It’s Tony time!

Let’s break down the four major categories and share some thoughts:

BEST MUSICAL

What will win: “Schmigadoon!”

What should win: “The Lost Boys”

“Schmigadoon!” is so smart, delightful and well-produced, it’s hard to say anything bad about it. Plus, it’s got a subject near and dear to Tony voters – namely, theater itself! And it’s a very touring-friendly musical. So, yeah, it’s a good bet to win. But “The Lost Boys” is so damn impressive on a theatrical level: It’s the rare show that earns its special effects and design ambitions – meaning everything is woven thoughtfully into the story so it’s not just the “flying vampires musical.” I consider it a singular achievement – think the “Spider-Man” musical we never got. But I suspect “Schmig” will feel like a safer choice. (Photo credit on home page for “The Lost Boys”: Matthew Murphy)

BEST PLAY

What will win: “Liberation”

What should win: “Little Bear Ridge Road”

Look, it’s hard to deny a drama that’s already won the Pulitzer a best play Tony, so “Liberation” it is. And don’t get me wrong: “Liberation” is both plenty clever and plenty engaging – and it offers a fascinating lens on women’s history from a particular era. But, oh, “Little Bear Ridge Road” is such a gem of a play – touching and profound all at once. It went by too quickly – didn’t even make it to the end of its announced run. And I doubt half of Tony voters even saw it as a result. But that doesn’t make it any less deserving of recognition.

BEST MUSICAL REVIVAL

What will win: “Cats: The Jellicle Ball”

What should win: “Cats: The Jellicle Ball” (with an honorary nod to “Masquerade”)

Let’s be clear: The “Cats” revival is everything that a revival should be  – a reimagining of a show that makes you (nay, forces you) to reconsider everything you thought about the original work. Who knew “Cats” was actually a celebration of queer/ballroom culture all along? OK, maybe Andrew Lloyd Webber didn’t conceive it that way, but that’s the point. And much the same could be said about “Masquerade,” the reimagining of “Phantom of the Opera” that brilliantly conceives it as an interactive spectacle. Yes, I know “Masquerade” isn’t eligible for consideration, but I feel the two ALW events have built on each other this season.

BEST PLAY REVIVAL

What will win: “Death of a Salesman”

What should win: “Death of a Salesman” (2022-23 revival)

I’m sorry – I just can’t hop on the current “Salesman” revival bandwagon. The mere fact this powerfully intimate drama has been staged in the humongous Winter Garden Theatre alone discounted it for me. To say nothing of the oddball, artsy direction (would someone please give me an intelligent explanation why there has to be a car on stage for the whole freaking show???). So I go back to the true great “Salesman” revival of recent memory  – the 2022-23 one with a largely Black cast that made you reconsider the show’s messaging, word by word. Plus, Wendell Pierce was a Willy Loman for the ages. Too bad it didn’t even get a revival nomination then. Can we possibly honor it now? — Charles Passy

Published: June 5, 2026