Early Tony Predictions 2016: Best Choreography
Chris Peterson
OnStage Founder & Editor-in-Chief
~~~~~
A little while back we released some of our way too early Tony predictions, but now that the nominations are just a month away, and with very little left to open on Broadway, it's time to start thinking about who might be hearing their named called on June 12th.
So with that in mind, for the next couple of days, I'll be releasing my Tony nominations and possible winners.
Today's Category: Best Choreography
No matter who is nominated, I'm expecting a tight race. Why? Because we've gotten some amazing examples of choreography this past season. This might be one of those categories where all five would be deserving of the award. Here is our breakdown.
Locks
- Hofesh Shecter - Fiddler on the Roof
- Andy Blankenbuehler - Hamilton
- Sergio Trujillo - On Your Feet
Probable Nominees
- Savion Glover - Shuffle Along
- JoAnn M. Hunter - School of Rock
- Casey Nicholaw - Tuck Everlasting
One the Bubble
- Lynne Page - American Psycho
- Josh Rhodes - Bright Star
With the three locks, these were obvious picks. I would be shocked if they weren't nominated.
Shecter has been praised for his use of modern dance while paying tribute to Jerome Robbins' original choreography. Robbins also won a Tony for Fiddler on the Roof, so I would be interested to see if Shecter can follow suit.
As for the probables, let's be honest, even though they have yet to open, there's very little reason to not believe that both Glover and Nicholaw will be the other two in the category. Glover, if nominated, would certainly be a strong contender. If he wins, it would mark exactly 20 years from his last win for Bring in 'da Noise/Bring in 'da Funk. And if nominated, Nicholaw will be in strong contention as well. He's some what of a "Susan Lucci" in this category by being nominated 5 times and never winning, so that could generate enough support.
Hunter is a long shot but showcasing strong choreography has worked in the past to warrant a nomination(i.e. Matilda, Billy Elliott).
In regards to the bubble, I don't see either of these names seriously in contention and it would be a complete shock if any of them made the list.
Probable Winner: This category historically awards shows where choreography is one of the most hailed aspects of the show. Which is why I'm thinking this might be one the few awards Hamilton doesn't win.
My money is with Trujillo. I don't expect to see On Your Feet mentioned much on Tony night and with Trujillo's high energy and Latin flavor choreography, this might be the one award they take home.