While I spent most of the night crying over those HISTORIC Tony wins, once the tears subsided I had a come to Jesus moment. Although this has been the most exciting and dazzling Broadway season yet, I can’t help but notice some shows didn’t fare as well as expected. So here are a few snubs that happened at the 2016 Tony Awards!
SNUB: Shuffle Along went away empty handed, yes even in choreography.
I mean sure, we all guessed that it would be #Hamiltonys, but I didn’t quite expect it to sweep in every category that it did. While Hamilton deserves all the acclaim because it truly lives up to the hype, there is one category I am not ashamed to be salty about- Best Choreography. To quote Yeezy the Great, “Hamilton, I’m gonna let you finish, but Shuffle Along had the greatest choreography of all time– ALL TIME.” I mean the tapping is out of this world, the opening number the Shuffle Along cast did for The Tonys didn’t even show all that it is capable of. The ensemble of Shuffle Along is the most talented bunch of dancers I’ve seen in a very long time, especially of the 2015-2016 season. Not to discredit Blankenbuehler in any way, it’s just that most industry insiders figured since Ham was destined to win everything else, Savion Glover had a huge shot in this category. I guess the Tony voters didn’t think so. Way to throw away your shot. In another season, Shuffle Along would have taken this, but that Hamilton reign just won’t let up.
SHOCKER: The President and First Lady Introducing Hamilton
Like, WHAT?! Sure it was via satellite, but they were still in the room where it happened. Of course, the only way to top Oprah introducing your show is to have the President of the United States, Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama introduce you. Just rude, Ham.
SNUB: No Tony for Pascale Armand or Saycon Sengbloh
Despite both actresses being in the same category and what was a sure bet that one of them would take it, the Humans’ Jayne Houdyshell took home the trophy. Eclipsed did have tough competition in most of the categories, but this one we figured was a shoe in for one of our favorite Broadway Black actresses. But there is always a silver lining, these talented actresses have a bright future ahead of them and they’ll surely get one down the road. Likewise for director Liesl Tommy. And I’m sure Danai Gurira is only getting started. They did manage a win for Best Costume Design of a Play.
SHOCKER BUT NOT REALLY: Audra McDonald High Kicking and Tap Dancing While Pregnant
I know, I KNOW. Just because a woman is pregnant doesn’t mean that life stops. I know this, I KNOW THIS. Still there is something magical about watching Queen Audra McDonald tap her heart out. And sing like the angel she is. And then that high kick. And then remembering that SHE’S PREGNANT TOO. Come on Audra! Stop setting the bar so high for the rest of us. But then again don’t stop, because you continue to slay and keep everyone else on their toes. For example, me going to a gym after being allergic to it for 4 years, now when I go I will ask myself W.W.A.D and remember that high kick on June 12th.
Sound off below. What were some of the biggest snubs and shockers for you?
