Tony and Mark

Speaking of the Tony Awards --

Several months back, I embedded a video here when Mark Rylance won for Best Actor in the play, Boeing- Boeing.  It was arguably one of the most offbeat acceptance speeches, and almost inarguably.  If you haven't seen it before, take a look.

Three years later he was nominated again, this time for the play, Jerusalem.  Except for the four other actors nominated with him, probably every other person in the theater that night was hoping that Mr. Rylance would win, just to see what he'd do this time.

He won, again.  And he did not disappoint.  His acceptance speech didn't have the surprise that the first did, but it's still a hoot.  A strange hoot, but a hoot, nonetheless.

By the way, it was just announced on Thursday that Mark Rylance will be returning to Broadway in the fall.  It's a unique double-production that sounds challenging enough that he could be a contender for a third Tony.

According to Broadway.com, he's bringing his acclaimed productions of Twelfth Night and Richard III -- in all-male productions.  He'll be "Olivia" in the first play, and has the title role in the latter.  The plays will be performed in repertory --Twelfth Night will have six performances a week, there will be two performance of Richard III.  Adding to the challenge, both shows will be performed on matinee days, Wednesdays and Saturdays.

Broadway.com also notes -- "According to the production announcement, seven musicians will play traditional Elizabethan instruments in a gallery above the stage, lit almost exclusively by the glow of 100 onstage candles. Audiences will also witness the pre-show ritual of actors dressing and applying their makeup on stage, 'adding to the unique and immersive theatrical experience.'"