Nominations for the 79th Annual Tony Awards are here!
This year’s Tony Awards will return to the legendary Radio City Music Hall in New York City on Sunday, June 7. Hosted by music superstar and global icon P!NK, The American Theatre Wing’s Tony Awards will broadcast LIVE to both coasts on the CBS Television Network, and streaming on Paramount+* (8:00 – 11:00 PM ET/5:00 – 8:00 PM PT).
Read statements from the nominees below:
Joshua Henry, Tony Award Nominee - Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical for Ragtime:
“Waking up to getting my fourth Tony Awards Nomination for Ragtime on Broadway after my opening performance at The Met Gala last night... bro, what is happening?! My heart is bursting with gratitude. I feel grounded in God, my supportive family, and my creative community in a fiery way.”
Brandon Uranowitz, Tony Award Nominee - Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical for Ragtime:
“Anyone who knows me knows I’ve had a long, complicated history with Ragtime. Coming back to the show thirty years later as Tateh has been one of the most healing and rewarding experiences of my life. This recognition is beyond my 11-year-old self’s wildest dreams. If there’s anything I’ve learned, it’s this: the things that are meant for you won’t pass you by. Just keep going. Thank you to the League, the Wing, and everyone who’s supported me along the way.”
Sam Tutty, Tony Award Nominee - Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical for Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York):
“I am feeling so grateful and thrilled for everyone apart of this show. 8 Tony nominations feels like a dream come true, and I am so proud of everyone, especially for those behind the scenes who make this show happen 8 times a week! I am very very happy, and incredibly humbled- what a moment! Thank you to The American Theatre Wing and The Broadway League.”
Lesley Manville, Tony Award Nominee - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play for Oedipus
"This is a bit of a moment for me. To be recognized in this way by such an esteemed body is as good as it gets. I couldn’t be prouder of Oedipus and the remarkable team I got to navigate this highly complex play with 8 times a week, most notably the magnificent Mark Strong."
Carrie Coon, Tony Award Nominee - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play for BUG
"I am grateful to be counted among such luminaries as my friend Kelli O’Hara, the truly gifted Rose Byrne, an astonishing Susannah Flood, and the legendary Leslie Manville. I’m also thrilled for my BUG design team, who made a difficult job look deceptively simple."
Kelli O'Hara, Tony Award Nominee - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play for Fallen Angels:
"Im moverflowing with gratitude to be recognized for doing something that is THIS F’ing fun!!!!"
Mark Strong, Tony Award nominee - Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play for Oedipus:
"I feel incredibly honored to be nominated again for a Tony Award, and to be in such esteemed company as my fellow nominees. I’m so proud and grateful to be a part of this production of Oedipus, and to have been given the opportunity to take a 2,500-year-old story and make it feel relevant and exciting for a modern audience means a great deal to me. In an age where we’re so dominated by screens, the power of theatre feels more important than ever, and live productions on stage are truly invaluable.
I’m also ecstatic that our production has been recognized across so many categories; it is a testament to the entire team, who all brought their absolute best to this project. It’s a reminder of what theatre can be at its most powerful: something shared, immediate, and genuinely moving. I must also acknowledge my extraordinary co-star, Lesley Manville and our director Robert Icke. Their brilliance, generosity, and unwavering commitment elevated everything. I’m on my way back home to see my family, who have a glass of champagne on ice, and I can’t wait to celebrate with them.”
Stephanie Hsu, Tony Award Nominee - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical for Richard O'Brien's The Rocky Horror Show:
"My heart is pounding, pouring over with gratitude. Thank you to the Tony Committee for this humbling recognition. Returning to Broadway has been so artistically fulfilling and it moves me deeply to be witnessed and celebrated by the community. Gosh, I love the theater and I love being in The Rocky Horror Show in the limitless sandbox that Sam Pinkleton has cultivated. It is a gift to unleash Janet Weiss night after night. I can’t wait to keep sharing her with you."
