So there are only five more shows opening on Broadway this season with only one more week until this year’s Tony Award nominations are announced. So today, we’ll be discussing the candidates for Lead Actor in a Musical. This year, there are six strong contenders, and only five of them are likely going to be nominated (unless there ends up being a tie in the nominating process which would lead to the expansion of nominees). So let’s talk about them, shall we?
Who I Think Will Be Nominated?:
Alex Brightman-School of Rock: After having previously appeared in smaller roles on Broadway in Wicked, Big Fish, and Matilda, Brightman is earning rave reviews in his very first lead role on the Great White Way. In a role that previously earned Jack Black a Golden Globe nomination for the original film back in 2003, Alex Brightman could make it a Tony nominated role on May 3rd.
Danny Burstein-Fiddler on the Roof: After having started in the ensemble, this five-time Tony nominated Broadway veteran has been climbing the ladder into featured roles in The Drowsy Chaperone, South Pacific, Golden Boy, and Cabaret. He has now graduated to his very first leading role on Broadway in the iconic character of Tevye to great acclaim! He’s likely going to be receiving his sixth nomination on May 3rd.
Zachary Levi-She Loves Me: In his second Broadway show, this TV star blends very well in with a cast of Broadway veterans. In a role that previously won Boyd Gaines his second Tony Award for the last revival back in 1994, Levi could earn himself a Tony nomination on May 3rd.
Lin-Manuel Miranda-Hamilton: Not only did he create this juggernaut, but he also plays the title character 7 times a week (he takes the Sunday matinee off). As the face of Hamilton, it would be a real shocker if he isn’t nominated for his performance.
Leslie Odom, Jr.-Hamilton: As antagonist Aaron Burr, he narrates Hamilton’s story just like how Judas Iscariot narrates Jesus’ story in Jesus Christ Superstar as well as how Che narrates Eva Peron’s story in Evita. I imagine Leslie Odom, Jr. is likely going to go along with the Hamilton juggernaut.
Who We Should Lookout For?:
Benjamin Walker-American Psycho: While the response on the show itself has been mixed, Walker still earned some great acclaim as investment banker/serial killer Patrick Bateman. Could he be one of the few Tony nominations American Psycho will receive?
Who I Think Will Be Nominated?:
Alex Brightman-School of Rock: After having previously appeared in smaller roles on Broadway in Wicked, Big Fish, and Matilda, Brightman is earning rave reviews in his very first lead role on the Great White Way. In a role that previously earned Jack Black a Golden Globe nomination for the original film back in 2003, Alex Brightman could make it a Tony nominated role on May 3rd.
Danny Burstein-Fiddler on the Roof: After having started in the ensemble, this five-time Tony nominated Broadway veteran has been climbing the ladder into featured roles in The Drowsy Chaperone, South Pacific, Golden Boy, and Cabaret. He has now graduated to his very first leading role on Broadway in the iconic character of Tevye to great acclaim! He’s likely going to be receiving his sixth nomination on May 3rd.
Zachary Levi-She Loves Me: In his second Broadway show, this TV star blends very well in with a cast of Broadway veterans. In a role that previously won Boyd Gaines his second Tony Award for the last revival back in 1994, Levi could earn himself a Tony nomination on May 3rd.
Lin-Manuel Miranda-Hamilton: Not only did he create this juggernaut, but he also plays the title character 7 times a week (he takes the Sunday matinee off). As the face of Hamilton, it would be a real shocker if he isn’t nominated for his performance.
Leslie Odom, Jr.-Hamilton: As antagonist Aaron Burr, he narrates Hamilton’s story just like how Judas Iscariot narrates Jesus’ story in Jesus Christ Superstar as well as how Che narrates Eva Peron’s story in Evita. I imagine Leslie Odom, Jr. is likely going to go along with the Hamilton juggernaut.
Who We Should Lookout For?:
Benjamin Walker-American Psycho: While the response on the show itself has been mixed, Walker still earned some great acclaim as investment banker/serial killer Patrick Bateman. Could he be one of the few Tony nominations American Psycho will receive?