There are now only two more shows opening on Broadway this season with only less than a week until this year’s Tony Award nominations are announced. So today, we’ll be discussing the candidates for Featured Actress in a Musical. This year, there are four strong contenders, and several more battling it out for the fifth slot. So let’s talk about them, shall we?
Who’s In?:
Danielle Brooks-The Color Purple: Making her Broadway debut in a role that previously earned Oprah Winfrey an Oscar nomination for the film adaptation back in 1986 and Felicia P. Fields a Tony nomination for the original production in 2006, Orange is the New Black star Danielle Brooks seems likely to receive her first Tony nomination next week.
Renee Elise Goldsberry-Hamilton: Of the many outstanding performances there are in Hamilton, Goldsberry is probably the one people have talked about the most. The role had already won her a Lucille Lortel and Drama Desk Award last year when Hamilton was off-Broadway, so Tony nomination seems to be on the way next week.
Jennifer Hudson-The Color Purple: While she does bring some star power to the production, she also has been delivering a great performance as the glamorous character of Shug Avery! While Jennifer Hudson will be leaving the show on May 8th, I think a Tony nomination for her still seems likely.
Jane Krakowski-She Loves Me: In her very first Broadway appearance in 13 years, previous Tony Award winner Jane Krakowski has returned with a bang! In a role that previously earned Sally Mayes a Tony nomination for the last revival back in 1994, Krakowski seems likely to earn her third Tony nomination next week.
Who Could Get the Fifth Slot?:
Jessica Hecht-Fiddler on the Roof: She has a very important role as Tevye’s wife Golde, and the critical and commercial success of Fiddler on the Roof could elevate her chances of getting nominated.
Lesli Margherita-Dames at Sea: While the show closed earlier in the season, Margherita was still the critical darling of that production.
Jennifer Simard-Disaster!: While the response for Disaster! hasn’t been great, people still walked away talking about Simard’s standout performance.
Who’s In?:
Danielle Brooks-The Color Purple: Making her Broadway debut in a role that previously earned Oprah Winfrey an Oscar nomination for the film adaptation back in 1986 and Felicia P. Fields a Tony nomination for the original production in 2006, Orange is the New Black star Danielle Brooks seems likely to receive her first Tony nomination next week.
Renee Elise Goldsberry-Hamilton: Of the many outstanding performances there are in Hamilton, Goldsberry is probably the one people have talked about the most. The role had already won her a Lucille Lortel and Drama Desk Award last year when Hamilton was off-Broadway, so Tony nomination seems to be on the way next week.
Jennifer Hudson-The Color Purple: While she does bring some star power to the production, she also has been delivering a great performance as the glamorous character of Shug Avery! While Jennifer Hudson will be leaving the show on May 8th, I think a Tony nomination for her still seems likely.
Jane Krakowski-She Loves Me: In her very first Broadway appearance in 13 years, previous Tony Award winner Jane Krakowski has returned with a bang! In a role that previously earned Sally Mayes a Tony nomination for the last revival back in 1994, Krakowski seems likely to earn her third Tony nomination next week.
Who Could Get the Fifth Slot?:
Jessica Hecht-Fiddler on the Roof: She has a very important role as Tevye’s wife Golde, and the critical and commercial success of Fiddler on the Roof could elevate her chances of getting nominated.
Lesli Margherita-Dames at Sea: While the show closed earlier in the season, Margherita was still the critical darling of that production.
Jennifer Simard-Disaster!: While the response for Disaster! hasn’t been great, people still walked away talking about Simard’s standout performance.