Caissie Levy, Tony Award Nominee - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical for Ragtime:
“The Tony Awards are such a celebration of the theatre, and it feels absolutely incredible to be recognized in this way by the community I’ve loved and worked in for the last 20 years. I’m overjoyed to share this moment with our stellar company - our cast, our creative team, our crew, and our orchestra. To be nominated for the first time means so much to me. I’m truly overwhelmed and can’t stop smiling. And now, I’m going to drop my kids off at school! Balance.”
Christiani Pitts, Tony Award Nominee - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical for Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York):
“This may be the first break in tears I’ve had in the last hour. It’s hard to put into words the deep gratitude and honor I feel with this recognition. This show has been such a light and the gift of a lifetime. Thank you to The American Theatre Wing and the Broadway League for helping to make my dreams come true. Congratulations to all my fellow nominees including my partner-in-crime Sam Tutty, Jim Barne and Kit Buchan, Soutra Gilmour, Tim Jackson, Lux Pyramid and the entire company of Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York). My heart can hardly handle the joy!”
Marla Mindelle,, Tony Award Nominee - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role Musical and Best Book of a Musical for TITANIQUE:
“To quote Céline Dion, ‘This is Kooky Krazy Girlfriends!’ I’m beyond humbled and grateful. My category was announced just as we were about to perform on the Today show, and I had to react like a zombie because I couldn’t cry before performing in front of Al Roker! Well, guess what? I’m crying now! My mom just texted me that she hasn’t shaken like this since my first-grade talent show performance of ‘The Trolley Song’ at Abrams Hebrew Academy. Somebody please tell my mother this is a bigger deal. I also feel like a proud parent to my brilliant co-authors, Constantine Rousouli and Tye Blue—this show is a testament to our friendship and the power of ‘lerve.’ Thank you to the American Theatre Wing and Broadway League for this incredible honor.”
Ben Levi Ross, Tony Award Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical for Ragtime:
“This is truly the honor of my life. To be a part of this show, at this time, with this cast. I’m simply overwhelmed with love and gratitude. Ragtime is an example of this art form at its highest caliber thanks to the brilliant score by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty and the genius of Terrence McNally. To have my first Tony nomination be with this production feels aligned and deeply meaningful.”
Layton Williams, Tony Award Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical for Titanique
"I am beside myself. I’m sat in my dressing room right now, 12 hours after I was on set at the Today Show. I’ve had moments by myself to digest it and try and let it sink in, but honestly, I don’t think it ever will. This feels like one of the biggest achievements of my life. I came to New York purely just to make my Broadway debut, and just soak it all up. This is the icing on the cake - Tony nominee! I was in the middle of the street and I just screamed, and obviously because we’re in New York, everyone just cracked on. I just cried happy tears, called my family, FaceTimed my team, and we just rejoiced in the moment. This is huge for a Brit to come here and to have this reception. It just feels like such a warm welcome. Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart. You have genuinely changed my life forever, and I will forever be a Broadway girl!!"
André De Shields, Tony Award Nominee - Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical for CATS: The Jellicle Ball
“I think it most appropriate to quote from the song, ‘My legs may be tottery. I must go slow, and be careful of Old Deuteronomy.’”
Ali Louis Bourzgui, Tony Award Nominee - Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical for The Lost Boys:
”Currently sitting at my kitchen table- my hands are still shaking typing this out! I watched the nomination announcements live with my partner Tassy and they started tearing up for me but I haven’t even fully processed yet. This is such a massive honor and I’m so happy for the show as a whole getting multiple nominations because everyone on this team really brought their deepest level of passion to the work. We love this show and each other so much so for that work to be recognized feels amazing. My childhood theater mentor passed away last week and all I can think about is all the people including him who held my hand and believed in my ability to make it to this level. These moments are built on love.”
Bryce Pinkham, Tony Award Nominee - Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical for Chess:
Chess has found its way into my life in unexpected and meaningful ways, from nearly 40 years ago when my father-in-law was part of the original West End company to almost a decade ago when I first stepped into the role of The Arbiter. I’m deeply grateful to Danny Strong for his trust and for being such a generous collaborator. To Michael Mayer, Tom Hulce, and the incredible company who show up eight times a week with heart and precision, thank you for making this a journey of a lifetime. And of course nothing is made possible without my forever Queen, Scarlett Strallen. Thank you to the American Theatre Wing for this incredible honor.
