Thought during Billy Elliot opening - Did they use all 3 Billy Elliots?  I only count two.

Best transition/combination - West Side Story into Guys and Dolls.

Worst transition/combination – Stockard Channing of Pal Joey and Aaron Tveit of Next to Normal.  Disturbing.

Most welcoming ensemble – cast of Hair singing “Let the Sun Shine In” with all the casts of the other shows performing.  By the way, was that David Hyde Pierce onstage?

Best age-related joke – Neil Patrick Harris, pointing out the gap between Jane Fonda’s two Tony nominations, joked that the next time she’ll be seen (or nominated) will be for Blithe Spirit.

Performance I was most looking forward to – “Things are looking up in Dulac” from Shrek.  It was as funny as the first time I saw it.

Most puzzling sight – Cast of Shrek in the audience.  In costume.

Thought that never crossed in anyone’s mind until it was mentioned – James Gandolfini clearing any confusion over being related to Shrek.  Now that’s all I can think about.

Great moment to witness – Angela Lansbury winning her 5th Tony.

First pointless musical number – Mamma Mia.  What the hell are they wearing?  It’s like an outer space disco.

Funniest intro (2nd place )- Will Ferrell going on about being a “Broadway veteran”, reminding us that Waiting for Godot is a French play written by an Irishman and that the correct pronounciation of the play is Waiting for God-ot.  Who knew?

The Felt Like a Long Speech Award – Tom Kitt and Brian Yorkey taking turns thanking the world…even after the orchestra played.

Which Matthew Warchus won? – The one that directed God of Carnage.  Though it would have been funny to see if he did tie with himself.

Only thought during Rock of Ages performance – Is the audience holding lighters?

Weirdo moment – Liza’s acceptance speech.  Does she realize there’s a time limit?

Backstage crew moment – Stagehand hands Titus Burgess a mike.  By the way, what’s with all the backstage chatter we can hear?  Shouldn’t the backstage people be on a different frequency than everyone else?

Thought on picture of actor in Our Town – Is that Hugh Jackman?

The Creative Arts Tonys – Hey, where’s the other categories?

Thought when Kate Burton and Lucie Arnaz came out to talk about a Broadway program for kids – What is up with women wearing gigantic bows as part of their dress?

Our Town pic question answered – It’s John Stamos!  Really?

Best Way to Thank Spouse (who probably preferred to stay in seat) – Gregory Jbara, who brought his wife onstage to thank her for being the only parent to their sons in LA while he worked on Billy Elliot.

Most Emotional Acceptance Speech – Karen Olivo who started crying about halfway through her speech.

The What Are They Saying Award – the cast performing Next to Normal.  I get that the musical has a rock score, but don’t you think it would be great to hear the actors?

The Kind of Uncomfortable Lead-In – Neil Patrick Harris, doing a sushi joke before announcing the presenter for Best Leading Actor in a Play.  One wonders what would’ve happen if Raul Esparza won.

What award show is this? – Edie Falco is behind James Gandolfini?  Is this the Emmys?

Best Acceptance Speech (2nd place) – Geoffrey Rush, for saying “funny existential absurdist tragicomedy” at least twice and mentioning the other plays in a French accent.

Most Obvious Representation of Show – Tim Hatley, Shrek costume designer, wearing a green shirt and matching tie.

Funniest intro (first place) – Frank Langella, reminding the Tony nomination committee that he was in a play yet not nominated.  And for giving people the idea that he’s wearing the same suit he wore to the Oscars.

Best Use of Acceptance Speech Time – Marcia Gay Harden, correcting the cameraman who switched the Mary Stuart actresses.

2nd pointless performance – Legally Blonde

Highlight of Jerry Herman tribute – clip of “Put on Your Sunday Clothes” mentions Hello Dolly! and the movie Wall-E.

Best Intro – David Hyde Pierce, describing the characters portrayed by the actresses in the Best Leading Actress in a Musical category and explaining “Yes, I’ve been called a lot of things.” 

