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It could rewrite history.
“Hamilton," the runaway hit show about Alexander Hamilton, might be a game-changer again — this time on Tony night.
Let’s hope so.
As things stand Lin-Manuel Miranda, the show’s creator and star, might not be heard saying his thank you’s during the live telecast celebrating Broadway’s best and brightest.
It could happen. Here’s why.
In years past, honors for writers and composers were given during the ceremony — but off-air. Take “Fun Home,” for example. When Jeanine Tesori and Lisa Kron won for the score and book in 2015, their awards were given out during commercial breaks.
This year, Miranda is up for his book and score — and is an overwhelming frontrunner. But will America hear from this hometown theater star live, or only through a brief taped clip, like the great team of Tesori and Kron? Best book and score are significant awards.
How about making them part of the live show?
The Tonys don’t have an answer, noting that the awards show is still in the works. Presenters still haven’t been announced.
But consider this.
Miranda is also nominated for best actor for his portrait of the titular founding father. If he doesn’t win — and this race is a nailbiter — he won’t get to say his thank you’s in that case, either.
And that’s it for Miranda — technically speaking. Yes, he’ll surely be in a musical number. But the award for best musical is given to the producer.
And while Jeffrey Seller would likely share the moment, he doesn’t have to.
Which means it’s possible that Miranda, who has energized Broadway in historic ways this year, wouldn’t be heard from live.
Ironic in an epic season like the one Miranda’s had. It’d be like Hamilton getting shot all over again — not in Weehawken, but at the Tonys.
Sounds like a good time to make a change when it comes to awards for best score and book. Make 'em part of the live telecast — for this year and down the road.