Shoshana Bean, Tony Award Nominee - Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical for The Lost Boys:
“This nomination is an extra special one because this show is an extra special one. I’m so over the moon proud of and obsessed with it and with this group of people! It has been the richest, most joyful experience so this beautiful recognition is the perfect icing on a pretty incredible cake.”
Nichelle Lewis, Tony Award Nominee - Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical for Ragtime:
“It is such an honor to be nominated amongst so many other beautiful women in this category as well as so many of my castmates. The team at Ragtime exudes so much brilliance, love and care. I feel so honored to have received the guidance and support I’ve received from everyone from the cast to the creative team to the crew, who are also nominated for their brilliant work.
I’m feeling elated, grateful, and hoping my grandmother is looking down on me and feels as proud. This has been a difficult year, filled with many challenges and stepping into this role has been so fulfilling, following in Audra MacDonald’s footsteps as well as those of Lachanze and other women who have played this iconic role of Sarah. They represent the women of America, then and now. It has been a great honor to connect with audiences every night, in a time that is so daunting, when so many feel unheard and undervalued, knowing that even though we have lost so much, we continue to look for hope, and Sarah exemplifies that.
Playing Sarah has not been an easy road, it’s been one of the most incredible challenges of my life, and when the journey feels hard, I remember what Sarah represents to so many women, and in those moments, I choose to show up for her. I choose to show up for my mom, a single parent, who didn’t come from much, who always inspired me, for my aunt, for my sisters. I choose to show up for those in my life who have passed. I choose to show up cause I remember the smile on my papas face when he would watch me perform as a child, my uncle’s when he saw me in Hairspray on the national tour, weeks before he passed, my aunt and my grandmother who have always pushed me, and supported me and my dreams. I realize that getting to tell stories on the stage is so universal and is such a privilege. Being the first in my family to leave Virginia and get to do what I love, working in the arts for a living is really a dream come true.
I’m super grateful for the nomination, the American Theater wing, and the Broadway League and even more grateful to Sarah, and what she has taught me. I’m grateful for the journey I took to get here. It didn’t happen overnight, and the path has been winding, but I’m reminded every single night that I work amongst some of the most hardworking artistic creatives who continue to put their all work everyday.”
Ana Gasteyer, Tony Award Nominee - Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical for Schmigadoon!:
"Cheese and crackers! This is so exciting! I'm speechless! Thank you to the Broadway League and American Theater Wing. I love our show so much and I'm so proud of everyone involved with Schmigadoon.
🎶We've got life and jubilation in Schmigadoon! 🎶"
Hannah Cruz, Tony Award Nominee - Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Musical for Chess:
“Waking up this morning to the news was an experience I will never forget. I love Broadway more than I can really express. And to be recognized in this way by The American Theatre Wing and The Broadway League is a dream come true. I’m so proud of our show and our cast and I’m truly honored by this nomination.”
Danny Burstein, Tony Awards Nominee - Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Play for Marjorie Prime:
“I’m ridiculously grateful and honored to be nominated. I'm especially thrilled for June Squibb. Marjorie Prime was a beautiful experience, and the entire cast is deserving of every accolade.”
Danny Burstein is now the most Tony-nominated male actor in history!
Laurie Metcalf, Tony Awards Nominee - Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play for Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman:
“I am truly honored to have been nominated, and I’m especially proud that both Death of a Salesman and Little Bear Ridge Road got recognized this morning. Neither production has been a solo effort, and I’m deeply grateful for my onstage and offstage families, both led by the incredible Joe Mantello. I share this recognition with all of them.”
