Tony Picks!
Best Musical
The race is between “Dear Evan Hansen” and “Come From Away.” Both have champions — and detractors.
Those who love “Evan Hansen” say it’s an emotional, original American musical that tackles a topical subject: social media. Critics struggle with the central character’s lies and resent the fact that it seems to have everything going for it — rich producers, rave reviews, a $35 million advance.
Those who love an underdog are rooting for “Come From Away,” which opened with no advance and through sheer word of mouth has taken off. But some think the 9/11 musical is manipulative and saccharine. Winner: “DearEvan Hansen”
Best Play
It’s “Oslo” vs. “A Doll’s House, Part 2.” Fans of “Oslo,” about the Norwegian couple that orchestrated a (brief) Middle East peace accord, love its ambition. Detractors aren’t in the mood for what one called a “three-hour history lesson.” Those voting for “A Doll’s House, Part 2” think it’s a smart, funny, pertinent update of the Ibsen classic — in only 90 minutes. The knock against it: a little formulaic and didactic. Winner: “Oslo”
Best Actress in a Musical
Winner: Bette Midler (right) in “Hello, Dolly!” — although Patti LuPone, in “War Paint,” has siphoned off a few votes.
Best Actor in a Musical
Everybody loves Andy Karl, the “Groundhog Day” trouper who’s still singing and dancing despite a ripped ACL. I wouldn’t rule him out, but the momentum seems to have swung back to. . . Winner: Ben Platt ( top). He’s likely to lead the “Dear Evan Hansen” wave on Sunday night.
Best Actress in a Play
Winner: Laurie Metcalf’s quirky star turn in “A Doll’s House, Part 2” leads the field, although Laura Linney is bagging some votes as the conniving Regina in “The Little Foxes.”
Best Actor in a Play
Winner: Kevin Kline floated above the Tony fray, but voters love his ripe performance as a vainglorious actor in “Present Laughter.”
Revival of a Musical
Goodbye, “Miss Saigon.” Farewell, “Falsettos.” The winner will be “Hello, Dolly!”
Revival of a Play
I predict the winner will be August Wilson’s “Jitney,” which closed months ago yet lingers in voters’ minds. But Lillian Hellman’s “The Little Foxes,” crackling right now at the Friedman Theatre, is a potential spoiler.