There are now only three 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 Actress in a Musical. This year, there are seven 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?
The Likely Nominees:
Laura Benanti-She Loves Me: In her first Broadway appearance since making a name for herself on television, Benanti delivers in a role that almost seems tailor made for her. As the role previously earned Judy Kuhn her third Tony nomination for the last revival back in 1994, this previous Tony Award winner is likely going to receive her very first Tony nomination as a Lead Actress next week.
Cynthia Erivo-The Color Purple: People may have gone to see The Color Purple mostly because of Jennifer Hudson and to some extent Orange is the New Black’s Danielle Brooks, but they walk away talking about Cynthia Erivo. After having previously starred in The Color Purple at the Menier Chocolate Factory in London (where the current Broadway revival originated), she comes with the show to Broadway and delivers to great acclaim! In a role that previously earned Whoopi Goldberg her first Oscar nomination for the film back in 1986 and LaChanze a Tony Award for the original production in 2006, Erivo seems all set for a Tony nomination next week.
Audra McDonald-Shuffle Along…: While the show itself hasn’t even opened yet, one must never underestimate Audra McDonald. She has received 8 Tony nominations, 6 of them she had won. It just goes to show that she can always be a force to be reckon with.
Jessie Mueller-Waitress: While she had already won this award almost two years ago for playing Carole King, she’s been giving another outstanding performance in Waitress, this time singing Sara Bareilles. Another Tony nomination for Jessie Mueller this year seems likely.
Phillipa Soo-Hamilton: This one really seems to be more of a coin toss. While she could be nominated riding on the wave of support for Hamilton as she is the female lead, some nominators could feel that the role itself is more of a featured role.
Who I Hope Doesn’t Get Left Out?:
Carmen Cusack-Bright Star: While the critics weren’t crazy about the show itself, they still walked away talking about the incredible Broadway debut of Carmen Cusack. Especially how she’s been able to go back and forth between playing the same character as a teenager and as an adult. You can read more about her journey right here: http://www.playbill.com/article/the-many-faces-of-bright-stars-leading-lady
Ana Villafane-On Your Feet!: As another Broadway debutante this season, Villafane has earned rave reviews playing Gloria Estefan in the hit jukebox/biomusical. She’s also really become a part of the Broadway community throughout the season. You can read more about her journey right here:
https://deadline.com/2016/04/ana-villafane-on-your-feet-star-q-and-a-1201740752/
The Likely Nominees:
Laura Benanti-She Loves Me: In her first Broadway appearance since making a name for herself on television, Benanti delivers in a role that almost seems tailor made for her. As the role previously earned Judy Kuhn her third Tony nomination for the last revival back in 1994, this previous Tony Award winner is likely going to receive her very first Tony nomination as a Lead Actress next week.
Cynthia Erivo-The Color Purple: People may have gone to see The Color Purple mostly because of Jennifer Hudson and to some extent Orange is the New Black’s Danielle Brooks, but they walk away talking about Cynthia Erivo. After having previously starred in The Color Purple at the Menier Chocolate Factory in London (where the current Broadway revival originated), she comes with the show to Broadway and delivers to great acclaim! In a role that previously earned Whoopi Goldberg her first Oscar nomination for the film back in 1986 and LaChanze a Tony Award for the original production in 2006, Erivo seems all set for a Tony nomination next week.
Audra McDonald-Shuffle Along…: While the show itself hasn’t even opened yet, one must never underestimate Audra McDonald. She has received 8 Tony nominations, 6 of them she had won. It just goes to show that she can always be a force to be reckon with.
Jessie Mueller-Waitress: While she had already won this award almost two years ago for playing Carole King, she’s been giving another outstanding performance in Waitress, this time singing Sara Bareilles. Another Tony nomination for Jessie Mueller this year seems likely.
Phillipa Soo-Hamilton: This one really seems to be more of a coin toss. While she could be nominated riding on the wave of support for Hamilton as she is the female lead, some nominators could feel that the role itself is more of a featured role.
Who I Hope Doesn’t Get Left Out?:
Carmen Cusack-Bright Star: While the critics weren’t crazy about the show itself, they still walked away talking about the incredible Broadway debut of Carmen Cusack. Especially how she’s been able to go back and forth between playing the same character as a teenager and as an adult. You can read more about her journey right here: http://www.playbill.com/article/the-many-faces-of-bright-stars-leading-lady
Ana Villafane-On Your Feet!: As another Broadway debutante this season, Villafane has earned rave reviews playing Gloria Estefan in the hit jukebox/biomusical. She’s also really become a part of the Broadway community throughout the season. You can read more about her journey right here:
https://deadline.com/2016/04/ana-villafane-on-your-feet-star-q-and-a-1201740752/