Tony awards

I must say that the opening number was very high energy.

I just wonder about the creative process. Why? Because is there anything new?

We have Billy Elliott a musical based on a movie
Shrek, same as about
9 to 5 pete, threepet

Rock of Ages, Hey lets take the bad songs and fashions of the 80's and make a musical. We can slap together a story. (like All Shook Up and Ring of Fire)

Hair, West Side Story, Guys and Dolls--revivals. yes some different interpretation, talented performers, but still revivals. Especially I wonder if Hair is letting liberals repeat some never was childhood and be hippies.

Was Liza Minelli really worthy of a Tony for Special Theatrical Event or is the Broadway group so enamored of her that they would give her a standing ovation just for burping. It looks like the other contenders were original, not a rehash of Liza with a Z.
Did Angela Lansbury really deserve hers? or did she get a sympathy vote?

Next to Normal, who would write a musical about Manic Depression. There is at least someone trying to think outside the box.

If you think about the awards themselves are lock in time. Lead actress, featured actress, lead actor...this all implies the standard love interest story.

Nor have they taken on the complexity of the modern theater. Sure there are short runs. Some even intended to stay that way. But does the Theater Wing consider the long running shows? Changes that happen over time with casts that can change an audience member's interpretation of a show? One reviewer many years ago said that when Harvey Fierstein left Hairspray, Harvey was incredible, but the interpretation changed and it became an ensemble's show. If a revival can be judged because of interpretations, why not a long running show?

Now they did do a smart thing. They showed performances of long running shows that are on tour. That way those people in "fly over country" like me know what is available to them.

I realize it is hard to be creative. Some of the best musicals are based on fairy tales; Rogers and Hammerstein's Cinderella. West Side Story is based on Romeo and Juliet, Shaw's play Pygmalion was turned into My Fair Lady. But come on guys, there are new creative and hungry people out there waiting for their chance.

Though if I make it to New York, I wanna see Wicked, 9 to 5, Hair, West Side Story, Chicago, South Pacific. Heck I might try rush tickets for Toxic Avenger.