Best Play
1. August:
2. The Seafarer (definite)
3. The 39 Steps (very likely)
4. Rock 'n Roll (likely)
(if not "Rock 'n Roll" then "November")
Commentary: "August: Osage County" is the one to beat in this category, and frankly I would call it a lock to win this award. It is very rare to have a critically and financially successful new American play and when it comes along, Tony voters will reward it. "The Seafarer" will definitely be nominated but since it will have closed its chances of winning the prize are very slim. "The 39 Steps" will most likely be nominated as it was well received, has the backing of Roundabout but is also going to be running as a commercial production. "Rock 'n Roll" is a brilliant Tom Stoppard play, but it will likely be out of the minds of voters since it has closed. Stoppard usually does well at the Tony's which is why I feel it will be nominated, but there is a good chance that David Mamet's "November" will be nominated instead as it will still be running, and who doesn't want to nominate David Mamet for a Tony? The other shows eligible for this award, "A Bronx Tale", "Thurgood", "The Farnsworth Invention", "Mauritius" and "Is He Dead" are likely out of the competitive mix.
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