Brandon J. Dirden, Tony Award Nominee - Best Featured Actor in a Play for Waiting for Godot:
“I’m currently on New Jersey Transit to Penn Station to go observe a brain surgery to research a television show I’m filming, but I think they are going to have to put me on an operating table because I cannot comprehend this news. I first heard from my manager David Williams and then my phone just started blowing up. I’m just trying to take it all in. Before David called, my phone sent me a notification about a memory from a year ago where my family was all gathered for my father’s funeral. And it’s so apropos because my dad has been with me this entire process and I just think about him and how supportive he was my entire life. And how I would have loved to have shared this with him in person. But I know I get to share it with him now and every day moving forward. Thank you, dad. Thank you Crystal, my wife, and Chase my son. And all of the Waiting for Godot team, Alex, Keanu, Michael, Zayn, Eric, and Jamie Lloyd, our director, our stage management team, the designers, and especially the crew at the Hudson Theatre who made it a joy to come to work every day. It’s really clarifying how many people it takes to arrive at a singular moment in your life, but it is just a really profound honor to represent everyone who worked so hard on the show and bringing it to the audiences. Here we go!”
June Squibb, Tony Award Nominee - Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play for Marjorie Prime:
“I’m thrilled with what this nomination will do for my career. Over the moon for Danny as well! I share this nomination with everyone who worked so hard to bring Marjorie Prime back to life.”
June Squibb is now the oldest Tony nominee in history!
Aya Cash, Tony Award Nominee - Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play for Giant:
"I cannot fathom this. I just feel so grateful to be here. I think of the New York theater as my home, so to be acknowledged in my own community is a dream come true. I love this show, this cast, and this creative team. Plays are a team sport, and I get to play with the most incredible team every night. This is just the icing on the cake. But man, that icing is sweet."
Bill Rauch, Tony Award Nominee - Best Revival of a Musical and Best Direction of a Musical for Cats: The Jellicle Ball:
For Best Revival of a Musical: I am humbled to be part of a show that centers the Ballroom community. I am eternally grateful to Andrew Lloyd Webber and his team for entrusting us with this revival and to PAC NYC for launching it. The Jellicle Ball is the culmination of five years of work from so many brilliant artists and theater makers, all of us sharing a determination to bring its radically queer joy to Broadway audiences. Appropriately enough, we are performing tonight for over 1,000 high school seniors thanks to the Theatre Development Fund; reaching young queer people and their potential allies has always been at the heart of this project.
For Best Direction of a Musical: Directing is always an act of radical collaboration, but crafting the joy-bomb of The Jellicle Ball has the fingerprints of literally hundreds of caring artists, artisans, and producers. It’s been a special privilege to co-create with Zhailon Levingston and our associate directors Cooper Howell and N’yomi Stewart.
Zhailon Levingston, Tony Award Nominee - Best Direction of a Musical for Cats: The Jellicle Ball:
“Today is for 7 year old Zhailon who watched cats every single day, today is for 15 year old Zhailon who came out and was unsure if there was a place for him, and today like every day is for the black and queer ancestor for whome non of this would be possible“
Michael Arden, Tony Award Nominee - Best Direction of a Musical and Best Lighting Design of a Musical for The Lost Boys:
"I am overwhelmed with gratitude for this honor. To be working in the theatre, let alone on Broadway, has been my dream since I transformed my grandparents' garage into a stage as a kid. More important than the personal honor is the deep sense of pride I have for my fellow collaborators who poured their souls into the monumental undertaking that is The Lost Boys. They are all my heroes and I am so grateful for the selflessness, rigor, and passion they brought to work every day. Congrats to all the nominees and all the countless artists and technicians who make every show possible and who continue to delight and inspire audiences 8 times a week on Broadway."
Lear deBessonet, Tony Award Nominee - Best Direction of a Musical for Ragtime:
“We are all so moved by this recognition and the 11 nominations for Ragtime. I am thrilled for the members of our cast and creative team; and we share this moment with the many, many collaborators across disciplines whose talent and humanity have made this production possible. Ragtime speaks so beautifully to Lincoln Center Theater’s commitment to staging work that brings our many histories, voices, and communities into conversation, and I’m particularly overjoyed that this great American musical [by Terrence McNally, Stephen Flaherty, and Lynn Ahrens] is receiving the renewed celebration it has always deserved. On a personal note, I am so honored to be nominated alongside these exquisitely gifted directors who I love and who inspire me.”
