Mar 11

Written by: Theatre Under The Stars
3/11/2010 3:23 PM

Hello my lovely BTB readers! Once again, the biggest night in Hollywood brought all the stars to the red carpet for The 82nd Academy Awards ceremony.  In all the post-show coverage frenzy, many commentators were heard saying there were neither surprises nor upsets. Well, I was certainly surprised and filled with glee! It only took 81 years, but Kathryn Bigelow, a woman, finally holds an Oscar for best director! (Not to mention beating her ex, James Cameron, and his odd-looking blue Avatars. Wink, wink!) Has Ms. Bigelow paved the way for more female director victories?

Intrigued by this recent history-making occurrence, I dashed to the computer for some V. I. R. (Very Important Research) on the history of the Tony awards and Broadway directors. After combing through a list of winners spanning all the way back to 1947, I discovered it wasn’t until 1998 that a woman’s name followed the words “Best Director of a Musical.” Julie Taymor was the first female ever to earn the coveted title with her big win for Disney’s The Lion King. Moments prior, Garry Hynes became the first woman to win a best-director of a play Tony for The Beauty Queen of Leanne. The New York Times said it best in its next-day coverage of the event, "It took more than half a century for the Tonys to present its first directing award to a woman. It took five minutes to present the second one." 

Always the “cock-eyed optimist”, I remain hopeful about the paucity of women directors winning this prestigious Broadway award, ironically named after female producer and director Antoinette (Toni) Perry. The milestones made in 1998 didn’t open the doors to a “girl power” revolution in the world of theatre but it was a good start! Producer Rocco Landesman tried to explain the lack of ladies in the winner’s bracket in 2005 with, “On Broadway, progress is slow.” Perhaps five years later, we’re already seeing a change with these fine dames: Diane Paulus, director of Hair; Kristin Hanggi, director of Rock of Ages; Phyllida Lloyd, director of Mamma Mia; and Francesca Zambello, director of The Little Mermaid. 

Do you think Landesman statement is accurate? Or do you feel women in control of large budget musicals are on the rise? Are you looking forward to hearing the list of Tony nominations in May?

Until next time, see you under the stars.

-Thea

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