Going for 2013 Tony Gold! Handicapping the Race for Best Featured Actor in a Musical

2013 Tony Forecast

by Broadway.com Staff • Apr 23, 2013

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 Featured Actor in a Musical.

FRONTRUNNERS
Will Chase, The Mystery of Edwin Drood
In the two-faced role of John Jasper, Edwin Drood's Jekyll-and-Hyde-like uncle, Chase got to indulge in all sorts of mugging, winking and other actorly fun—to the delight of the audience.

Gabriel Ebert, Matilda
As Mr. Wormwood, Matilda’s smarmy salesman father, this rubber-faced actor is a scene-stealer whether he’s spouting about the joys of telly or admonishing his bookish daughter for reading.

Terrence Mann, Pippin
A Broadway stalwart with a string of legendary hits to his name, Mann rules the Holy Roman Empire—and the stage—as Pippin’s father Charlemagne in this high-flying revival.

IN THE MIX
Charl Brown, Motown
Brown and his velvet voice are truly channeling Smokey Robinson in this toe-tapping trip through Hitsville.

Hunter Foster, Hands on a Hardbody
As a bullying contestant in this down-home musical, Foster led the tight ensemble with power.

Andy Karl, The Mystery of Edwin Drood
Karl stood out in a crowd of spotlight-hogs with his singular comic timing and extraordinary eyebrows.

Dan Lauria, A Christmas Story
The lone non-singer in this nostalgia-filled musical, Lauria still hit all the right notes as the narrator.

Raymond Luke Jr., Motown
This pint-sized talent stops the show when he goes into full Jackson 5 mode as young Michael.

Also possible: Peter Bartlett (Cinderella), Keith Carradine (Hands on a Hardbody), Bryan Terrell Clark (Motown), Gregg Edelman (The Mystery of Edwin Drood), Greg Hildreth (Cinderella), Daniel Stewart Sherman (Kinky Boots), Luke Springer (A Christmas Story), Clarke Thorell (Annie).

BROADWAY.COM SHOUT OUT
Gregory Haney, Bring It On
Three cheers for Gregory Haney, who played smart and sassy trans-teen La Cienaga with aplomb. Haney's performance deserves to be remembered for its mix of athleticism, authenticity and audacity.