Best Actress in a Musical
1. Faith Prince, A Catered Affair (definite)
2. Patti LuPone, Gypsy (definite)
3. Kelli O'Hara, South Pacific (definite)
4. Jenna Russell, Sunday in the Park with George (definite)
5. Kerry Butler, Xanadu (almost definite)
Commentary: Faith Prince, an industry veteran and Tony Award Winner, is giving an amazing performance in a show that is sort of the "Light in the Piazza" of this year. Which in this analogy would make her Victoria Clark and presumably win the Tony. That's my thinking anyway! She is absolutely guaranteed a nomination and I think she is the one to beat right now. Patti LuPone is Rose in the "role she was born to play", but I have a feeling some people will disagree with that contention leaving Patti with a nomination (of course), but without another Tony. Kelli O'Hara is absolutely going to be nominated and could be the dark horse in this competition. The problem is that there isn't any major buzz for this production yet, but Kelli is a pro and there is no doubt that she will turn out a great performance. Jenna Russell will also be nominated, but I don't think she will win because this just too crowded a field. Finally, Kerry Butler whose image graces the "Xanadu" logo will snag the fifth spot in this category due to her charm and the amazing reviews she received. Frankly, the only other women eligible for this category (Elizabeth Stanley for "Cry-Baby" and Sierra Boggess for "The Little Mermaid") really don't have a chance at being nominated this year.
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