Nicholas Hytner, Tony Award Nominee - Best Direction of a Play for Giant:
“I’m honored to be nominated and delighted that the play and two remarkable actors have also been nominated.”
Joe Mantello, Tony Award Nominee - Best Direction of a Play, Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman:
“This was an idea Nathan and I hatched over 30 years ago, and today’s acknowledgment is really a testament to every person who showed up and trusted as we attempted to climb this great mountain of a play. It was in every sense, a team effort, and I’m deeply grateful to all of my collaborators.”
Whitney White, Tony Award Nominee - Best Direction of a Play, Liberation:
"For directors, these moments are incredibly rare. So often our job is about the group. The story. The whole. We have to bring worlds to life and keep them running while caring for huge teams. So I am just incredibly grateful, humbled and really want to celebrate the women who have uplifted me and made this possible: my mother Janice, my aunts, my producers, my cast and of course the incomparable Bess Wohl. God, I love New York, I love our theatre community and the stories that we tell. As the first Black woman to be nominated twice for the Tony Award for Best Direction of a play, this is an incredible honor. I cannot wait to celebrate with everyone on June 7th. I am full of gratitude! This moment is a beacon of possibility and I am here to tell you that women gathering, talking, planning and dreaming of more for themselves is a radical and necessary act. I hope that this moment ensures Liberation as a story that all of us will tell for a very long time! LIBERATION for me was not just a play title, it was and is a way of life. Directing this play and bringing it from Broadway to off-Broadway has taught me how to be brave and keep reaching for the little and big things. I hope that the play will continue to do the same for audiences for a long time to come. To Susannah Flood, Betsy Aidem, Bess Wohl and Queen Jean; I love you. Thank you for your faith, your support and I am so happy the world and community are recognizing your work on this production Bess Wohl is the collaborator of a lifetime. Her brilliant craft is matched by her empathetic way of being and I am so grateful to be on this journey with her! Bringing Liberation to life was a labor of love and we did it together, from Off-Broadway to Broadway. I couldn't be happier to be on this journey with her. I am the first Black woman to be a two-time nominee for Best Direction of a Play and I could not be more honored. I stand on the shoulders of so many incredible artists , and I hope to make them proud. Cheers to the emerging voices, the new talent, the underdogs, the Black and Brown girls and all of you who feel like you are alone. You are not. Keep chasing! Keep reaching. I called Bess Wohl and screamed. We did it. There were so many moments that felt impossible but here we are...and it's Taco Tuesday so I'm going to go scream-cry into my tacos! Cheers to all the nominees."
Jen Schriever, Tony Award Nominee - Best Lighting Design of a Musical for The Lost Boys:
"I’m beyond excited to be nominated alongside the most daring collaborators. The Lost Boys took a big, fearless leap, and getting to take that jump with my collaborators is something that I will never forget. I am indebted to and so proud of the greatest lighting team on Broadway!"
Kevin Adams, Tony Award Nominee - Best Lighting Design of a Musical for Chess:
“It’s an absolute honor to be nominated with all the great theatre artists who designed Broadway plays and musicals this season.”
Donald Holder, Tony Award Nominee - Best Lighting Design of a Musical for Ragtime:
“Ragtime has and always will be one of my favorite musicals, so I feel particularly fortunate to be a part of this magnificent production. I’m truly honored and thrilled beyond words to be nominated for my work in collaboration with Adam and 59 Studio, and I couldn’t be happier for Lincoln Center Theater, Lear deBessonet, and the amazing cast and crew of Ragtime.”
Adam Honoré, Tony Award Nominee - Best Lighting Design of a Musical for Ragtime:
“I am incredibly tickled, humbled, and elated to be nominated alongside Don and 59 Studio for the Design of Ragtime. Working by the side of these industry greats has been the joy of a lifetime and a personal dream come true. Looking forward to continuing this important storytelling night after night and sharing our work on the Tony stage.”
