Floor Time
/flôr tīm/
noun
the 15-60 minute time period spent laying on the floor in the middle of the work day, typically as a relief from the soul-sucking reality of corporate America.
Welcome to another guest edit! The Tony Award nominations were announced earlier this week so I tapped my musical theatre-loving pal (of which I am also one), Chris, to tell us what he thinks is worth our time. I’ll let him tell you more, but he’s seen [redacted] shows this year alone, so I would trust this man.
The only suggestions I’d add to the list are Prima Facie (feat. our very own Villanelle and my girl crush, Jodie Comer), Sweeney Todd (though it’ll be another few weeks until I see it, I already know it’s going to be stellar—we stan a demon barber!!!), and Some Like It Hot (music from the SMASH people and great example of how to bring an old story to the modern age).
Hi. I’m Chris. 👋
After a $250 appointment, my astrologer told me that my career holds something more creative.
So, to honor Astro John’s wisdom, I’ve seen 2 to 3 shows a week and I started a TikTok called C Sees It where I’m posting my thoughts on shows. I even have a logo!!!
I’m certain this is what Astro John had in mind. So here goes.
On Tuesday, the Tony Awards announced their 2022 - 2023 Season’s nominations.
This is my Super Bowl.
This is where my [redacted dollar amount] can be put to good-ish use.
Here’s a non-exhaustive list of what I think is worth your time and $$$ before the Tony’s on June 11.
9 nominations
A show literally about corn, littered with corn-y puns, songs that will soon be in every audition book, and a boatload of giggles.
9 total nominations but I hope Alex Newell wins Best Actor in A Featured Role in a Musical for this song, which I cannot and will not stop streaming.
6 nominations
A revival that’s based on the wrongful accusation and lynching of Leo Frank, who was accused of the murder of 16-year-old Mary Phagan. I know, an incredibly dark plot for a musical, but it’s so wonderfully done.
Another cry session was had, this is my pick for Best Revival of a Musical, Ben Platt for Best Leading Actor1 and potentially Best Lighting of a Musical.
9 nominations
A jukebox musical that reimagines Romeo and Juliet. The plot showcases what would happen if Juliet didn’t die in the original story and that becomes the beginning of this one, all told through Max Martin songs.
The most fun (and silly) show on Broadway this year and thrilled that Lorna Courtney, who plays Juliet, was nominated for Best Actress in a Musical.
8 nominations
Kimberly is a teen girl who suffers from a medical condition that ages her quickly, trapping her in the body of a 60 year-old woman. With her condition, her life expectancy is 16 and she celebrates her 16th birthday during the show. Kim has to navigate high school, boys, her not-so-fab parents.
A huge miss that Alli Mauzey (who plays Kim’s mom) isn’t nominated because she’s a true comedian and fab vocalist. We weep over this alone.
But Bonnie Milligan is a force. I have a sneaking suspicion Kimberly Akimbo may snag Best Musical.
6 nominations
A comedy that asks “what would happen if the US government offered every Black American a one-way trip to Africa”? And yes, this is a direct quote from the show’s website. There are drag queens, Real Housewives references, and lots of laughs and cries.
Ain’t No Mo unjustly closed after about a month of performances. Impressed that the voting committee didn’t forget about it and I’m rooting for it to win Best Play.2
5 nominations
The stage adaptation of the book by the same name. It follows Pi as he is stranded on a boat in the middle of the ocean with a giant Bengal tiger. While I didn’t read the book (or see the movie), I remember hearing it was a bit slow. HOWEVER, this show was one I wanted to rewind and play again as soon as it was over, like my favorite VHS tape from middle school.
My pick for Best Scenic Design of a Play and Best Lighting of a Play, just look at how cool this is.
For more, here’s the Playbill list of 2023 Tony Award Nominations.
Do you love theater but don’t live in NYC? Try streaming these:
Diana: campy and maybe a little too silly for the seriousness of the material... but so fun
Hamilton: Nobody hates Hamilton and you probably have the soundtrack memorized already anyway
Come from Away: I’ve never seen this show but I hear it’s tear-worthy and I love to cry
Into the Woods: Meryl Streep is in this so... go watch it
But whatever you do, I beg of you. Don’t watch Cats.3
If you’re ever in NYC and want a show recco (or a buddy to go with), I’m your guy.
In song, dance, and melodramatic theatrics,
Something To Laugh About
Here are this week’s moments of joy:
Not to be dramatic but I’d die for this Puff.
This is a shoutout to my fellow Mako mermaids.
The way in which the Lilo & Stitch soundtrack goes SO hard and for what. This is beautiful.
Happy theatre going, friends! If you see something amazing and you love it, please let me and C Sees It know.
Also! I am going on SabbatiCLO4 The Sequel starting tomorrow, so there will be no Floor Times for the next two weeks (you can read more about what lead to SabbatiCLO The Original here). I'll miss ya'll but excited to share stories of my travels when I return. Smell ya later!
Til’ next time, Bad Cinderellas. Your friend,
Clarice
By the way…I’m reading this.
You guessed it. Still Throne of Glass. Mentally, emotionally, physically, I am here. Currently just feels like it’s going on for a long time and we still haven’t gotten any smut!!!
Hi it me, Clarice. Note that Ben Platt does not get my vote.
Chris and I saw this together and can confirm it was robbed of its time on Broadway—this was one of the best plays I’ve seen in years.
Truly just calling anytime I travel for more than a week a “sabbatiCLO” from now on…don’t @ me.