Spotlight

Stories that deserve your attention

Broadway Christopher Peterson Broadway Christopher Peterson

Our 2024 Tony Awards Picks

“Let’s delve into the standout contenders across major categories, offering our predictions for the winners of some of the major Tony Awards. Get ready for an exciting look at the best of Broadway!”

Read More
Broadway Christopher Peterson Broadway Christopher Peterson

Breaking down the Tonys: Best Direction of a Musical

“With the Tony Awards right around the corner, I thought it would be fun to break down each category. Let’s discuss the nominees, predict some winners, and discuss who may have deserved to be on the list. Today, we’re moving on to Best Direction of a Musical.”

Read More
Broadway Christopher Peterson Broadway Christopher Peterson

Breaking down the Tonys: Best Orchestrations

“With the Tony Awards right around the corner, I thought it would be fun to break down each category. Let’s discuss the nominees, predict some winners, and discuss who may have deserved to be on the list. Today, let’s kick things off with Best Orchestrations”

Read More
Broadway, New York, Observations Christopher Peterson Broadway, New York, Observations Christopher Peterson

With Les Moonves Gone, the Tonys Can Have an Exit Strategy from CBS

Years ago, then CEO of CBS Les Moonves told NY Post’s Michael Riedel that as long as he’s at CBS, so will the Tony Awards. This quote came at a time when the ratings were in the basement compared to other award shows. However, a statement like that from the guy who ran the network was certainly a sigh of relief.

But now Moonves is gone due to the many accusations of sexual misconduct. Which means that the Tony Awards’ biggest network champion is gone. And the ratings are still in the proverbial toilet.

So what does this mean for the future of the Tonys on CBS?

Read More
Observations, Broadway Christopher Peterson Observations, Broadway Christopher Peterson

The Unsung Winners of the 2018 Tony Awards

There were many amazing, memorable moments from the 2018 Tony Awards: The students from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School's incredible and touching rendition of "Seasons of Love", the Carousel cast's show-stopping choreographed performance, Josh Groban and Sara Bareilles' quirky yet charming hosting, the Dear Evan Hansen cast's beautiful medley of "You Will Be Found" and "For Forever", Lindsay Mendez's acceptance speech, the #TonyDreaming montages, the list could go on and on. 

Read More
Observations Christopher Peterson Observations Christopher Peterson

Tonys 2018 : The De Niro Dilemma

Anyone who watched the Tony award show in its entirety caught Robert De Niro’s bleeped-out remark about President Trump, and, of course, it spread through social media like wildfire.  His f**k Trump statement was a quick, yet succinct, personal, and some would say political, comment that drew the ire of some and admiration from others.  So, does this type of remark belong at an awards ceremony?

Read More
Broadway Christopher Peterson Broadway Christopher Peterson

How Much Singing Should there be for an Acting Tony in a Musical?

A debate has arisen over Sunday night's win for Tony Shalhoub for his performance in The Band's Visit. While other nominees such as Ethan Slater sung and danced through Spongbob Sqaurepants and Joshua Henry had to take on the musical theatre doctorate known as "Soliloquoy", Mr. Shalhoub hardly sings at all. While I don't have the sheet music in front of me, having seen the show, I would guess that he sings roughly 32-64 bars in the entire show.

Read More
Broadway, Observations, Off Broadway Christopher Peterson Broadway, Observations, Off Broadway Christopher Peterson

Should the Tonys Start Nominating Off-Broadway Productions?

Over the past couple of months, I've heard from more than one person that they are concerned that the over-commercialization of Broadway will mean that less "artistic" and original musicals will be recognized by the Tony Awards.

While I think they're overreacting, I don't think their concerns are completely unfounded. After all, this past year, there wasn't a single musical that wasn't based on a movie or TV show or that wasn't a jukebox collection.

Read More