Broadway Breakdown: 2025 Tony Awards – WAY Too Early Predictions with David Lynch
Episode Overview
In this energetic and candid episode of Broadway Breakdown, host Matt Koplik welcomes back producer David Lynch to delve into their early predictions for the 2025 Tony Awards. Recording in mid-January, the duo navigates the uncertainty of the Broadway season, where numerous productions are still in nascent stages regarding performances, casting, and Tony eligibility rulings.
Introduction to Early Predictions
Matt Koplik sets the stage by reflecting on past prediction missteps, notably their early outlook on Hell's Kitchen. He notes how emerging reviews can dramatically shift a show's standing:
Matt Koplik [02:07]: "A lot can change. A lot can change."
David Lynch echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the evolving nature of Broadway’s landscape:
David Lynch [03:26]: "Most of them were fine. But no one was like slam dunk. This is a great new musical."
Leading Actress in a Musical
The conversation begins with the highly debated category of Leading Actress in a Musical. With Death Becomes Her and Tammy Faye leading the charge, Koplik and Lynch analyze the contenders:
- Nicole Scherzinger for Sunset Boulevard
- Audra McDonald for Gypsy
- Jen Simard and Helen J. Shen for Death Becomes Her and Maybe Happy Ending respectively
- Natalie Venetia Belcon for Buena Vista Social Club
- Lucy Godinez for Real Women Have Curves
Koplik asserts confidence in Scherzinger and McDonald securing nominations:
Matt Koplik [13:34]: "Nicole was locked the moment they announced Sunset was transferring."
Lynch concurs, highlighting the strong buzz around these performances:
David Lynch [13:34]: "Nicole was locked the moment they announced Sunset was transferring."
Leading Actress in a Play
Shifting focus to Leading Actress in a Play, the hosts discuss performances from productions such as Hills of California and The Roommate. Key contenders include:
- Laura Donnelly for Hills of California
- Sarah Snook for The Picture of Dorian Gray
- Jessica Hecht for Eureka Day
- Mia Farrow for The Roommate
Koplik emphasizes Donnelly and Snook as frontrunners:
Matt Koplik [23:12]: "I have Sarah Snook and Laura Donnelly as absolute locks."
Design Categories
The duo also dives into the intricate world of set, costume, lighting, and sound design for plays, predicting nominees based on visual and auditory excellence:
- Set Design: Hills of California, Stranger Things, The Picture of Dorian Gray
- Costume Design: Death Becomes Her, Buena Vista Social Club, Jasmine
- Lighting Design: Dead Outlaw, Stranger Things, Picture of Dorian Gray
- Sound Design: Stranger Things, Good Night and Good Luck, Dead Outlaw
Koplik praises the technical craftsmanship of Death Becomes Her:
Matt Koplik [35:46]: "I have no response to David Lynch. No comment."
Directing and Orchestrations
Exploring the role of directors in musicals, Koplik and Lynch predict standout performances by:
- David Cromer for Dead Outlaw
- Michael Arden for Maybe Happy Ending
- Jamie Lloyd for Sunset Boulevard
- Justin Peck for Buena Vista Social Club (Orchestrations)
They highlight Cromer’s and Arden’s potential nominations based on industry respect and production quality.
Featured Categories and Additional Insights
The discussion extends to featured actress and actor categories, where Koplik underscores the importance of standout performances in ensemble casts. Notable mentions include:
- Jennifer Simard for Death Becomes Her
- Helen J. Shen for Maybe Happy Ending
- Natalie Venetia Belcon for Buena Vista Social Club
Lynch supports Simard and Shen’s nominations, recognizing their pivotal roles in their respective shows.
Final Predictions and Closing Thoughts
As the episode winds down, Koplik and Lynch consolidate their predictions, expressing optimism for shows like Death Becomes Her, Buena Vista Social Club, and Dead Outlaw to secure significant nominations. They acknowledge the unpredictability of Broadway, citing how late-breaking reviews and productions can influence outcomes.
Koplik concludes with a reflection on the dynamic nature of Tony nominations:
Matt Koplik [176:16]: "There's enough here for us to start making some bold claims without a lot of knowledge. I look forward to about a month from now when I do this again and see how we're feeling."
Notable Quotes
- Matt Koplik [02:07]: "A lot can change. A lot can change."
- David Lynch [13:26]: "Shall we agree with you on everything but Dorian Gray?"
- Matt Koplik [35:04]: "I would love for Cult of Love to get in there for what I think is a really detailed and nuanced costume design."
- David Lynch [167:25]: "We did it. We made it to the moment."
Conclusion
This episode of Broadway Breakdown offers an in-depth and passionate exploration of early Tony Award predictions, blending analytical insights with the hosts' trademark humor and fervor. While acknowledging the uncertainty inherent in such predictions, Koplik and Lynch provide a comprehensive overview of potential frontrunners across various categories, setting the stage for an exciting Tony Awards season.