Podcast Summary: “Predicting the 2025 Tony Award Nominations with Aeron James | Which Broadway Plays and Musicals Will Get Nominated?”

Introduction

In this engaging episode of MickeyJoTheatre, host Mickey Jo and his fiancée Erin Jadens delve into their predictions for the 2025 Tony Award nominations. Filmed amidst a weekend away in Dorset, the duo analyzes current Broadway and global theatre trends, highlighting standout performances and productions. Their comprehensive discussion covers various award categories, offering insights based on reviews, word-of-mouth, and previous nomination patterns.

Best New Musical

Mickey Jo and Erin begin their analysis with the Best New Musical category, emphasizing its competitiveness this year.

• “This is the category we've been talking about every day of our lives for months now.” – [02:31] Mickey Jo
• "Happy Ending is V Lock, which if you just said that to me at the start of the season, I knew people didn't think the show was going to open.” – [03:06] Erin Jadens

Top Contenders:

1. Happy Ending (V Lock) – Seen as a confident frontrunner despite initial skepticism.
2. Dead Outlaw – Transferred from winning last season, making it a strong contender.
3. Operation Mincemeat – Expected to secure a nomination, though not without uncertainty.
4. Buena Vista Social Club – Noted for its bilingual narrative and boundary-pushing elements.
5. Death Becomes Her – Highlighted as a commercial powerhouse that merits recognition.

Erin expresses a strong preference for Death Becomes Her, emphasizing its artistic merit over mere commercial success:

• “It feels like we're having a discussion about our shows, not a show not getting a nomination because it's not arty.” – [04:22] Erin Jadens

Best New Play

Transitioning to the Best New Play category, the hosts discuss several promising plays, focusing on narratives and contemporary relevance.

• “I think it will [John Proctor is a Villain being categorized as a new play].” – [05:31] Mickey Jo
• “Omari is a lock.” – [06:43] Erin Jadens

Top Contenders:

1. John Proctor is a Villain – Expected to be categorized as a new play and possibly lead the category.
2. Omari – Considered a secure nominee due to its compelling storytelling.
3. English – Gains traction with acting nominations in both Drama League and Edge Critics.
4. The Hills of California – Seen as a strong contender, potentially reaching five nominations.
5. Purpose – Anticipated to secure a nomination based on its depth and narrative strength.

Mickey Jo underscores the importance of categorizing plays accurately to reflect their innovative aspects:

• “It’s so contemporary, it’s so pushing.” – [06:11] Mickey Jo

Choreography Predictions

Choreography emerges as a pivotal category, with both musicals and plays incorporating innovative movement.

• “If the show has a moment, you can probably guarantee that it’s gonna get a nom.” – [14:12] Erin Jadens

Top Contenders:

1. Buena Vista Social Club – Recognized for its significant dance moments and experienced choreographers.
2. Death Becomes Her – Noted for its expansive movement and choreography.
3. Smash and Boop – Potential surprise nominees due to their dynamic choreography.
4. Gypsy and Sunset Boulevard – Established heavyweights expected to secure nominations.
5. Floyd Collins – Celebrated for its choreography, aligning with its critical acclaim.

Direction Categories

The hosts explore nominations for both musical and play directors, emphasizing the synergy between direction and the overall production quality.

• “I think Rob Hasty deserves one very much for Mincemeat.” – [17:15] Mickey Jo

Top Contenders:

1. Michael Arden for Happy Ending
2. Christopher Gattelli for Death Becomes Her
3. Robert Hasty for Operation Mincemeat
4. Jamie Lloyd for Revival Productions
5. George C. Wolfe for Gypsy

Mickey Jo highlights the intricate relationship between direction and nominations:

• “If a show gets a best musical nomination, it is very weird if that show does not also get a best direction.” – [18:41] Erin Jadens

Best Original Score

Original scores are critically assessed for their creativity and integration within the productions.

• “It’s not a world of like, oh, my God, that’s the most obviously sensational, incredible original score.” – [21:08] Mickey Jo

Top Contenders:

1. Operation Mincemeat
2. Happy Ending
3. Death Becomes Her
4. Dead Outlaw
5. Real Women Have Curves (outsider)

They commend the subtle brilliance of the scores, noting the lack of bombastic entries but highlighting their sophistication.

