Best Actress in a Play
1. Amy Morton, August:Osage County (definite)
Sheba
4. Laura Linney, Les Liasons Dangereuses (probably)
5. Anika Noni Rose, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (maybe)
Commentary: Amy Morton is giving a tremendous performance in "August" and I believe that she has the edge in this very competitive race. S. Epatha Merkerson was widely praised for returning to Broadway and had the entire weight of "Sheba" on her shoulders. Deanna Dunagan could also win for her portrayal of the pill-popping matriarch in "August" as it is a very showy role. Laura Linney is...well, Laura Linney and will probably be nominated but we'll have to wait for the reviews to see just how much of a contender she could be. Anika Noni Rose is my pick for the last slot in this category because she has won a Tony in the past, she was singled out by many critics including Ben Brantley as the best part of "Cat", and is a star on the rise. Frances McDormand and Eve Best could both slip into this category, but Eve Best's show will have closed and there is the possibility that Frances McDormand's co-stars could prove more of a presence than she is. I'm holding off on completely predicting this category for a little while, but this is going to be the race to watch this year!
1. Amy Morton, August:
4. Laura Linney, Les Liasons Dangereuses (probably)
5. Anika Noni Rose, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (maybe)
Commentary: Amy Morton is giving a tremendous performance in "August" and I believe that she has the edge in this very competitive race. S. Epatha Merkerson was widely praised for returning to Broadway and had the entire weight of "Sheba" on her shoulders. Deanna Dunagan could also win for her portrayal of the pill-popping matriarch in "August" as it is a very showy role. Laura Linney is...well, Laura Linney and will probably be nominated but we'll have to wait for the reviews to see just how much of a contender she could be. Anika Noni Rose is my pick for the last slot in this category because she has won a Tony in the past, she was singled out by many critics including Ben Brantley as the best part of "Cat", and is a star on the rise. Frances McDormand and Eve Best could both slip into this category, but Eve Best's show will have closed and there is the possibility that Frances McDormand's co-stars could prove more of a presence than she is. I'm holding off on completely predicting this category for a little while, but this is going to be the race to watch this year!
bravenet.com