Natasha Chivers, Tony Award Nominee - Best Lighting Design of a Play for Oedipus
“I’m completely over the moon to be nominated for my work on Oedipus which was redesigned for New York after the initial London run. It was, and always is, a pleasure to be welcomed by the Broadway community.”
Isabella Byrd, Tony Award Nominee - Best Lighting Design of a Play for Dog Day Afternoon:
“I’m so thrilled to be acknowledged amidst the seasons, remarkable talent. It’s an honor to bring light to complicated personal and political stories in these strange modern times. Thank you so much to my full Lighting team and the creative team and cast for inspiring and support supporting this work!”
Heather Gilbert, Tony Award Nominee - Best Lighting Design of a Play for The Fear of 13:
To help bring the story of Nick Yarris’s 22-year wrongful incarceration to audiences from all over the world has been an honor in itself. I am deeply touched and grateful that my contribution to this exquisite and exacting piece has been recognized. My deepest thanks to David Cromer, my ultimate collaborator; to Adrien and Tessa for leading our company with such grace and tenacity; and to my friends at Seaview for continuing to bet on me and take big swings.
Dane Laffrey, Tony Award Nominee - Best Scenic Design of a Musical for The Lost Boys:
"The Lost Boys was as much of a thrill ride to make as it is onstage. I am incredibly honored to be nominated amongst the best designers working on Broadway and as part of a creative team that was recognized across the board for this biggest of swings."
David Korins, Tony Award Nominee - Best Scenic Design of a Play for Dog Day Afternoon:
"I started talking to Mark Kaufman, the producer of our play well over a decade ago. Being a part of this extraordinarily loving and creative community never gets old. Every day is a pinch me moment, this morning, and this news is a double pinch me moment. I have nothing to say, except that being part of this theatrical community was something I always wanted to be part of And cherish with all of my heart. My attitude is pure gratitude."
David Rockwell, Tony Award Nominee - Best Scenic Design of a Play for Fallen Angels
“What fantastic news to wake up to. I was working out, not watching it directly, but I got a text. I’m grateful to the American Theatre Wing and the Broadway League. Congrats to all of the other nominees, what a spectacular group. My deepest thanks Scott Ellis and everyone at Roundabout. Scott is the most amazing leader, and he created the opportunity to bring this Noël Coward world to stage. And congratulations to Kelli, Rose, and Jeff Mahshie and everyone else involved. This is a total total thrill.”
Ellenore Scott, Tony Award Nominee - Best Choreography for Ragtime:
"I’m overwhelmed at the response to this incredible production. My work, along all of the other tremendous artists being recognized for ragtime. What an honor”
Ani Taj, Tony Award Nominee - Best Choreography for The Rocky Horror Show:
“Absolutely stunned, honored and ecstatic to be amongst such terrific company - thank you for celebrating the dances in our weird little castle, brought to life by this exquisite company. Sam Pinkleton has created a miraculous world in which collaboration can thrive both rigorously and JOYOUSLY, and we are so so lucky to be a part of it.”
Brian Usifer, Tony Award Nominee - Best Orchestrations for Chess:
“I am so thrilled and honored to be nominated for this incredible show and stunning production. Working on this score has been the most rewarding and challenging experience, and my biggest priority has always been to honor the sound that Benny, Bjorn, Tim and Anders created more than 40 years ago. I need to give thanks to Ian Weinberger and the Chess orchestra as well as John Shivers and Brian Rau.
Doug Schadt, Tony Award Nominee - Best Orchestrations for CATS: The Jellicle Ball:
"Hi everyone. This is Doug Schadt from CATS: The Jellicle Ball and I'm so excited to find out today that we were nominated in the Best Orchestrations category at the TONYs. This is my first Broadway production, and it's been such a joy to experience the infectious joy and creativity around this production, and it's such a joy to share this nomination with David Wilson and Trevor Holder, and of course Andrew Lloyd Webber."
Rachel Hauck, Tony Award Nominee - Best Orchestrations for CATS: The Jellicle Ball:
What! What! I'm so thrilled. We are so, so, so proud of the ball and for the entire show to be seen. I just can't believe it. I'm so proud and so thrilled. It's an impossible honor. I just can't believe it. Congratulations to everybody. I'm just thrilled to be in this company. I can't believe it. Come on. Come one. Come all. Come to the ball.