Book of a Musical

The Best Book of a Musical category receives attention for its narrative depth and contribution to the show's success.

• “Real Women have Curves has slipped into nearly every single awards nominations that have come out so far.” – [05:21] Erin Jadens

Top Contenders:

1. Operation Mincemeat
2. Happy Ending
3. Dead Outlaw
4. Buena Vista Social Club
5. Death Becomes Her

Mickey Jo emphasizes the importance of strong storytelling in securing nominations:

• “The book speaking to people more than the score.” – [22:41] Erin Jadens

Orchestrations

Orchestrations are evaluated based on their enhancement of the musical experience.

Top Contenders:

1. Happy Ending
2. Operation Mincemeat
3. Sunset Boulevard
4. Gypsy
5. Floyd Collins

The duo praises shows like Sunset Boulevard and Gypsy for their exceptional orchestrations, while hoping for recognition of innovative works like Dead Outlaw.

Set Design

Set designs are scrutinized for creativity and how they contribute to the storytelling.

• “I love purpose for the same reason.” – [26:41] Mickey Jo

Top Contenders:

1. Redwood
2. Renewed Designs in Boop
3. Eureka Day
4. Omari
5. Romeo and Juliet

They express admiration for the versatility and ingenuity of sets in plays like Omari and Redwood, underscoring their potential for nominations.

Costume Design

Costume design discussions highlight the visual storytelling and character development facilitated by attire.

Top Contenders:

1. Death Becomes Her
2. Boop
3. Smash
4. A Wonderful World
5. Buena Vista Social Club

Mickey Jo and Erin laud the glamorous and functional costumes in shows like Buena Vista Social Club and Death Becomes Her, suggesting strong nominations.

Lighting and Sound Design

Lighting and sound are recognized for their role in enhancing the theatrical experience.

Top Contenders:

1. Sunset Boulevard – Particularly for its exceptional sound design.
2. Happy Ending
3. Buena Vista Social Club
4. Stranger Things: The First Shadow
5. Dorian Gray

Performances

The hosts discuss lead and supporting performances, highlighting standout actors and actresses.

Leading Actress in a Musical:

• Jasmine in Boop – Considered a secure nominee.
• Nicole Scherzinger, Audrey McDonald, Amy Rogers, Tatiana Cordova, Sutton Foster – Recognized for their impactful performances.

Leading Actor in a Musical:

• Jonathan Groff – Seen as a lock.
• James Monroe Iglehart and Jeremy Jordan – Potential nominations for their roles in musicals like Floyd Collins.

Supporting Actress in a Musical:

• Natalie Venetia Belcon for Buena Vista Social Club
• Jinkx Monsoon – Likely to secure a nomination.
• Other notable mentions: Justina Machado, Beth Leavel.

Featured Actor and Actress in a Play:

• Sarah Snook, Laura Donnelly, Natalia Richardson Jackson – Strong contenders.
• Conrad Rickamora – Expected to secure a nomination for his role in plays like Omari.

Conclusion

Mickey Jo and Erin Jadens conclude the episode by acknowledging the intense competition and the multitude of deserving nominations. They express excitement for the upcoming Tony Awards announcements and invite listeners to share their predictions and opinions in the comments. The hosts promise live reactions to the nominations and continue their coverage leading up to the awards in June.

• “There's so many great shows. There's so many great performances. Some hearts are gonna get broken.” – [47:00] Erin Jadens

Mickey Jo encourages continued engagement and urges listeners to stay subscribed for ongoing Tony Awards coverage.

Notable Quotes:

• "If the show has a moment, you can probably guarantee that it’s gonna get a nom." – [14:12] Erin Jadens
• “How much memory will you have? Because when we get to set design, there's a show that I'm gonna bring up and I don't know if it will get the nomination that it does actually deserve.” – [15:08] Erin Jadens

Final Thoughts

This episode of MickeyJoTheatre offers a thorough and passionate exploration of the 2025 Tony Award landscape. Mickey Jo and Erin Jadens provide valuable insights, blending their extensive theatre knowledge with personal preferences to foresee potential nominees. Their dynamic discussion serves as a comprehensive guide for theatre enthusiasts anticipating the upcoming Tony Awards.