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

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. In our final feature of the series, we analyze the lengthy list of candidates for Best Actress in a Musical. (Note that the field will not include the young title stars of Matilda, who will instead receive special Tony honors.)

FRONTRUNNERS
Lilla Crawford, Annie
Crawford carries the first 45 minutes (and five production numbers) of this huge musical on her 12-year-old back and makes it look easy. We’d like to thank her with a Tony nod.


Patina Miller, Pippin
Boasting a golden voice and all the right Fosse-esque moves, Miller will draw her second Tony nomination as the sleek, sexy and slightly sinister Leading Player.


Laura Osnes, Cinderella
A perfect match of actress and role will put 2012 nominee Osnes back in the running. Her Cinderella is a compelling and beautifully sung Rodgers & Hammerstein heroine.


IN THE MIX
Stephanie J. Block, The Mystery of Edwin Drood
A little cross-dressing never hurts! Block showed off her funny side as the title character in this fall hit.

Carolee Carmello, Scandalous
Carmello gave her all as Aimee Semple McPherson, but the show’s brief run doesn’t work in her favor.

Valisia LeKae, Motown
LeKae channels Motown queen Diana Ross in a seductive, well-sung Broadway debut.


Also possible: Deborah Cox (Jekyll & Hyde), Taylor Louderman (Bring It On), Adrienne Warren (Bring It On)

BROADWAY.COM SHOUT OUT
Erin Dilly, A Christmas Story
What a Mother! Dilly was tough, patient, loving and a hell of a great singer in this holiday tuner. Time to swap that hated leg lamp for a Tony nominee certificate.


Click here for more 2013 Tony forecasts!