Back in Time for the Tonys!

Alright, so I've been on a bit of a hiatus. But I think I'm gonna start up Blogging again, especially since this summer it seems I'm gonna have a lot of free time. And I think next year during school this will be a great place for me to post reviews and thoughts about various things, in addition to starting to chronicle some of the exciting things that happen to me in my time at NYU's Educational Theatre department. After all, I always hear how great it is to journal, and I should actually start trying to do some of that, and who doesn't want to read all about my inner troubles and outer triumphs, right? (Seriously, let me know if anything gets too boring or annoying, and I'll cut it out ASAP).

Anyways, it's June, and to me, that means just one thing. TONY TIME! Yes, that's right, the 2009 Tony Awards are going to be announced this Sunday in what is sure to be an exciting show filled with fabulous performances, and unlike previous years, I actually have opinions about what should win, thanks to my first year at NYU. So, over the next few days, I'll be posting predictions and opinions about what should and will win and why, and share my overall thoughts about this past theatre season in general. To get me started, tonight, I'm going to post a list of all shows that got a nomination and then I'll include whether I've seen it or not, and what degree of familiarity I have with each, so you'll know which opinions of mine to take with a grain of salt and which to take stock in. I've seen a lot of the major ones, but unfortunately didn't make a ton of the late season openers due to lack of time and funds. So, without further ado, here's a brief update of my experience with all the shows which opened this year, in order of most nominations recieved:


Billy Elliot, The Musical - 15
I saw this one once towards the end of January/middle of February. The Billy I saw was David Alvarez, and I did not see the nominated David Bologna in the roll of Michael, but instead Frank Dolce, who alternates the show with David (and for some reason was not petitioned to be nominated with David like all the Billys were). I have not really listened to the music much since I saw it, although I am thinking about getting the Original London Cast Recording. It was a very enjoyable show with some spectacular dancing.


Next to Normal - 11
Saw this one a month and a half ago on the Saturday after it opened. I have not bought the album and probably would not get the music unless I could for free (library, maybe?). This is one where I split wildly from all the critical opinion, although I did enjoy a lot of Tom Kitt's score and orchestrations.


Hair - 8
I unfortunately haven't had a chance to see Hair yet, although it's pretty much on the top of my list for when I get back to NYC. I've seen a bunch of clips and media apperences from this production, and I do have both the OBCR and the Soundtrack to the film in my iTunes Library, so I know a lot of the music. I do not really know the storyline to the show very well, but I have seen about half of the movie, which has a very different plot, apparently.


Shrek The Musical - 8
I saw this show twice, once by myself with the complete cast in, and once with my Mom while she was visiting, with an understudy on for Christopher Sieber's Lord Farquaad. I own the OBCR, and have listened to certain tracks much more than is healthy.


Mary Stuart - 7
Have not seen, know very very little about it other than the basic premise and look of the production.


The Norman Conquests - 7
REALLY wanted to make it to this one, but unfortunately with it opening late and being a trilogy, I didn't get a chance. I've seen a few clips and know what the premise is, but I tried to keep myself fairly clean in case it extends out until when I can make it to see it.


God of Carnage - 6
Have not seen, and probably couldn't get tickets if I wanted to. I know they're closing for a few weeks and then reopening, so I'll probably try to get a standing room ticket this fall after they reopen. I know the premise and have seen most of the publicity clips out there.


Joe Turner’s Come and Gone - 6
Have not seen it, and have seen very little of it in terms of clips. I have read other August Wilson, but I've never seen him performed.


Rock of Ages - 5
Have not seen it, and refuse to see it due to my general dislike and loose boycott of jukebox musicals. I am familiar with some of the songs used in the show.


33 Variations - 5
Saw it with the entire cast in. Wasn't expecting much, and ended up crying my eyes out by the end of it, although there were certainly many things I could criticize.


Exit the King - 4
Saw it the weekend after it opened, with the entire cast in. Laughed the whole way through until it got serious.


9 to 5: The Musical - 4
I have not seen it, but I have seen a few of the clips and heard some of the songs available on the website.


Pal Joey - 4
Didn't get a chance to see this, and I'm only familiar with a few songs and the very basic premise.


West Side Story - 4
Didn't see this production, although I've heard a few tracks off the cast album, and I am, of course, very familiar with the show having been in it in 10th grade.


Reasons to Be Pretty - 3
Did not see this one yet, and I hope it doesn't close before fall. I have seen one other LaBute play in a completely student-run production and enjoyed it very much.


Waiting for Godot - 3
I saw a Wednesday matinee the week before I left, and loved every minute of it. I have read one other Beckett play.


Blithe Spirit - 2
Saw this one towards the early/middle part of previews. I understand that there were a few cuts after I saw it, but nothing that really changed the show much.


Dividing the Estate - 2
Saw this in December before I came home, and enjoyed it.


Equus - 2
Saw this shortly after it opened in the fall with the complete cast in fine form. Didn't love the play, but there were things I liked about it.


Guys and Dolls - 2
Saw this one (although I couldn't see much from my rush seat all the way to the right in the front row) a few months ago. Didn't really like the production. I do have cast albums from 2 other productions of the show, both of which I enjoy.


Irving Berlin’s White Christmas - 2
Did not get to see this one, and I know very little about it other than that it is based on a movie and has a lot of Irving Berlin songs.


Liza’s at The Palace - 1
Didn't see it, although I am familiar with a lot of Liza's work, and greatly admire her work ethic, if not her voice.


Slava’s Snowshow - 1
Did not see, and all I know is that it's Russian clowns and a whole lot of stuff dumped on the audience before the end.


Soul of Shaolin - 1
Did not see, know very little about other than that it was done by the some Chinese who were involved with the Beijing Olympic opening ceremony.


Speed-the-Plow - 1
Saw this shortly after William H. Macy joined the cast, and enjoyed it a lot. Defintely the Raul Esparza show.


[Title of Show] - 1
Saw this one four times (including closing night), and I have listened to the cast album more times then I would like to admit. I also have seen the cast give a talkback about the creative process, and I was featured in their 9PFT music video (seven!). I guess you could call me a [tos]ser ;).


You're Welcome America. A Final Night with George W. Bush - 1
Saw a video of the HBO Broadcast fairly recently. I'm a pretty big Will Ferrell fan, so I enjoyed it a lot.