Trevor Holder, Tony Award nominee - Best Orchestrations for CATS: The Jellicle Ball:
Hi, I'm Trevor Holder from CATS: The Jellicle Ball. We were just nominated for nine Tonys, y'all. This is amazing. And I was just nominated for Best Orchestrations. I'm just, I'm thrilled. I'm thrilled. It was such a privilege to work with amazing, talented, beautiful artists to put this production together. And we must thank Andrew Lloyd Webber for giving us a privilege to share this energetic revival and reimagination of his iconic show. Thank you, thank you. See you at the Tonys.
Ethan Popp, Tony Award nominee - Best Orchestrations for The Lost Boys:
I’m deeply honored by this recognition from the Tony Awards. The Lost Boys has been an extraordinary musical undertaking, and I’m incredibly proud of the orchestrations, arrangements, and music production work that helped bring this score from The Rescues’ demos into a fully realized theatrical world. I’m grateful to our phenomenal musicians, the entire music team, and all of my collaborators who helped make that possible.
David Hornsby & Chris Hochm Tony Award Nominee - Best Book of a Musical for The Lost Boys:
"When we met in high school so many years ago, the last thing the two of us ever imagined is that we’d be lucky enough to be Tony-nominated writers of a Broadway vampire musical. We are so honored and grateful — especially to the cast and crew at The Palace who are making us look good eight times a week."
Mark Rosenblatt, playwright nominated for Best Play for Giant:
“I am beyond thrilled that Giant has been so wonderfully recognised by the Tonys. As a debut playwright, to share this category with three of the America’s finest contemporary playwrights, is a wildly gratifying, entirely unexpected honour. And to share this moment with my collaborators - Nicholas Hytner, who has given it such an impeccable, laser-guided production, and two of our exquisite cast - the inimitable John Lithgow and Aya Cash - makes this moment richer and more meaningful.”
Samuel D. Hunter ,the playwright nominated for Best Play for his Broadway debut, Little Bear Ridge Road:
"I’m so honored that Little Bear Ridge Road is included among this year’s Best Play nominees. I’ve had over a dozen of my plays produced here in New York, intimate stories about quiet lives in Idaho that have miraculously found homes here, but this is my first time on Broadway, which makes this all the more meaningful. And writing a play specifically for Laurie Metcalf and Joe Mantello was one of the greatest gifts of my career so far."
Paul Tazewell, Tony Award Nominee - Best Costume Design of a Play for August Wilson’s Joe Turner’s Come and Gone:
“It is such a privilege to have the opportunity to be a part of bringing August Wilson’s characters to life. That privilege amplifies two-fold by having my work acknowledged with this year’s Tony Awards.”
Brenda Abbandandolo, Tony Award Nominee - Best Costume Design of a Play for Dog Day Afternoon:
“I’m so surprised and honored to be in this group again! It’s always a thrill to be recognized and it’s always a group effort; so I just want to thank the amazing company, the costume and wardrobe team and Leah Loukas and Katie Gell for collectively getting it there.”
Linda Cho, Tony Award Nominee - Best Costume Design of a Musical for Ragtime:
“What a morning. I’m beyond delighted that Ragtime has received so much recognition this season. I believe we honored this magnificent piece of the American Musical Theater canon. My heart is bursting with joy for all my collaborators and I am fiercely proud we get to share this moving cautionary tale with New York audiences.”
