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Avenue Q Wins Best Musical by James Marino

  • Can you believe it? I heard the news about 11PM. J Lo got married again! (to Capeman's Marc Anthony, maybe the cast recording will now be released.)

    Seriously, I couldn't be more happy for Avenue Q, specifically Jeff Marx. I met Jeff a number of years ago. We keep each other updated on what is happening via email mostly or in person at the occasional event. I know that it has been such a long an winding road for Avenue Q to get from the BMI workshop to Broadway, having been fortunate enough to see it along the way. While everyone associated with Avenue Q deserves congratulations, I have seen the huge effort put in by Jeff. It goes to show that Broadway shows don't happen without every single person who is involved giving 110%.

    Now, we have to wonder, what can did the Avenue Q folks open? Will we start to see heavy campaigning by other shows next year the way that Avenue Q did this year? I believe that Avenue Q would of, and should have, won without the campaign. One can consider that the Tony 'campaign' was simply a brilliant advertising scheme to play off the national presidential campaign and not a real Tony vote swayer. But I loved the ads!

    It was a night of surprises, with some of the winners giving speeches like their horse just upset the triple crown. (Michael Cerveris). Everyone looked stunning last night. I did not see any Bjork-type of outfits there. If straight men are the largest untapped market for the Broadway audience, last night was a good promotion piece to bring them to the theater! But one question, why do women spend extraordinary amounts of money on a dress that falls down when they move a little? (Sarah Jessica Parker)


    Away from Radio City Music Hall, I got a few emails that TonyAwards.com accidentally posted all the winners after the first CBS-aired Award was given out. I was unable to verify it (I got the email this morning) but I would imagine how many Blackberry's in RCMH would be humming at that point!

    Along the lines of Tony Trivia, one reader, Richard Rainville, wrote to us this morning,

      "If my memory is correct, I believe Avenue Q now holds the record for the earliest opening show to win best musical, previously held by La Cage. Cage opened in Aug, and Q opened in July."
    Anyone know if that is the case?

    Overall, I felt it was a great night for Broadway. A great awards show. Lastly, talk about bankable stars, overheard last night, "Maybe we could put Hugh and Kristin into those roles..." Hmmmm...

    --------

    Published on Monday, June 7, 2004

    James Marino is the founder of BroadwayStars. A technology geek with a love of theatre, he has been involved with many aspects of show business throughout his lifetime. James lives on Long Island with his wife and two kids. He loves to email and is never very far from an internet device. You can contact him in many ways:
    Friend him on Facebook
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    Email him at: [email protected]
    or just pick up a phone and call 646-873-7695


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