Weirdest Acceptance Speech of the Night – Alice Ripley.  Oh where to begin…Why did she scream into the mike?  Why does it sound like a Lifetime Achievement Award speech?  And finally, BFA’s cover more than acting.

Best Acceptance Speech (first place) – David Alvarez, Trent Kowalik and Kiril Kulish who looked geniunely nervous, yet when they began their speech, managed to thank everyone.

Third pointless performance – Jersey Boys.  Though they did do something original by having all the current actors portraying Frankie Valli perform.

Best End of Show recap – Neil Patrick Harris singing to the tune of “Tonight Tonight” and “Luck be a Lady Tonight”.

Best Musical – Billy Elliot  (Though from what I hear Next to Normal could spoil.)

Best Play – God of Carnage

Best Revival of a Musical – Hair (I really wished it would be West Side Story.)

Best Revival of a Play – The Norman Conquests

Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical – David Alvarez, Trent Kowalik and KIril Kulish Billy Elliot (Give me one good reason why they shouldn’t win.

Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical – Josefina Scaglione West Side Story (I know, I know, her chances of winning are slim.  But it could happen.)

Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Play – Geoffrey Rush Exit the King (I really wanted to put Raul Esparza but I don’t know if anyone will remember Speed-the-Plow as anything other than the controversy that occured during its run,)

Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Play – Jane Fonda 33 Variations (With actresses from only two other plays nominated, it may lead to a win for Fonda.)

Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Musical – Gregory Jbara Billy Elliot (My emotional favorite is Christopher Sieber.)

Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Musical – Haydn Gwynne Billy Elliot (I also thought Karen Olivo was very good.)

Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Play – Stephen Mangan The Norman Conquests (I’m not familiar with all the actors in this category, so I’m going with one from the trilogy.)

Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Play – Angela Lansbury Blithe Spirit (Duh.)

Best Original Score – Billy Elliot (Though Next to Normal might win instead.)

Best Book of a Musical – [title of show] (Oh come on, give this show something.)

Best Scenic Design of a Musical – Guys and Dolls (Although that staircase in Billy Elliot was impressive.)

Best Costume Design of a Musical - Shrek (I was going to put Billy Elliot, but Shrek is more flashier.)

Best Lighting Design of a Musical – Billy Elliot (The next to the last scene is haunting.)

Best Sound Design of a Musical – Billy Elliot (See above.)

Best Scenic Design of a Play – The Norman Conquests (Just taking a guess here.)

Best Costume Design of a Play – Blithe Spirit (It’s the only one I’ve seen.)

Best Lighting Design of a Play – Equus (I didn’t see this, but from the clips I’ve seen the lighting looks good.)

Best Sound Design of a Play – Mary Stuart (Only because it was the only show I’ve seen.)

Best Direction of a Musical – Stephen Daldry Billy Elliot (With all the elements involved in this show, how could he not win?)

Best Direction of a Play – Matthew Warchus The Norman Conquests (He’ll definitely win, either for this or God of Carnage)

Best Choreography – Billy Elliot (The number with the little girls and the riot police was really good.  Weird, but really good.)

Best Orchestrations – Billy Elliot (If it wins for Original Score, it’s a shoo-in here.)

Best Special Event – You’re Welcome America: A Final Night with George W. Bush (Please, oh please, let this win.  Nothing against Liza, but I’m looking forward to Will Ferrell’s acceptance speech.)

Well, there you have it.  Win or lose, it’s going to be an interesting evening for the nominees.  Good luck to all (even those I haven’t picked).

What follows are the random thoughts that I had when I read the Tony nominations (8:30 is way too early)…

It’s pretty spooky how I was kinda accurate in some of my predictions.  Some were a given, like Mary Stuart, God of Carnage, and so on.  It would been more accurate had I seen more shows.  Something to think about for next year.

Allison Janney?!?  Really?  What about the Megan Hilty or Stephanie J. Block (review for this show will be up next week)?  At least Dolly Parton got a nomination (which means we’ll get to see what she’ll be wearing to the awards show). 

