Special Reports

Predictions: What Will Win the Best Musical and Best Play Tony Awards in 2018?

Our critics predict the top awards at the Tonys.

Broadway

June 8, 2018

As we head into Tony weekend, here are TheaterMania's predictions for the coveted Best Musical and Best Play Awards. You can also read our predictions for male actors, female actors, and directors.

And the winner will be…The Band's Visit. — And the winner will be…*The Band's Visit*.
(© Matthew Murphy)

Best Musical

THE NOMINEES:
The Band's Visit
Frozen
Mean Girls
SpongeBob SquarePants: The Musical

David Gordon:

Will win: The Band's Visit
Should win: The Band's Visit
It's the best musical of the season.

Hayley Levitt:

Will win: The Band's Visit
Should win: The Band's Visit
The Band's Visit is speaking softly but carrying a big stick — which, as we learned from Mean Girls, is the best way to come out on top. It's a season of big recognizable titles and the quiet show about loneliness and the unifying power of music is rightfully standing out.

Zachary Stewart:

Will Win: The Band's Visit
Should Win: The Band's Visit
With the perfect blend of innovation and old-school musical charm, The Band's Visit checks every box in a season in which most musicals just check one or two. Expect to see this soon-to-be Tony-winning musical on tour across the country in the next couple of years.

Best Play

THE NOMINEES:
The Children
Farinelli and the King
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Parts One and Two
Junk
Latin History for Morons

David Gordon:

Will win: Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
Should win: Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
No contest.

Hayley Levitt:

Will win: Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
Should win: Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
If this were an award about the merits of the written play alone, I'd have to root for Ayad Akhtar's Junk. But taking into account the entire experience of the production, nothing compares to Harry Potter. That's all I'm going to say. #KeepTheSecrets.

Zachary Stewart:

Will Win: Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
Should Win: Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
Ayad Akhtar's Junk will prove to be a more significant play in the long run, but most people won't recognize that until its first major revival. In 2018, however, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child wins for its popcorn-munching story and unprecedented scope. Also, it's the only contender still running.