Just 364 Days Ago

There's some thoughts running through my head about change. In many ways, I am completely changed from the previous years; in other ways, I'm the same.

But from the ways I'm the same:

Even though the Tony Awards airing falls on the same night as Game Two of the NBA Finals, watching has become an annual ritual.

[Much attention was given to the fact that last night was also the series finale of The Sopranos. I've never been a fan so it wasn't a factor.]

As usual, I was largely unfamiliar with many of the winners. I had heard little about Spring Awakening; I was intrigued and had read some about The Coast of Utopia, but just mostly concerning its epic nine-hour length. Mostly, I was looking forward to the vignette from Grey Gardens. That score is just so catchy.

I'm still a little bit upset from last year, however. I was really hoping that by this time, some of the plays would have announced a national tour. I was really hoping Rabbit Hole would come to Dallas. So far, nothing.

I've come up with the following analogy: my views of the theater are the same as they are of church.

When it comes to theater, I'm fairly conservative. I feel comfortable with the traditional and believe that plays and musicals should follow time-tested methods and not venture far from the path.

The two big winners last night were Spring Awakening and The Coast of Utopia.

I'm unlikely to ever see latter and wouldn't see the former with a free ticket.

The Coast of Utopia, because it is a 9 hour trilogy, the cost and logistical nightmare make it an unlikely touring choice.

On the other hand, Spring Awaking will likely be a big hit across the United States. I just don't like rock theater.

I felt the same way watching the vignette of Spring Awakening as I did in church Sunday morning. Rock-n-roll doesn't belong on Broadway and shorts and sandals don't belong in church on Sundays.

My favorite part of the evening was Christine Ebersole performing. She was wonderful.

Check in again at the same time next year. I'll be complaining about how Frost/Nixon hasn't hit Dallas yet.