Yep. MFL opened in March 1956 and won its Tonys in April 1957. Competing with Bells and Candide of late '56. (Plus leaving poor Most Happy Fella in the dust by opening six weeks before it)
Replies
Gypsy suffered a similar fate, opening May '59 and thus competing with November '59 shows The Sound of Music and Fiorello. (And therefore coming in at least third for Best Musical) Gypsy probably would have swept up had it been eligible for the 58-59 season.
aug 30, 2025, 6:32 pm • 2 0 • view
It’s hard to imagine that Gypsy – best damn musical I’ve seen in years – wouldn’t have beaten Redhead. But then, there’s something awfully nice about Dorothy Fields getting a Tony, you know?
aug 30, 2025, 6:37 pm • 4 0 • view
Speaking of coming in third, when discussing Follies, it feels like people are unnecessarily dismissive of the importance of parking lots.
aug 30, 2025, 6:38 pm • 1 0 • view
With Merman rounding out the leading actress nominees. They couldn’t find a nomination for Barbara Cook’s legendary Cunegonde, but they made it up to her the following year when she played the “Supporting or Featured” role of Marian.
aug 30, 2025, 6:36 pm • 5 0 • view
Mary Beth Peil’s Anna can relate
aug 30, 2025, 6:38 pm • 4 0 • view
Based on the poster billing—with Max Adrian the only one considered "starred," Barbara was probably eligible in "Supporting or Featured" by the nominators (who opted for Irra instead) Jo Sullivan was also nominated as featured for Rosabella in MHF.
aug 30, 2025, 6:42 pm • 4 0 • view
Yes
aug 30, 2025, 6:48 pm • 3 0 • view
If they’d nominated Cook for leading for TMM the next year, there would’ve been space in the featured category for Chita in WSS.
aug 30, 2025, 6:49 pm • 4 0 • view
The kids who think her winning for The Rink was a surprise upset are sweet souls.
aug 30, 2025, 6:58 pm • 6 0 • view
Chita will have to be content with being merely Legendary.
aug 30, 2025, 6:58 pm • 2 0 • view