Myopia of Tony Awards Committee Is Plain to See

BY TAMARA BECK

FOR fans of theater, Tony season is both exciting and stressful.

Only 35 people make the selections, nominating the plays and musicals that 750 Broadway pros will vote as “Best.” And, really, we should be grateful to the rotating cast of the nominating committee, each of whom serves for an overlapping three-year term. Thanks should also go to the select members of the various theatrical guilds who comprise the voters that they have to make the tough choices for the 2012 American Theatre Wing’s Tony Awards. (Visit http://www.bit.ly/LQi7zD to see who votes for the Tonys.)

Just as there are no favorites among our children, all theater is special and beloved. Since most of us don’t get a vote, this reviewer can only sit on the sidelines and scold the Tony committee for neglecting some of the worthy work that has graced Broadway stages this season.

Although “Master Class” was named in the Best Revival of a Play category, Tyne Daly was overlooked. Her stellar performance as Maria Callas was scintillating, even in the gossipy so-so Terrence McNally vehicle. TD, known for her populist roles (like the Emmy-winning one in TV’s “Cagney & Lacey”), was in full diva mode in this portrayal. (See review at http://www.bit.ly/rsdSNf)

Also unjustly ignored was Lydia R. Diamond’s family drama, “Stick Fly.” Perhaps compounding its woes, it did not have a lot of traction with the theater-going public. Its lackluster box office and lack of Tony recognition as a Best Play contender are both a shame. All is not lost, however. Among the fine cast, the wonderful Condola Rashad got a nomination for Best Performance as an Actress in a Featured Role. “Stick Fly” was an imperfect but entertaining play in a lovely production. (See review at http://www.bit.ly/JV4ptr and see video above)

Garrett Sorenson and Tyne Daly in “Master Class.” Photo by Joan Marcus.

And not only was David Henry Hwang’s wry “Chinglish” unappreciated by audiences, this well-written, incisive and witty play was totally ignored by the Tony committee. Its bilingual cast had plenty of charm and the production lots of umph.

Now one can only wonder whether Tony voters will overlook the obvious winners among those nominated shows. It’ll all become clear soon enough. The Tony Awards, hosted by Neil Patrick Harris, will be broadcast live at 8 p.m. EDT tomorrow on CBS. Red carpet webcasting begins at 6 pm.

Visit http://www.tonyawards.com/en_US/index.html to learn more about the “2012 American Theatre Wing’s Tony Awards,” nominations, presentations and the “Live! from the Beacon Theatre” show.

In 'Stick Fly,' a Family That Has It All – Except

Tracie Thoms as Taylor and Dulé Hill as Kent “Spoon” LeVay, left photo, and Mekhi Phifer as “Flip” LeVay and Rosie Benton as Kimber in “Stick Fly.” Photos by Richard Termine.

BY TAMARA BECK

MONEY and privilege rarely insulate a family from its dystopias.

In Lydia R. Diamond’s “Stick Fly,” in an open run at The Cort Theatre, both money and privilege play a big part in the LeVay family dynamics.

“Stick Fly” takes place over a weekend in the LeVay’s mansion on Martha’s Vineyard. Harold, the elder son, known to all as “Flip” (Mekhi Phifer) wants to introduce his girlfriend, Kimber (Rosie Benton) to his family, including his dad, Joe (Ruben Santiago-Hudson). His brother Kent (Dulé Hill) has brought his fiancee, Taylor (Tracie Thoms), to meet the folks, too.

The LeVays are extraordinary and extremely accomplished. Joe is a neurosurgeon. Flip has followed the patriarchal business, except he is a plastic surgeon. Kent has a series of degrees. To the chagrin of his father, however, he has chosen to be a writer. Despite his father’s disappointment, even Kevin has succeeded since he is about to become a published novelist.

“Stick Fly” makes for an interesting metaphor for LRD’s examination of the LeVay clan. The play’s title comes from Taylor’s field of expertise. The neglected daughter of a prominent scholar and sociologist, Taylor is an entomologist. As she explains, since flies move so fast that it is hard for scientists to study them, they Krazy Glue them to popsicle sticks and photograph the movements of their wings.

Playwright LRD asks weighty questions about class, fealty, pride and race in “Stick Fly” – the LeVays are black – while punctuating the discussion with genuinely funny dialogue.

Ruben Santiago-Hudson and Dulé Hill as a father and son who ae sometimes at odds in “Stick Fly.”

Everyone in “Stick Fly” is excellent, but Condola Rashad is extremely moving as the LeVays’ maid who is forced to deal with difficult issues of family and connection. The scenes between TT and RB, which morph from fire to friendly competitiveness, also stand out.

Alicia Keys, a producer of “Stick Fly,” has written transitional music to move the action from scene to scene. These entr’actes have the potential to annoy. Or do they? In one scene, as the young folks come into the kitchen one by one, the music draws out the tension. It’s unnerving but it underscores what is going on – not allowing the “hurry-up” moment be rushed.

There is no curtain so the gorgeously architectural swoops of David Gallo’s complex and opulent set are on display throughout the evening. The majestic grandeur of the house is an eye-catching backdrop for the play.

To learn more about “Stick Fly” visit http://http://www.stickflybroadway.com/.