It was rainy last week in New York City, and when it rained on Broadway, it really poured. The race to the Tonys on June 8 was in full swing, with lots of campaigning, some award shake-ups, and the Broadway League’s Spring Road Conference. This event brought hundreds of out-of-town presenters, also known as “the road,” to Manhattan for a mix of work and play.
The main goal of the annual convention was to encourage regional markets to book tours of new musicals. However, there was a hidden agenda at play as well – to sway the 100-or-so road voters to choose certain shows at the upcoming Tonys. With only about 800 voters in total, states like Florida, Ohio, and Illinois could have a significant impact on the results.
One of the highlights of the conference was the “Death Becomes Her” soiree at Sony Hall, where stars like Megan Hilty, Jennifer Simard, and Michelle Williams of Destiny’s Child mingled with attendees. This comedy was a hit among visitors, offering a more traditional and crowd-pleasing option compared to the frontrunner, “Maybe Happy Ending,” a robot rom-com starring Darren Criss and Helen J. Chen.
In the midst of the festivities, the fight for Best Play was heating up. “Oh, Mary!,” Cole Escola’s farcical portrayal of Mary Todd Lincoln at the Lyceum, was gaining momentum as a potential winner. Escola himself was the clear favorite for Best Actor for his role in the play, and the production was receiving positive attention for its unique take on historical comedy.
The battle for Best Actress in a Play was also fierce, with Sarah Snook from “Succession” leading the pack for her performance in “The Picture of Dorian Gray.” However, contenders like Mia Farrow from “The Roommate” were still holding out hope for a chance at the coveted award. The competition was intense, with secret parties and events adding to the drama of the awards season.
As the conference continued, actors and actresses in musicals were making their mark with spontaneous performances and public appearances. The showdown for Best Actress in a Musical between Nicole Scherzinger and Audra McDonald was a highlight, with both stars vying for the top spot. McDonald’s performance in “Gypsy” was receiving critical acclaim, but Scherzinger’s role in “Sunset Boulevard” was not to be underestimated.
With the Tonys fast approaching, the excitement and anticipation in the air were palpable. As the theater community geared up for the big night, it was anyone’s guess who would come out on top in the end. One thing was certain – the world of Broadway was alive and thriving, with talented performers and productions shining bright in the spotlight.
