Tony Shirtlessness

Last night, I watched the Tony Awards with some of my theatrically inclined friends after not having seen them for a few years.  I enjoyed the show very much because of the genuine suspense of the winners.  For once, I watched an awards show that had so many great contenders that no one knew what was going to happen.  And I kind of think that's how it should be.  So in honor of the Tonys and the spectacular Broadway season, I give you Mr. Hugh Dancy who stars opposite Tony winner Nina Arianda in "Venus in Fur."  I've had a crush on him since I saw him in the "Elizabeth" miniseries with Helen Mirren, and his work on stage did not disappoint.  He never took his shirt off in the show, which is too bad, but he sure did smoulder through the whole 90 minute piece. 

I'd also like to take a moment to recognize how many people make a Tony award winner.  Most actors rely on their scene partners for support of their work, and I always think an award recognizes not only the performer but that performer's partner in crime.  I remember seeing a much touted performance of Mark Rylance in "La Bete" in which he spouted a monologue for 45 minutes.  His performance was truly amazing.  But I couldn't help but applaud the work of his scene partner, David Hyde Pierce, who stood on stage with him for the entire monologue.  He didn't say a word, and yet the story could not be told without him.  Ms. Arianda's performance in "Venus in Fur" was sublime in a role in which you could not tell where the role ended and the actor began.  I'm giving a shout out to Mr. Dancy for staying with her every step of the way.  Brava!

In conclusion, I'd just like to say that I hope that the upward trend of shirtlessness on Broadway continues into the 2012-2013 season along with the trend of good writing developed in Off-Broadway houses.  And while I'm hoping for things, I guess I'll add more great roles for women and more diversity on stage.  Until then, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS