Tony Watch 2015: Award for Featured Actress in a Play

It is almost always difficult to name a true front runner in the featured performance categories, but we can narrow it down a little (hopefully). The nominees are:

Annaleigh Ashford (You Can't Take It With You)

Julie White (Airline Highway)

Lydia Leonard (Wolf Hall Parts 1 & 2)

Patricia Clarkson (The Elephant Man)

Sarah Stiles (Hand to God)

Any of these women could realistically win the award, but some have better chances than others. The race will likely come down to Annaleigh Ashford and Lydia Leonard. Annaleigh Ashford got very strong reviews, and recently won the Outer Critics Circle award for Featured Actress in a Play. However, Lydia Leonard's show is still running, and she puts on a dominant performance as Anne Boleyn in the two part show. 

Julie White got very strong reviews for Airline Highway, but the show has struggled mightily, pushing its closing up by a week. The poor run of the play may hurt her chances. Sarah Stiles was a bit of a surprise as a nominee, but a well-deserving one, causing roaring laughter in Hand to God. However, against more seasoned nominees, in more meaty roles, she will likely be overlooked. Patricia Clarkson is the most famous of the nominees, and in a meaty role she might be able to steal enough votes for the Tony.

Tony Odds:

Annaleigh Ashford (You Can't Take It With You): 33%

Lydia Leonard (Wolf Hall Parts 1 & 2): 25%

Patricia Clarkson (The Elephant Man): 20%

Julie White (Airline Highway): 13%

Sarah Stiles (Hand to God): 9%

Annaleigh Ashford with Reg Rogers in You Can't Take It With You