Tony Awards 2017: Who Will Win?

It's nearing June and that means one thing in the theatre community: Tony Award Season. As we are still a month away from the big night, let's talk predictions. Who do I think will? Who do I want to win? Let's start with the heavy hitters:

Best Play

Who I Want to Win: Indecent

Who Will Win: Sweat

I just finished reading Indecent and I'm obsessed with this play and production. However, in a new play season with very intense subject matter and established playwrights, I'm giving the win to Sweat. Lynn Nottage already has the Pulitzer Prize under her belt and the Tony is next. While Oslo and Indecent are important in their own right, Sweat speaks so much right now to the political climate of worker's rights and racial inequality.

Best Musical

Who I Want to Win: Dear Evan Hansen

Who Will Win: Natasha, Pierre, & The Great Comet of 1812

Once again, a category filled with new work that covers some very heavy issues, including 9/11 and mental health. While Dear Evan Hansen is the favorite to win, I think Natasha will take the top prize. Natasha has taken such an incredibly thought out production to Broadway, where no other such immersive piece has gone before. Condensing a section of War & Peace into a musical is no small feat and it should be recognized.

Best Revival of a Play

Who I Want to Win: Jitney

Who Will Win: The Little Foxes

There are many great revivals on Broadway this season, I was actually hoping The Price would make it's way to this category. From the nominees, even though I lean more towards August Wilson, I think The Little Foxes will win top honors. Due to it's timeliness and convention of alternating roles, this creative spin from Manhattan Theater Club has become a critic favorite.

Best Revival of a Musical

Who I Want to Win: Falsettos

Who Will Win: Hello, Dolly!

With very few choices this year, there are two clear favorites. However, despite the out pour of praise for the revival of Falsettos at the beginning of the season, the Bette Midler led Hello, Dolly! will be the more likely winner.

Best Book of a Musical

Who I Want to Win: Steven Levenson (Dear Evan Hansen)

Who Will Win: Irene Sankoff and David Hein (Come From Away)

Steven Levenson has had a great year, from Dear Evan Hansen to his Off-Broadway hit If I Forget. The way he tackled the subjects of suicide, anxiety, and depression balanced with the quirky, lovable characters of Dear Evan Hansen should be applauded. Come From Away on the other hand, takes us through a tragedy in our country through outside eyes, which presents such a unique tale. Irene Sankoff and David Hein will be the most likely win for Come From Away this season.

Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

Who I Want to Win: Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (Dear Evan Hansen)

Who Will Win: Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (Dear Evan Hansen)

After winning Best Original Score for La La Land at the Oscars, the projected winners are Pasek and Paul for Dear Evan Hansen. To be honest, out of all the nominees this year, the score of this current pop musical is very catchy; there is no bad number in this show. I would be surprised if they didn't win the Tony, and subsequent Grammy next year on their path to the EGOT.

Best Direction of a Play

Who I Want to Win: Rebecca Taichman (Indecent)

Who Will Win: Rebecca Taichman (Indecent)

Paula Vogel has made such an achievement with Indecent, yet credit should also be given to the women who realized this amazing production. Rebecca Taichman has created true theatrical magic with this play and it would be a shame to not see her walk away with the Tony.

Best Direction of a Musical

Who I Want to Win: Michael Greif (Dear Evan Hansen)

Who Will Win: Rachel Chavkin (Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812)

From Rent to Next to Normal, Michael Greif has truly struck gold again with Dear Evan Hansen. He gets the rhythm and flow of contemporary pop musicals and has gotten to the heart of yet another taboo topic for the musical landscape. However, the inventive genius behind Natasha has to be the director Rachel Chavkin, who brought together all the fantastical elements that make this devised piece come to life.