Best Lead Actress in a Musical

The tight race for Best Leading Actress in a Musical is full of wildly talented actresses: Stephanie J. Block, Caitlin Kinnunen, Beth Leavel, Eva Nobelzada and Kelli O’Hara, all of which I wish could win because I love them each with all my heart, but sadly only one can take home the Tony. My best guess is that Stephanie J. Block will take home the win.

Before I explain why, let me break it down. This group of nominees came as a happy surprise to me. Before they were announced, I knew O’Hara as Lilli Vanessi/Katharine in “Kiss Me, Kate” was a lock. This is her seventh Tony nomination, and all are greatly deserved as she is Broadway royalty. O’Hara’s nomination came as no shock, unlike Kinnunen’s for her role as Emma Nolan in “The Prom.” I fell in love with Kinnunen’s performance when I saw “The Prom,” in April, but I was worried she wasn’t going to be acknowledged because I didn’t expect that they would give two acting nominations for “The Prom” in the same category. I predicted that the acting nomination would go to Beth Leavel for her portrayal as Dee Dee Allen. It’s not that Leavel was more deserving, but her character is over-the-top while Kinnunen’s role  is much more understated. Also there’s the fact that Kinnunen is so young. The lead actress category often acknowledges one younger up-and-coming actress, and I thought that would go to Nobelzada as Eurydice in “Hadestown” because that show is by definition Tony bait. I was shocked and elated to see that the Tony voters acknowledged Kinnunen, Leavel and Nobelzada. Lastly, there is Block for her role as Star in “The Cher Show,” which I correctly predicted that the Tony voters would not give many nominations. But, I hoped that they would nominate Block for her transformative performance as Star Cher. She specifically received great reviews and is a broadway favorite.

The reason that I believe Stephanie J. Block is a front-runner is that she is a three-time Tony nominee but never once has won, and many, including myself, feel that a win for her is long overdue. Giving much more than an imitation, she fully embodies Cher and gives her depth. Her powerhouse voice is perfect for the iconic songs like “If I Could Turn Back Time” and “The Way of Love.” Although “The Cher Show,” being a jukebox musical, was mostly overlooked by the Tony voters, who only gave it three nominations, I believe that they might choose to honor the show by giving Block the Tony. 

Unless this is another season where one show completely sweeps (I’m looking at you “The Band’s Visit”) and “Hadestown” takes it all – giving the award to Nobelzada, Leavel is probably second to Block in chances of winning. Leavel gave a stellar, diva performance of a completely original character, but she’s already won a Tony. I have a feeling that the Tony committee is anxious to finally award Block.

Linked below is a playlist I created that has two songs from each nominated actress from their respective shows that have been released. Listen if you like and comment who you are rooting for!

The Original Broadway Cast Recording of “Hadestown” with Eva Nobelzada will be released on June 7, and the new cast recording of the revival of “Kiss Me Kate” with Kelli O’Hara will be released on June 28. Once they have been released, they will also be added to the playlist. For the meantime, you can find their performances on Youtube if you can’t wait.