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Just as the Oscars celebrate the ultimate achievements in the movie industry, the Tony awards signify the highest recognition for plays and musicals in the theatre world. A Tony can be won in many categories including the following:
along with awards for musical scores & orchestration,lighting, costumes, director and choreography to name the more coveted categories. But how do the musicals and plays chosen get to the level of being nominated for such a prestigious award? It can all start with the inception of a new idea that works its way into a first production. These debuts are often in small, obscure theatres far off Broadway's beaten path. The catch is that the musical or play must captivate audiences and reviewers alike. Sold out performances and held over engagements are certainly a stepping stone to the bright lights of Broadway. A great script, however, is only the beginning. An exceptional director with keen theatre sense and a vision to take the production in the right direction coupled with a talented cast of dynamic performers is essential in communicating a great play or musical to its audience. If the production gets great reviews from reliable and respected sources then more interest in future productions could be generated. Having an off Broadway production is certainly a necessary stage in developing and presenting your work in the kind of venue that could propel your musical or play onto Broadway. Of course, the ultimate testing ground is a long and successful run in one of Broadway's prestigious theatres. It is then that your production may be considered for nominations for a Tony. Getting an off Broadway or Broadway production certainly isn't easy for any newcomer. The theatre world is filled with the likes of playrights like Neil Simon and Tom Stoppard and musical teams such as Elton John & Tim Rice and Kander & Ebb. These creators have worked long and hard to climb to the status synonymous with Tony quality. But, they too were once newcomers so there is every reason for up and coming talents to submit their material to as many theatres and theatre companies as they can in the hopes of getting those most important first productions. This year, at the Tony awards, the best musical was "Contact". It defies tradition in that it has no actual singing and no orchestra. Instead, it is danced to a recorded pop score. "Contact" was choreographed by one of Broadway's great choreographers, Susan Stroman. The revival musical, a big trend on Broadway these days, saw "Kiss Me, Kate" take 5 Tonys including best revival musical. Go To Page: 1 2 |
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