5. The existence of the 2010 season.
Seriously. Watching the Tonys last year, I couldn’t even make myself root for anything. I just didn’t care. I mean, I’m sure American Idiot is fun, but like three of the four Best Musical nominees of 2010, it’s a jukebox musical. I’m sure they’re all very good at being what they are. But I just… couldn’t care.
4. Jersey Boys winning Best Musical over The Drowsy Chaperone (2006)
Drowsy isn’t a perfect show. I’m aware of this. But it’s very cute, and it’s 100% original. Unlike Jersey Boys, which is… not. It’s a jukebox musical. And have I mentioned how much I abhor that trend? Honestly and truly? And it’s not even jukeboxing someone whose music I can stand. Because, come on, what drives you nuttier than Frankie Valli’s voice? I know in my case, nothing.
3. Spamalot winning Best Musical over The Light in the Piazza (2005)
Not because Spamalot isn’t cute, I guess? I mean, it’s fun. It’s frothy and whimsical and has lots of Monty Python in-jokes. But Piazza is in my Top 4 of shows of all time. It’s probably not something everyone’s gonna be into, but it’s beautiful. It’s genuine. It’s not trying to be anything more than a story of people and a moment in their lives. And the score is insanely phenomenal. Again, probably a little too operatic for some people’s tastes. But seriously intensely amazing.
2. Billy Elliot winning Best Musical over Next to Normal (2009)
Now that I’ve seen Billy Elliot, I can say it’s… good. I mean, it’s a pretty standard Broadway Show Full Of Songs And Dance. It’s decently written, and when the performers are good, it’s solid. But Next to Normal… well, very few things have hit me as square in the chest as Next to Normal have. It’s a genuinely unique experience in musical theatre. It’s raw, it’s (yes) electric, it’s poignant, it’s quirky. And it, again, is original. Completely. (Can you tell that I have a bit of a soft spot for Sincerely Original Musicals? I do.)
1. David Hyde Pierce (Curtains) winning Best Actor over Raul Esparza (Company)
Holy mother bitch. I will never stop being bitter about this. And I’m sure that David Hyde Pierce did a passable, adequate job of filling the Generic Broadway Man shoes in Curtains. I’m sure his performance was very acceptable. I’m sure that for a television actor it was even a bit surprising. But come on. Even before I saw the broadcast via PBS of Company, just based on their performances that night at the Tonys, Raul Esparza owned. His “Being Alive” remains one of the most chilling theatrical moments I have ever witnessed.
–your fangirl heroine.
partlydrawn 