The 2024 Tony Awards are generating buzz as the theater community anticipates the upcoming ceremony. Jesse Green, the chief theater critic for The Times, shared his predictions and preferences for this season's winners in an article published on May 14, 2024.
In the category of Best Play, Green predicts "Stereophonic" will win, although he feels "Jaja’s African Hair Braiding" and "Mary Jane" are also deserving. He also highlighted "Primary Trust," a Pulitzer Prize-winning play, which he believes deserved a nomination.
For Best Musical, "Hell’s Kitchen" is expected to take home the Tony, with Green favoring "Illinoise," a unique dance-centric show, for its innovative approach.
In the Best Play Revival category, "Appropriate" is likely to win, while Green supports "Purlie Victorious," noting its significance as more than just a revival but a reclamation.
"Appropriate" actor Jeremy Strong is Green's pick to win Best Actor in a Play, but he advocates for Leslie Odom Jr. for his role in "Purlie Victorious." For Best Actress in a Play, Sarah Paulson is projected to win for "Appropriate," with Jessica Lange as Green’s preferred choice for her performance in "Mother Play."
In the musical categories, Jonathan Groff is expected to win Best Actor in a Musical for "Merrily We Roll Along," with Brian D’Arcy James as Green's favored candidate. Maleah Joi Moon is likely to win Best Actress in a Musical for "Hell’s Kitchen," though Green roots for Kelli O’Hara.
The Tony Awards are set to celebrate the best of Broadway, recognizing outstanding achievements in theater, with the ceremony eagerly awaited by fans and industry professionals alike.