Tony Awards snub '9 to 5,' 'The Seagull' and 'Desire Under the Elms'

Part of the drama (or is it schadenfreude?) of any awards season is picking out the snubs and shutouts. This morning's announcement of the 2009 Tony nominations definitely delivered its share of pain for several high-profile Broadway productions.

One of the biggest slaps in the face was the exclusion of "9 to 5: The Musical" from the best musical category. The big-budget comedy (based on the hit 1980 film) opened last week to a blitz of publicity, but the reviews were tepid at best. 

Dolly Parton scored a nomination for her music, and actors Allison Janney and Marc Kudisch both received nods. But the show's absence from the top category suggests the Tony nominating committee was less than worked up about the office comedy.

In the drama categories, two critically acclaimed revivals of classic plays were shut out.

Chekhov's "The Seagull," starring Kristin Scott Thomas, was expected to land several nominations in the top categories.  The production received strong reviews, especially for Scott Thomas, who won an Olivier Award for her portrayal of the vain actress Arkadina. Her absence from the list of nominees qualifies as perhaps the biggest surprise of the morning.

"Desire Under the Elms," a sexed-up reinterpretation of Eugene O'Neill's gothic drama, also walked away empty handed despite positive reviews. The production stars Carla Gugino, Brian Dennehy and Pablo Schreiber.

In the acting categories, some of the other big omissions this morning were Nathan Lane, Bill Irwin and John Goodman, who are currently starring in a revival of Beckett's "Waiting for Godot," and Daniel Radcliffe for his lead role in the revival of "Equus."

Other notable absences among this year's nominees:

-- Arthur Laurents, for directing the bilingual revival of "West Side Story."

-- "All My Sons," the revival of the Arthur Miller play, which received no nominations. The production was directed by Simon McBurney and starred John Lithgow, Patrick Wilson, Dianne Wiest and Katie Homes.

-- "Speed-the-Plow," the revival of David Mamet's black comedy, which received only one nomination for actor Raúl Esparza.

Do you feel that other productions were dealt an unfair hand at this year's nominations? Let us know.

-- David Ng

Photo: Kristin Scott Thomas in the recent Broadway revival of "The Seagull." Credit: Joan Marcus

Comments

[Sean Phillip Mabrey]

While I realize that it wasn't exactly a hit, I strongly feel that [title of show] really should have been nominated for Best Musical and Best Score, in addition to Hunter Bell's much-deserved nomination for Best Book. To see a juke box show like "Rock of Ages" get nominated over this little show with a big heart really irks me.

[Tom Chase]

How could they possibly ignore the landmark lighting design of '9 to 5?" While the committee might have wanted to give Jules FIsher and Peggy Eisenhower to sit this one out, the most amazing thing about "9 to 5" besides Allison Janney IS the lighting, plus fast moving 'big sets' of yesteryear. They are still trying to cram down our throats that 'small and simple' are always the way to go. Isn't anyone else tired of seeing ridiculously pared down revivals (at top prices) to watch the actors playing the instruments?That and having to put up with the fact that some actor/musicians excel only musically?

[Sherri]

I hate when performers are snubbed and CLEARLY deserve to be nominated. After reading all the accolades Daniel Radcliffe received for his brave and touching performance in EQUUS, I can't believe he was left off the BEST ACTOR category! Are the people doing the nominating completely intimidated by his screen successes??

[Lilly Pollett]

Why do you care? Honestly, why do you all care? Just because something isn't nominated doesn't mean it is any less excellent or dreadful than anything else. These awards mean absolutely NOTHING.
use your own taste and judgement - don't rely on politics
And please - the best theatre in america isn't on Broadway!

[Charles Woods]

Sad, sad, sad. Broadway has become a wasteland full of Vegas style musicals, boring revivals, loud sound, cinematic tricks, and too many movie stars slumming in mediocre plays. After being a 30 year supporter and seeing some brilliant productions in that time, the last great ones being at least ten years ago or more, i've had it. No more $100 plus tickets to disappointment. To my mind and taste, the most successful production of the year was The Seagull, which while rungs below Andre Serban's Lincoln Center Cherry Orchard, was well produced and directed. Off Broadway does have its moments, Peter Brook's The Grand Inquisitor performed by Bruce Myers was well worth the money. Where are the great theatre artists? Not on Broadway, that's for sure.

[scootmandubious]

I saw quite a bit on Broadway over the past year.

For me, the most unfair snub was for [title of show], which was a wonderful, and original, musical. That an 80s revue got included over it for Best Musical is baffling. I also think that Daniel Radcliffe deserved a nod for Best Actor. I liked "God of Carnage," but can't believe all 4 stars got acting noms. Gandolfini, especially, did not deserve one.

However, I have to say, "Billy Elliott" is one of the most amazing shows I have ever seen. There are now 4 Billy's rotating in the title role, but the original 3 will share the Tony this year. And there is NO WAY Billy Elliott will lose Best Musical.

That show will leave you breathless by intermission and give you chills when you leave.

One final thought, Don't be surprised to see "Hair" snatch musical revival. It's a lot of fun.

[LZO]

I was so expecting Kristin Scott Thomas nominated for her brillian play in "the Seagull". What a disappointment!!

[Michael]

I am absolutely appalled that Desire Under the Elms did not get a nod for anything. I saw it at the Goodman, during its Chicago run, and it was the best play I'd ever seen. The acting was great, and the set was terrific. I now have no interest in watching the Tony's.

[S.H.]

On April 27th, "9 to 5" received a record breaking FIFTEEN DRAMA DESK AWARD NOMINATIONS ....more than ANY other theater piece in history, let alone the 2009 season.

How telling that a misogynistic review by Ben Brantley in the NY Times could sway Tony voters. It seemed to me that Brantely was gunning for this big hearted , pro women show.

He revealied he hated the movie it was based on while tossing off insults comparing it to an excessive shopping spree at Bergdorf Goodman.

He even went so far as to call Broadway veteran Stephanie Block an American Idol singer.

Could it be Ms. Blocks anthem telling her cheating ex-husband to "Get Out and Stay Out" was a little too emancipated for Mr. Brantely? Oh the sound of the women in the audience cheering her the night I saw the show was goose bump inducing, but I suspect it threatened Mr. Brantley.

I smell a rat. The backlash against women standing up for themselves is alive and out for blood in 2009. How sad given Obama's first bill granting women equal pay for equal work.

To quote Gomer Pyle " Shame. Shame. Shame." on Ben Brantley and the Tony voters made up mostly of men.