The Tony Awards
This past weekend the Tony Awards honoured the best on Broadway this season. And what a remarkable season it was. Even with the economy doing so poorly, Broadway has never done better financially. Earlier this Spring I was lucky enough visit New York and see three shows (33 Variations, Exit the King and Blithe Spirit), each of which garnered at least one Tony nomination. Earlier I had planned to review each of them individually, but time got away from me and instead I will discuss each of them here.
When it was announced that Jane Fonda would return to the Broadway stage after a nearly half century absence in Moisés Kaufman’s 33 Variations, it came to many as a surprise. In her stage return Fonda played Katherine Brandt, a dying woman who spends her last days trying to understand why Beethoven was compelled to create 33 variations of a simple waltz. Out of the three shows that I saw during my New York trip, this one was my favourite. I was impressed by Fonda’s ability to effectively portray the disintegration of her character’s health. Sadly Fonda did not win the Tony for Leading Actress in a Play, but bravo to Jane for a triumphant return to the stage after all these years. Here’s hoping we don’t have to wait so long to see her again.
Jane Fonda in “33 Variations”
My least favourite show I saw was Exit the King. I felt Eugène Ionesco’s absurdist comedy was long, drawn out and boring, but redeemed itself near the end. However, Geoffrey Rush, who took home the Tony for Leading Actor in a Play, was a marvel. Watching Rush was a master class in acting. It was also a treat to see the wonderful Susan Sarandon and Andrea Martin act onstage.
The highlight of the Tonys for me was Angela Lansbury’s win for Blithe Spirit. This was her fifth, tying her with Julie Harris as the actor with the most wins. Lansbury is acting royalty, having had success in film, stage and television. However, it’s hard to believe that between her 3 Oscar nominations and 18 Emmy nominations she never took home a statue. The theatre world has shown more appreciation: Lansbury has gone home with the Tony nearly every time she has been nominated—the only time she didn’t win was in 2007 for Deuce. This latest win, for her role as Madame Arcati in Noël Coward’s Blithe Spirit, was the part that fans had been patiently waiting for. Her participation in this production completely eclipses the show itself. She is, after all, one of the leading Grande Dames of the Broadway stage. When you’re watching Lansbury onstage you get the impression that the 83 year old legend is enjoying every minute. She’s also grateful to be there: in the past Lansbury has said just how difficult it has been to find film roles. At one point there was even talk of her returning of returning to the small screen but nothing came of it. Here’s hoping the attention from this latest triumph changes that or at least prompts the Academy and Emmys to her the adulation she deserves.
Angela Lansbury in “Blithe Spirit”
I’d also like to mention Liza Minnelli’s win for Best Special Theatrical Event for Liza’s At The Palace. While I didn’t get to see this on Broadway, Liza has been touring with a similar show for the past few years, which I was fortunate enough to see in 2007. The show is largely a tribute to her beloved godmother Kay Thompson and the show Kay did with the Williams Brothers. If you ever get to see Liza onstage, don’t hesitate: GO! Liza Minnelli is a vulnerable performer who goes for broke and bares her soul with every performance she gives.
Something tells me that Broadway’s upcoming season will have a hard time competing with all of this legendary star power…