I hope the Billy Elliot boys win.  If nothing else than to see how they’ll do the acceptance speech.  Considering the high number of nominations (15), will they be able to feature each of the boys when they do the production number?  Pretty surprising that the actor portraying Billy’s friend Michael got a nomination.  Very pleased that Gregory Jbara and Haydn Gwynne got nominated.

Rock of Ages.  5 nominations?!?!?  Not that I think they don’t deserve a nom, but that’s more than what most people expected.  Especially in the Best Musical and Best Leading Actor in a Musical (Constantine Maroulis).  I guess there’s that many people who love 80s music.  Any win this show gets would be considered a surprise.

Aw, [title of show] only got one nom.  I honestly thought it should get more.  Maybe the Tony producers should ask the cast to host the awards.  I guarantee that it would probably be the most entertaining show in years.  I’m actually laughing just thinking what they would do if Hunter Bell won (or not).

Only 9 noms for Shrek?  I seriously overestimated the show’s impact.  The critics weren’t too into this show, I guess.  I hope they do the “Freak Flag” number or some medley.  You know what, scratch that.  I want to see Christopher Sieber as Lord Farquaad.

Hmm…Pal Joey got 4 noms.  I thought this show was only going to get one considering its reviews.

Yes, the entire cast of God of Carnage was nominated.  Great, now I have to find some way to see this show to figure out who’ll win.  Unless they tie.  Or cancel each other out.

By the way, I have never seen so many multiple nominations in the acting categories.  Eiher that, or I just started paying attention to them.

Gee, Guys and Dolls, Pal Joey, West Side Story and Hair were all nominated for best musical revival.  This category would be more interesting if there were more than 4 musical revivals that opened this season.  It was the same as last season, where it will kind of come down to two shows.

End of thoughts…

Stay tuned for my Tony picks (which will hopefully be more informed the more shows I go to).

Over 40 productions opened this season, but of course not all will be nominated for a Tony.  Of course, that’s my opinion.  The following is a list of all shows that opened, the number of nominations that each production may get and any commentary from yours truly.

1. Cirque Dreams Jungle Fantasy – 0 (Please don’t let this get nominated.)

2.  [title of show] – 3 at least (The creators should get something for book and score and Heidi Blickenstaff for Featured Actress in a Musical.)

3.  A Tale of Two Cities – 1 (The best this show could hope for is a nom for James Barbour.  Sorry, Jill, just going by the reviews here.)

4.  Equus – 1, at least (I’ve never seen this show, but from what I can tell, the costumes look good)

5.  The Seagull – 1, best guess

6.  13 - 2, hopefully (That this show closed early won’t help its chances)

7.  A Man for All Seasons – 1 (At least for Frank Langella)

8.  To Be or Not To Be – 0 (There’s no way this production will get nominated.)

9  All My Sons – 1 (For Best Revival)

10.  Speed-the-Plow – 2, at the most (I think if it weren’t for the whole mercury incident, Jeremy Piven may have a shot.)

11.  Billy Elliot the Musical – 10 at least (Expect it up there with Shrek in terms of total nominations.)

12.  American Buffalo – 0 (Another show that won’t be nominated.)

13.  Dividing the Estate – 2, maybe (I heard it’s good but that was awhile ago.)

14.  Irving Berlin’s White Christmas – 1, at least (The costumes looked good)

15.  Liza’s at the Palace… – 1 (Should be a shoo-in for Special Theatrical Event)

16.  Slava’s Snowshow – 1 (Special Theatrical Event only, I hope)

17.  Shrek – 10 or so (It may tie with Billy Elliot for most noms, though not likely to surpass it.)

18.  Pal Joey – 1 (Best shot is Best Revival.)

19.  Soul of Shaolin – 1 (Special Theatrical Event)

20.  The American Plan – 1 (I don’t remember this show or what people have said about it, so I’m giving it a shot.)

21.  Hedda Gabler – 1 or so (Best Revival is its best shot, I think.)

22.  You’re Welcome America – 1 (I hope this show gets nominated for something.)

23.  The Story of My LIfe – 0

24.  Guys and Dolls - 2 (At least nominate this for costume.)

25.  33 Variations – 2, at least

26.  Blithe Spirit – 2, at least (I will suspect that something’s wrong if Angela Lansbury doesn’t get a nom.)

27.  West Side Story – 3, at least (two words: Josefina Scaglione)

28.  God of Carnage – 4, at least (I haven’t seen it yet, but I think it would be cool if the entire cast was nominated.)

