I only saw Shuffle but I can still say I think Glover's choreography is the best Broadway has seen in a good long time. I am quite sure all the nominees are deserving but Glover's work is way over the top. Like a poster in this thread said it gets the most applause in the show. Audra and everyone else takes a back seat to it.
After seeing Shuffle Along yesterday I really want Savion Glover to win. I love the choreography in Hamilton as well (and I loved Hofesh Shechter's work on Fiddler and am glad he was recognized), but Glover's work is astonishing.
If they don't call his name that night, I'll be wondering what more they could have expected him to do to get the nod. The dancing in SA was mesmerizing, inspired, and one of the biggest stars of the show.
I enjoyed the choreography in Hamilton, but to me Glover took tap to the next level. For the sake of argument, if one wants to debate that tap isn't as popular right now, all I can say is what Glover has done is take the art of tap to new heights. It is now THE ART OF TAP! Boldfaced. All caps. Artistry of dance taken to that next level. Extraordinary.
I loved Andy Blankenbuehler's work in Hamilton, but for me it didn't come close to the jaw-dropping artistry of Savion Glover's work in Shuffle Along. If Blankenbuehler wins, it won't be undeserved since the work is still great, but it would be very nice to see an artist like Glover recognized when he's working at the absolute top of his craft.
I am a firm believer in serendipity- all the random pieces coming together in one wonderful moment, when suddenly you see what their purpose was all along.
I agree with so much said in this entire thread. I'm team both - I think they both have done incredible work in the style of their respective shows. Andy Blankenbuehler's choreography is seamless with the show (not a bad thing to me) and combines so many different styles just like the show does. I really felt it added to the show immensely. Savion's choreography is astounding as it always is. He's a master, no question about it, and it took everything in me not to go over and fangirl at him at the preview I attended. I've been a fan of his for a long time and he never disappoints. I'll be happy no matter which of them wins and I'd absolutely love a tie.
In terms of the Hamilton set, I think it leaves a deceptively simple impression even though it's really anything but. The detail work if you get a close look is pretty incredible. He took the idea that shipbuilders were also involved in construction at that time, and ran with it in a non obvious, but very effective way. And the double turntable was something Dave Korins had to talk them into doing, and he was absolutely spot on about it.
I agree that the She Loves Me set is amazing. I loved it and completely geeked out over it and the clever use of space. Yes, I think it should win, but I don't think Hamilton's set should just be brushed aside in discussions of it.
This is an interesting discussion because I agree with both sides. Both men did terrific work. Their tasks were very different.
The strongest argument for Glover is that his part of the show was the best part of Shuffle Along. The "suitcase dance" in Robbie2's photo was so spectacular that I wish they would do it at the Tonys, just so I could see it again. It was a genuinely thrilling, old-fashioned routine that displays wonderful talent and imagination.
Blankbuehler, though, has a case to make. While his work isn't usually as jaw-dropping and works more as what seems like a group effort, the "Satisfied" routine and the final duel are just as good, in their own way, as Glover's best. Nobody goes to see Hamilton for the dancing, but it all works so well together.
So this is definitely a time where I have no great rooting interest. I'm just glad I saw both shows.
brian1973 said: "I don't think you should win a Tony just because you use a freakin turntable! He ain't the first to do it"
Is that a joke? Do you actually not understand that it is not the use of the turntables that is what is notable? That makes about as much sense as thinkig a choreo should win just because he or she uses dancers with feet.
bwayphreak234 said: "I really want Savion Glover to win for choreography. His work for Shuffle Along was just jaw dropping."
Agreed! While I thought the choreopgraphy in Hamilton was terrific, I was absolutely taken aback by Savion Glover's work in Shuffle Along! I don't think I've ever been more impressed with an entire company's dancing than when I walked out of the Music Box Theatre!
This should be Savion Glover's Tony. Even if he doesn't win, anyone who saw Shuffle Along will know that he deserves it. Phenomenal.
As for people saying predicting the award should go to Hamilton because of how choreo and staging are integrated- I don't know how much of a factor that would be because I don't think the dance numbers in Shuffle Along made the show choppy or less streamline
I am now an out of towner and had the fortune (or misfortune -- an over abundance of riches) to see both shows today. Exiting the matinee of Shuffle, I had two key thoughts, one that the choreography was in incredible (the other that it was ridiculous that Audra didn't get nominated, 6 Tony's or not). I couldn't imagine Glover not winning.
Then, I saw Hamilton and thought the choreography was so integrated with the direction / story telling, that I changed my mind. Much to my surprise, I think Hamilton deserves it. (I do not think Hamilton deserves Tony's for sets, costumes, or lead actress...and I am not sure re supporting actress...so this is not about voting for Hamilton across the board). I just think what Blank...did was amazing, co tribute g so much to the performance.
My final push for Blankenbuehler: please remember that he received a Special Drama Desk in 2015 with the following description:
"For his inspired and heart-stopping choreography in Hamilton, which is indispensable to the musical’s storytelling. His body of work is versatile, yet a dynamic and fluid style is consistently evident. When it’s time to 'take his shot,' Blankenbuehler hits the bull’s-eye."