This from EW.com:

Tony Awards to retire Special Theatrical Event category
Jun 18, 2009, 06:30 PM | by Dan Snierson

Categories: News, Stage

The Tony Awards announced today that it will "retire" the Special Theatrical Event category, effective with the upcoming 2009-2010 season. Any show that would typically compete in that category -- ranging from one-man shows to non-narrative performance pieces -- will become eligible to compete in the Best Play or Best Musical categories. Liza Minnelli took home the Special Theatrical Event trophy for Liza's at the Palace at the 63rd annual ceremony on June 7.

quote:

Originally posted by caresa:
This from EW.com:

Tony Awards to retire Special Theatrical Event category
Jun 18, 2009, 06:30 PM | by Dan Snierson

Categories: News, Stage

The Tony Awards announced today that it will "retire" the Special Theatrical Event category, effective with the upcoming 2009-2010 season. Any show that would typically compete in that category -- ranging from one-man shows to non-narrative performance pieces -- will become eligible to compete in the Best Play or Best Musical categories. Liza Minnelli took home the Special Theatrical Event trophy for Liza's at the Palace at the 63rd annual ceremony on June 7.

What?! Why? I'm not understanding why all these award ceremonies are getting rid of their variety and special event awards. Ridiculous. The "Special Theatrical Event" award existed specifically because these one-man shows and ballet concerts are anything BUT plays and musicals. Can you imagine "You're Welcome, America" nominated for Best Play?

This is yet another ridiculous choice made by what WAS one of my favorite award organizations.

Really odd decision. It can't be about the length of the telecast itself. Bad move. Having a special catch-all category for the unique shows that didn't fit anywhere else made sense.

Regarding this special category that is now gone...Liza Minelli, Elaine Stritch, etc. never actually got a Tony award for those shows right? It's my understanding that producers only recieved nominations and awards. Is this correct?

quote:

Originally posted by JayDF:
Regarding this special category that is now gone...Liza Minelli, Elaine Stritch, etc. never actually got a Tony award for those shows right? It's my understanding that producers only recieved nominations and awards. Is this correct?

The producers may submit for consideration to the Tony Admin committee persons involved with the production who they feel should also recieve a Tony. If the committee approves, the producers may PURCHASE a Tony for that individual. It sort of goes without saying that producers did this for people like Elaine Stritch and Billy Crystal.

Though the waffling is sort of annoying and makes for murky history, this is maybe not such a bad decision.

The category has not been that successful since its inception (after the non-live music, non-singing Contact won Best Musical in 2000).

2001: *Blast!

2002: *Elaine Stritch at Liberty
Bea Arthur on Broadway, Just Between Friends
Barbara Cook in Mostly Sondheim
Sexaholix...a love story

2003: *Def Poetry Jam
Bill Maher: Victory Begins at Home
The Play What I Wrote

2004: no award

2005: *Billy Crystal 700 Sundays
Dame Edna: Back with a Vengeance!
Laugh Whore
Whoopi the 20th Anniversary Show

2006: *Bridge & Tunnel

2007: *Jay Johnson: The Two and Only
Kiki and Herb: Alive on Broadway

2008: no award

2009: *Liza's at the Palace...!
Slava's Snowshow
Soul of Shaolin
You're Welcome America

Out of 9 years, that's just 3 years when they were able to fill 4 slots, 2 where there was an uncontested winner, and 2 where there was no award at all.

The thinking seems to be that several of these could compete as either a Play or a Musical, as they used to (remember John Leguizamo's completely deserved nomination for Best Play in 1998 for his one-man show "Freak"?) and if they don't meet that standard, then either they're good enough to be awarded a Special Tony or they're not. But it's something of a charade pretending there is really a competition for this award and trying to fill it out with nominees each year.

I'm okay with that. Plus, there's a lot of excellent performances, material, direction, design, etc. in these shows that are very bit as strong, if not stronger, than many other Broadway productions, and once relegated to the "Special Event" category they all become ineligible.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: R2684,

They actually wanted to retire the category earlier..but needed to vote..otherwise a tony wouldnt have been given to a washed up no-talent Liza Minnelli..whos show was reviewed poorly, she missed almost 1/2 the performances..(out of 16)..and clearly is an unstable performer and personality...Poor Liza..make sure you give her another Tony so Momma would be proud...poor momma is rolling over in her grave...witnessing the antics of the 63 yr old Minnelli..who never outgrew her nervous giggle, and her ability to even fake a voice and fake dancing...she never could do either very well...when chita rivera had her one woman show a few years ago..her performance was viewed as a musical performance so she was put in the lead actress category...unfortunately she lost...but CHITA HAS CLASS AND TALENT!!!.. Liza please retire!!!

I agree re: Minnelli. She's a washed-up attention whore who should've faded into the sunset LONG ago! I saw her in concert here in Columbus, Ohio, back in 2000, and her voice was gone then.

I'm fine with the category being retired. It was a stretch to flesh it out most years. There's really no need for it.

Could it be economics? (That the American Theatre Wing doesn't want to dole out the dollars for more hardware?)

I'm with you on the Liza Minnelli bashing. When Tom was hosting the live chat during the ceremony, I think I blasted everyone with my Liza hatred. I don't get the hooplah anymore. She's was damn near sexy in Cabaret, but beyond that, she looks ridiculous, and ALWAYS acts like she is drunk. I was so hoping Will Ferrell won that Tony; at least his show was enjoyable.