There isn’t a “Hamilton” lurking in this year’s Tony Award nominations, but there are plenty of shows that reward pop culture knowledge.
All four of the best musical nominees have roots in old films, TV shows and music. The one that’s most original — “Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York)” — has a character who expects New York to look just like it did in the movies.
There’s more spark in the best revival of a musical category, where “Cats” has been reimagined as a ballroom competition and “Ragtime” makes parallels between yesterday’s political woes and today’s.
Who will win the awards when they’re handed out Sunday night? Here are our predictions:
From left, Caissie Levy, Joshua Henry and Brandon Uranowitz star in "Ragtime."
Musicals
Best actor in a musical: This is the only lock. Joshua Henry is a stunning Coalhouse Walker Jr. in “Ragtime.” If he doesn’t win, the votes are rigged.
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Best actress in a musical: Henry's co-star, Caissie Levy, is a likely winner, but she could be bested by Christiani Pitts from “Two Strangers” or Marla Mindelle, who spoofs Celine Dion in “Titanique.” Go with Levy.
André De Shields as Old Deuteronomy in "Cats: The Jellicle Ball."
Best featured actor in a musical: Andre De Shields already won a Tony for “Hadestown,” but he’s such a legend, he could get a second for “Cats: The Jellicle Ball.” His competition: Ali Louis Bourzgui from “The Lost Boys,” and Ben Levi Ross from “Ragtime.” Look for the upset. Ross is incredible.
Best featured actress in a musical: Shoshanna Bean is beloved and gets a couple of great moments in “The Lost Boys.” She should win. If not, it’s because Ana Gasteyer is such a force as the prim preacher’s wife in “Schmigadoon.” Go with Bean.
LJ Benet, left, and Ali Louis Bourzgui in "The Lost Boys."
Best revival of a musical: “Ragtime” (although “Cats: The Jellicle Ball” is highly original).
Best musical: What a close call: “Schmigadoon” is campaigning like crazy, but “The Lost Boys” is the spectacle you want on Broadway. “Two Strangers” is the deal breaker. Winner: “The Lost Boys.”
Robin (Christiani Pitts, left) and Dougal (Sam Tutty) get Chinese food after a wild night out in the city.
The cast of "The Balusters" on Broadway.
Plays
Best play: “Liberation,” even though it’s not running anymore. If that’s a factor, “Giant” or “The Ballusters” will figure in.
Best revival of a play: “Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman.”
Laurie Metcalf, left, and Nathan Lane in "Death of a Salesman" on Broadway.
Best actor in play: Nathan Lane, “Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman.”
Best actress in a play: Lesley Manville, “Oedipus.”
Best supporting actor in play: Alden Ehrenreich, “Becky Shaw” or Christopher Abbott, “Death of a Salesman.”
Best supporting actress in play: Laurie Metcalf, “Death of a Salesman.”
The cast of Broadway's "Schmigadoon"
In other categories
“Schmigadoon” and “Cats” will battle for costumes, orchestrations and choreography; “The Lost Boys” should get sets and lighting. “Two Strangers” will get book or score or both.
Best direction of a musical will either be Michael Arden for “The Lost Boys” or Lear DeBessonet for “Ragtime.” Best direction of a play will go to Joe Mantello for “ADeath of a Salesman.”