29.  Impressionism – 0 (Sorry, Joan Allen and Jeremy Irons)

30.  Exit the King – 2 at least (I wish I saw this, so I can get a better idea of how many noms it would get)

31.  Irena’s Vow – 2 (For the play and Tovah Feldshuh)

32.  Hair – 2 (I hope they get nominated because I want to see how they would perform on the Tonys.)

33.  reasons to be pretty – 2, at least (Any play that makes an audience member take it seriously enough to yell at an actor onstage gets my vote.)

34.  Rock of Ages – 1, at least (I don’t think I’ll ever see it, but it’s another production I’d like to see perform at the Tonys.)

35.  next to normal – 3, at least (It’s got some really good reviews)

36.  Joe Turner’s Come and Gone – 1, at least (I haven’t seen it, so I’m guessing it’ll be nominated for Best Revival.)

37.  Mary Stuart – 3 (For the women and their costumes.)

38.  The Norman Conquests (trilogy) – 5 or so (It’s this year’s The Coast of Utopia, except funnier)

39.  The Philanthropist – 0

40.  Desire Under the Elms – 1 (It could get Best Revival)

41.  Accent on Youth – 1, maybe

42.  9 to 5 – 5 or so (I think if it weren’t for the reviews, it’d get more nominations and be a strong contender in the Best Musical category)

43.  Waiting for Godot - 5 or so (All the actors could get nominated.)

Information compiled from www.ibdb.com

I thought this was one of the most entertaining years in the history of the Tony Awards.  Here’s why:

And the award for:

Best Awards Show Opening:  the opening number from The Lion King.  I was amazed how they fit the elephant down the aisles.

Best Disney shout-out:  Whoopi Goldberg coming out in a Sebastian the crab costume.  Would be funnier if they went into The Little Mermaid and all the cast members were confused by her costume.

Best Performance Intro:  John Waters for Cry Baby.  I don’t remember what he said, but I do know it was hilarious.

Closest the General Public Would Get to see a sold-out show – the Spotlight on Jersey Boys.  That show does not need any more advertisements.

Most Disturbing Flashback – LL Cool J (at least I think it’s him) and Carol Channing doing a remix of Hello Dolly.  ‘Nuff said.

Most Blatant Cry for Attention – John Lithgow talking about how great the musical revivals were even though he wasn’t cast.  Please, someone, cast him.

Most Disturbing Plug - Whoopi Goldberg in a Phantom of the Opera scene.  I actually screamed.

Best (Semi-Planned) Acceptance Speech – Lin-Manuel Miranda for Original Score.  You just know someone’s going to do that at the next Grammys.

Funniest Plug – Whoopi as Mary Poppins.  This did not scare me and was the most entertaining of all the Tony plugs.

Best (but brief) Best Play intro – Whoopi talking about the Best Play nominees against projections of the stage and scenery a la Sunday in the Park with George.  The clips should’ve been longer.

Most Unexpected Shout-Out – Anna D. Shapiro mentioning in her acceptance speech about how she managed to get The Little Mermaid tickets for her nieces and nephews.  Maybe when they’re older, she’ll get them tickets to her show.

Weirdest Plug – Whoopi “stripping” her armor for Spamalot.  I did not want to know what was under there.

Best (Planned) Acceptance Speech – Mark Rylance for Boeing Boeing.  I don’t know if he meant it to be funny, but it was, especially when they included the puzzled reaction of Mary McCormack.

How Many More of This Should We See? – Whoopi in Spring Awakening.   I’m sure that was her own hair.

What Did She Say? – Liza MInelli presenting Best Actor in a Musical.  I have no idea what she said, not because I couldn’t understand it, but because I was thinking “OMG, I can see her bra!”.  At least I hope it’s her bra.