J. Robert Spencer’s Reaction to His Tony Nomination!
May 7th, 2009
We were excited to report the big news earlier this week–that Bobby Spencer was nominated for a Tony Award–Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical–for his magnificent performance in NEXT TO NORMAL! Playbill.com spoke with Bobby about the honor:
“We knew it was going on. I got up. Our two kids were still asleep. My wife and I were just chomping at the bit. It was like, ‘Oh my God. Tick-tock, tick-tock.’ We were pretty anxious and pretty excited, and just praying and hoping that it would work. How could it not, the show being as tremendous as it is, and such an impact that the show has, and all the reviews we got? How could it not be a beautiful morning? And it turned out to be a phenomenal morning! It has a completely different feeling from Jersey Boys. Jersey Boys will always be a huge phenomenon. But I feel with this show it makes such a stronger impact on the emotional soul. And to be able to convey that eight times a week and not be the ‘Ringo’ is incredibly exhilarating and fulfilling. The thing about playing Nick Massi [in Jersey Boys] was great, because even though I didn’t say much there was still a lot going on internally. But it’s always nice to show audiences what you’ve been wanting to show them for years. I can’t tell you how many people have seen me in Jersey Boys who have seen me in Next to Normal and said, ‘Oh my God, I had no idea you could sing, that you could act.’ That’s so rewarding for me.”
I had already heard your voice at your Ben Folds concert two years ago, Bobby, so I wasn’t surprised by the great performance here. I’ll be seeing N2N a third time right before the Tony’s.
Noting that “one” of the competitors are the three young actors from “Billy Elliot”, I did some research. That’s the fourth time in Tony history that it has happened (ironically, N2N co-star Alice Ripley was a co-nominee for “Side Show”, which also starred Bobby), but only once have the joint nominees won. In this case, too, each BE actor is not on stage each night, so bloggers are noting their nomination may be more for the role itself rather than the acting.
Of course anything can happen at the Tony’s as we all know. Witness “Avenue Q” taking the best musical prize from the heavily favored “Wicked” in 2004 and our own longshot Christian Hoff upsetting the odds-on Jim Dale in 2006.
Good luck, Bobby. You stand a real shot of taking home the prize.
Comment by Howard Tucker — May 7, 2009 @ 1:50 pm
I know all your fans that got to know you in Jersey Boys will be rooting for you to win the Tony. Your performance in Next to Normal is certainly deserving of this award!
Comment by Beverley Micciche — May 7, 2009 @ 6:43 pm
Good Luck Bobby…this is definitely your time to shine! We are all pulling for you here in Georgia. We can’t wait to see the show again, on our next trip to NY…that is, if we can get tickets!
Comment by Carolyn — May 8, 2009 @ 7:33 am
I’s so excited for you!!! It’s all yours!!!!
Comment by fran Gatto — May 12, 2009 @ 6:48 pm
Hey Bobby
I’m not surprised at all that you would get a Tony nod. You deserve it. I’ll keep my fingers crossed.
Kay Elbik
Ken and Kev Dow’s mom
Comment by Kay Elbik (Dow) — June 2, 2009 @ 3:35 pm