Going for 2013 Tony Gold! Handicapping the Race for Best Score
It's Tony time on Broadway, and as always, we can't stop thinking about who'll be going for the gold on June 9! In anticipation of the 2013 nominations, which will be announced on April 30, we're clocking 14 of the top races. Take a look at our forecast, including frontrunners, hopefuls and a “shout out” to one performer or show we hope the Tony nominators won’t forget. Below, our cheat sheet on the race for Best Book of a Musical.
FRONTRUNNERS
Kinky Boots (music & lyrics: Cyndi Lauper)
This is '80s pop queen Cyndi Lauper's first Broadway score, and it's an infectious, bouncy delight that is a shoe-in (pun intended) in this race. Tony nominators will undoubtedly say, "Yeah."
Matilda (music & lyrics: Tim Minchin)
Australian comedy rock superstar Tim Minchin's witty and wondrous score for this new family-friendly show soars but does not shy away from the darker corners of its story. There is no question that he will get a nod.
IN THE MIX
Bring It On (music: Tom Kitt & Lin-Manuel Miranda, lyrics: Amanda Green & Lin-Manuel Miranda)
This peppy score felt current and fresh and perfectly matched the cheerleading musical's high-flying feats.
Chaplin (music & lyrics: Christopher Curtis)
Christopher Curtis' decade-spanning showbiz musical was skillful and seductive—a wonderful combo for nominators.
A Christmas Story (music & lyrics: Benj Pasek & Justin Paul)
No holiday pap here! Pasek and Paul offered up a thoughtful and thoroughly entertaining score.
Also possible: The Nance (music: Glen Kelly, lyrics: Douglas Carter Beane); Scandalous (music: David Pomeranz & David Friedman, additional music & lyrics: Kathie Lee Gifford).
BROADWAY.COM SHOUT OUT
Hands on a Hardbody (music: Trey Anastasio & Amanda Green, lyrics: Amanda Green)
Phish's Trey Anastasio and Amanda Green's down-home, country and rock 'n' roll-flavored score infused this musical about cash-strapped Texans vying for a new truck with sensitivity and soul.
Click here for more 2013 Tony forecasts!