loved the video -- I don't know why -- but Hugh is always exciting to watch when he gets back on stage ( musical, play, or just hosting). He is such an adorable performer ( no offense meant, but I don't get the same kind of positive vibe when seeing a certain former host of the TONYs - LOL!).

Jo

[jo]

Okay -- someone please help!

Can you tell me what was the song he started singing ( maybe 2 notes of it) at the very start of the clip? Did it come from TBFO smiley-signs002...Could it be " Best That You Can Do" and the beginning lyrics are " just once..." ?

Although it does sound like something else

Thanks.

Jo

[mamaleh]

Not a clue. But to me it sounds like he's saying either "one smile" or "once my." If it's "one smile," that could be the lyric from "Make Someone Happy" ("One smile that cheers you"), although that's not likely, as it's not as uptempo as what we hear in the brief clip. Not as easy to recognize as the Pharrell Williams song at the end. Any other guesses?

Ellen

[carouselkathy]

I think it's "Put On A Happy Face." In the instagram, he says, "because I'm happy."

[jo]

I wonder what he's doing filming at the Majestic (practically permanent home of the Phantom)? Will there be montages on top of a live performance?

The TONYs are only 3 months away!


Jo

[mamaleh]

I believe he was doing promos for the Tonys there.

Ellen

[jo]

Yes, but why at the Majestic - any possible reason? Or did they just select a theatre at random to do the promos? I guess the RCMH is not available for that purpose?


Jo

[annetter]

The Majestic is a Schubert theatre
Could it b the future home of "The River"?

[jo]

Oh No -- the Phantom owns that theatre! He might come to haunt Hugh and the cast . You might also spot him sitting in the box closest to the stage...and climbing over the proscenium - this angel of music!!

Just kidding, Annette

*The Majestic is a fairly large theatre (over 1600 seats) and is probably more suitable for more spectacle-type shows? Also, I'm not sure if the longest-running show on Broadway is going to move to a smaller theatre ( just like Mamma Mia! did recently) to give way to a show which would likely be a limited engagement ( if it were like TBFO - maybe?), unless they are not projecting good longterm prospects for Phantom of the Opera?

*The River originally played in London in a very small theatre ( The Royal Court Theatre sits less than 100) that is used primarily for new work. It is an intimate play and probably needs a smaller setting...maybe closer the Schoenfeld in size ( which hosted A Steady Rain). The Schoenfeld sits closer to 1000 people.

*Which sets me wondering if the current tenant, Bridges of Madison County, is going to have good longterm propects. It did not get overall excellent reviews ( not bad, but not amazing). Word of mouth seems to be relatively poor. And if I am not mistaken, Kelli O'Hara is joining a Metropolitan Opera production towards the end of 2014 or beginning of 2015...so maybe that theatre might become available for THE RIVER??

LOL - maybe The Majestic volunteered to have their facilities used for the promos? Hugh has already mentioned the name in his instagram message ( and like me, that sets one wondering if the show residing there has any connection to the material which will be used for the TONYs).

Sorry for too much speculations

Jo

[annetter]

Just a guess Jo
I assume that the powers that b will want as big a theatre as is practical
so they can "rake in the $$"
But again this is just my humble opinion.

[jo]

It could happen, Annette!

Maybe Phantom of the Opera might also be looking for a smaller venue because its current grosses ( and longterm box office prospects) are not close to 100% capacity? Such as in the case of Mamma Mia! which moved from The Winter Garden to the Broadhurst ( where Hugh had his Back on Broadway run), even if the show was still showing healthy but not overly impressive grosses?

Also, The River might technically be just a filler show ( aka limited engagement) and a bigger future show is in the wings for The Majestic? That could have been HOUDINI - LOL!

LOL - I do remember the last time I sat at the Majestic for POTO ( very long time ago!), I sat very close to the front and I regretted it. I was getting a bit of the fumes that surrounded the Phantom in his underground lair/river. But I am sure that the same atmosphere will not happen for Hugh's own "river"

THE RIVER will not likely appear on Broadway till early next year. I wonder how long a commitment Hugh will make for this return to Broadway? Ten to twelve weeks or so ?? It is probably going to be on Broadway for at least the month of June 2015 (I am also assuming that the show will officially open by at least end-April to qualify for a TONY)? PAN will open on July 17, 2015 , so it is likely Hugh might be involved in some heavy promotions for that tentpole.


Jo

[annetter]

True, Jo.
I've learned that anything can happen with him.

[JH4HJ]

Mar 6, 2014 21:08:43 GMT -5 jo said:

Okay -- someone please help!

Can you tell me what was the song he started singing ( maybe 2 notes of it) at the very start of the clip?

Pharrell's Happy song? (Oscar nominated) Can't tell by me. Personally, I don't recognize it.



Off topic - Hugh and Deb at a polo match (?)

[jo]

Clip for the TONYs promos --

Hugh Jackman ‏@realhughjackman · 5h
You never know who's going to show up! June 8th #TonyAwards only on #CBS

http://instagram.com/p/lh5LtlChLf

[jo]

Nominations to be announced on April 29 --

www.playbill.com/news/article/188953-Dates-Announced-for-Tony-Nominations-Meet-the-Nominees-Press-Reception-and-More?tsrc=rnn


Jo

[jo]

The TONY Awards site shares a photo from the 2004 TONYs --

The Tony Awards ‏@thetonyawards · 25m
It's @realhughjackman at the 2004 #TonyAwards. He's back at @radiocity June 8 to host the 2014 Tonys on @cbs! #tbt pic.twitter.com/A4RZEE6iNZ

[jo]

The TONY Awards site shares a photo from the 2004 TONYs --

The Tony Awards ‏@thetonyawards · 25m
It's @realhughjackman at the 2004 #TonyAwards. He's back at @radiocity June 8 to host the 2014 Tonys on @cbs! #tbt pic.twitter.com/A4RZEE6iNZ

That was 10 years ago!


Jo

[jo]

This is about the parody of WHO AM I, but Broadway.com is thinking beyond the scoop by BBC Radio --


www.broadway.com/buzz/175212/who-is-he-hes-wolverine-watch-hugh-jackman-sing-from-wolverine-the-musical/

... The Oscar nominee can’t seem to catch a break: first, Valjean is imprisoned for stealing some bread and now, he has to deny himself ice cream in order to stay buff for the upcoming film X-Men: Days of Future Past. No ice cream? We thought this parody was supposed to be funny, but it's just as tear-jerking as its source material! Not bad for an impromptu first run, but we expect a fully staged performance of this at the Tonys on June 8, Mr. Jackman!

LOL - will Hugh still be able to sing WHO AM I as it was meant to be? Seriously?

After the popularity of the parody, Hugh will probably be laughing ( or have that twinkle in his eyes) before he sings the song as Valjean was supposed to!


Jo

[jo]

Hugh Jackman ‏@realhughjackman · 25m
You never know who's going to show. June 8. #thetonyawards

http://instagram.com/p/mzyxZpihMz

[jo]

Hugh Jackman ‏@realhughjackman · 2m
#youknowwhoyouare ... the gum on my shoe! Love you. Mean it. #tonyawards promos coming soon!

http://instagram.com/p/m2riEmChEA

Enigmatic tweet

LOL - I didn't know Christian Louboutin now makes men shoes for formal wear ( dress shoes), or lends his famous red soles to them


It looks like someone else had similar thoughts about the shoes

keshia ‏@juujsh · 3m
@realhughjackman name droppin shoes n shit! Oh no gum on my louboutins!

Jo