I agree that Briones certainly deserved a Tony nomination over Pierce. The Engineer is the main antagonist in ''Miss Saigon'' who slithers his way in and out throughout ''Miss Saigon,'' culminating in the show's 11 o'clock number, ''The American Dream.'' On the other hand, Horace Vandergelder is more of a featured role, playing second fiddle to Dolly Levi. David Burns, who originated the role, wasn't even nominated in the original 1964 production.
Was Pierce that astonishing in ''Hello, Dolly!''? Was it the addition of ''Penny in My Pocket''? Did he turn it into a tour de force?
Hardly. But it helps your chances to be nominated when you're a past Tony winner, you're a recognized name and starring with Bette in a smash hit. |