Qween Jean, Tony Award Nominee - Best Costume Design of a Musical for CATS: The Jellicle Ball:
On the first day of our tech rehearsal, I quoted a speech from ICON Junior Labeija, who plays ‘Gus The Theater Cat’ in CATS: The Jellicle Ball. And in Junior’s speech they described the era in which young black and brown queer people living in New York City at the height of ostracization, HIV stigma and injustice, despite that, community was formed, galvanized at the epicenter. Each night, a ball occurred. This experience has certainly unequivocally changed my life as a black trans woman in ballroom. To have the honor to illustrate and adorn these icons, legends, statements and stars is an honor that I do not take lightly. In particular, this morning, I'm reflecting on the pioneer mothers, Pepper LaBeija, Angie Xtravaganza to Dorian Corey and Crystal LaBeija. I am grateful for the courage, love and sacrifices that these people have when they did not receive their flowers and love back. The Jellicle Ball serves as a lighthouse. For all to come, to learn, to rejoice, and to be reminded that we are all that we need to survive. There is no legislation, evil rhetoric, or executive orders that will diminish the light that we shine. I pray and I stand proudly... on the shoulders of leaders, pioneers, activists. I invite everyone to be a part of the change. This dynamic, transformative, and immersive story was made possible by our artistic leaders, producers, collaborators, outstanding cast, and crew, who dedicated to giving our best, each and every night. I firmly believe in our power. Grizabella said it best, “When people see a free world, they want to fight for it.” And CATS: The Jellicle Ball is a grand prize free world
Emilio Sosa, Tony Award Nominee - Best Costume Design of a Play for The Balusters:
I’m humbled and honored to be recognized by my peers! Theater is a collaborative art form and even more so in the costume world. I am in great debt to my team of costumers and artists, who are the backbone of what we do!
Steve Bargonetti, Tony Award Nominee - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre for August Wilson’s Joe Turner’s Come and Gone:
“It was an honor to be part of the Joe Turner's Come and Gone masterpiece written by August Wilson, which cried out for BLUES GUITAR! I am honored by my Tony nomination for Best Original Score Written for the Theatre, directed by the genius of Debbie Allen. My intent was to enhance August's words, all the talent on stage, and honor the history of Blues from the Delta to Pittsburgh.”
Justin Ellington, Tony Award Nominee - Best Sound Design of a Play for August Wilson’s Joe Turner’s Come and Gone:
“I am incredibly grateful to be recognized for my work alongside these other remarkable nominees. It is always a pleasure to work on August Wilson plays, and it was all made even more special being part of this incredible company of actors, creatives, crew, producers, and managers. And let’s not forget our leader, Ms. Debbie Allen.”
Walter Trarbach, Tony Award Nominee - Best Sound Design of a Musical for Schmigadoon:
"I'm delighted and honored to represent Schmigadoon with this nomination. It is a true pleasure to work on a musical that brings so much laughter and joy into the world, and I'm proud to play a small part in sharing that joy with audiences eight times a week."
Kit Buchan and Jim Barne's, Tony Award Nominees - Best Musical, Best Book of a Musical, and Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre for Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York)
"This is the proudest moment in mine and Jim's professional lives, and the most exciting moment in our friendship since the Strokes played the Brixton Academy in 2002. It gives us even greater pride to know that our collaborators Soutra, Tim, Sam, Christiani and Lux have all been nominated as well. Nothing that we have done would have been possible without them and from the bottom of our hearts we thank the nominating committee for recognizing the detail, intelligence and commitment they have brought to bear on our musical. This show began with two childhood friends in a Barnsbury bedsit trying to make each other laugh and cry. It is an extraordinary realization to know that, by the alchemy of theatrical magic, we have made this whole city laugh and cry as well. We are proud to be acknowledged, and proud to be among this magnificent field of nominees. Our show has been ten years in the making, and has grown from very humble beginnings. It is a profound reflection of the generosity and democracy of the Broadway community that a show like ours could find a home in New York, and be recognized in this way. Jim and I met when we were nine years old; I wish I could travel back in time and tell those strange boys that this day would come."
Tye Blue, Tony Award Nominee - Best Book of a Musical and Best Musical for Titanique:
"I am so honored to receive these Tony Award nominations today for what has truly been a voyage of dreams on Titanique — hearing the news of the Best Musical nod this morning was so thrilling, and then to be recognized AGAIN alongside my amazing writing partners?! Beyond. I'd like to send a huge thanks to the American Theatre Wing and Broadway League, who have just changed my life forever. I shall try to do you proud! And huge congrats to both Marla and Layton for their performing nominations as well, which are so well deserved!"