Going for 2012 Tony Gold! Handicapping the Race for Best Featured Actor in a Musical

It’s almost Tony time, and let's face it: We’re obsessed! In anticipation of the 2012 Tony nominations, which will be announced on May 1, the Broadway.com editorial staff clocked 12 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 jam-packed race for Best Featured Actor in a Musical.

FRONTRUNNERS
Michael Cerveris, Evita
The critical standout of the starry Evita revival, this Tony favorite should get his tux ready, as he is certain to be honored with a nomination for his powerful performance as Argentine dictator Juan Peron.

David Alan Grier, Porgy and Bess
In a devilishly wicked performance as drug dealer Sporting Life, two-time Tony nominee Grier is blessed with two show-stopping Gershwin classics, "It Ain't Necessarily So" and "There's a Boat That's Leaving Soon."

Patrick Page, Spider-Man, Turn Off the Dark 
Page has spent more than a year as Spider-Man's nemesis and may be rewarded with a Tony nod for his larger-than-life villain, and for helping rescue the show with the lively new number "A Freak Like Me."

IN THE MIX
Claybourne Elder, Bonnie & Clyde
Elder made a season-long impression as Buck Barrow, a bad guy with a boy-next-door smile and a killer voice.

Ricky Martin, Evita
He's talented, sexy and bringing them in by the busload to the Marquis Theatre.

Michael McGrath, Nice Work If You Can Get It
This Tony nominee knows how to milk a laugh, and he gets plenty in the new Gershwin tuner.

Andrew Keenan-Bolger, Newsies
As lovable newsboy, Crutchie, Keenan-Bolger might win over the hearts of nominators in this supporting role.

Josh Young, Jesus Christ Superstar
After a preview period plagued by illness, Young's determination may impress Tony nominators.

Also possible: John Dossett (Newsies), Max von Essen (Evita), Joshua Henry (Porgy and Bess), Tom Hewitt (Jesus Christ Superstar), Leslie Odom Jr. (Leap of Faith), Bryce Pinkham (Ghost), Chris Sullivan (Nice Work If You Can Get It), Jason Tam (Lysistrata Jones), David Turner (On a Clear Day...).

BROADWAY.COM SHOUT OUT
Phillip Boykin, Porgy & Bess
As the villainous Crown, opera veteran Boykin's intense scene with Audra McDonald has audiences and critics applauding. We hope nominators remember him in a revival packed with memorable performances.

Click for more Broadway.com Tony forecasts!