This morning the nominations for the 76th annual Tony Awards were announced with Some Like It Hot, & Juliet, New York, New York, Shucked, Kimberly Akimbo and Sweeney Todd leading the way. See the reactions from the 202e Tony Nominees below!
Victoria Clark - Best Actress In a Musical, Kimberly Akimbo
"It is a thrill to be nominated for a Tony this season among such outstanding actors who are also phenomenal human beings. I’m proud of our industry, for the strength of this season across all categories of stage work, after the devastation of CoVid and everything we lost- from jobs, to creative expression, to community and collaboration. To be back in the rehearsal room and onstage building this iconic show has been the ride of a lifetime for me. I’m so delighted for Kimberly Akimbo and for all the artists who were nominated from our little show village who work with such craft and delicacy to create this incredible world and these indelible characters that make our musical so unique and life-changing. I feel incredibly humbled, blessed, and over the moon."
Robert Horn - Best Book of a Musical
'I could not be more thrilled and excited for our 9 nominations!! Shucked is a show about community and family, a show that leads with laughter and heart, and what better tonic for a post pandemic world! Personally, I am honored to be in such distinguished company, in such a vibrant season, and after 10 years of working on this, it’s a lesson in perseverance! CONGRATS to my Shucked family, and thank you to the nominators, The Broadway League and The American Theater Wing for this great honor!'
Shane McAnally - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre
'When we started this show a decade ago, just getting to Broadway seemed like a dream too big to dream, so to be recognized by the Tony’s is truly beyond my wildest.
Kevin Cahoon - Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical
"I did my first Broadway show 29 years ago and this honor had never come my way. Today, I received a Tony Nomination for Best Featured Actor in a Musical and the feeling is unlike anything I could have ever imagined. I am so filled with gratitude and thanks for everyone who has believed in me and invested in me and sacrificed for me and hustled for me. However, to stand alongside the incredible company of ‘Shucked’ at The Nederlander Theatre 8 times a week is the greatest gift of all. This 9 year labor of love that is ‘Shucked’ affects audiences in a way that I have never experienced and I can’t wait to get back to that theater tonight and watch in awe as that show works it’s magic. Thank you."
Alex Newell - Best Performance by an Actor in a featured Role in a Musical
“To be nominated alongside such talented individuals is a tremendous honor. I grew up dreaming of singing my heart out on a Broadway stage, and to not only accomplish that, but also receive a nomination for it? It is beyond a dream come true. This is a surreal moment for me and I’m feeling deeply grateful and happy.”
Jack O'Brien - Best Direction of a Musical
As someone whose first nomination dates to 1977, which was Porgy & Bess, you can imagine how proud and thrilled I am to be included in this raft of ravishing young talent. We had one of the great collective community experiences I have ever known and that must have been evident from the amount of joy every night in our theater. Since, for me, it can’t be called a competition, because our work is all so varied and different. This is the best gift I could have asked for.
David Lindsay-Abaire - Best Book of a Musical, Best Original Score, Kimberly Akimbo
"I’m completely over the moon that Kimberly Akimbo has gotten so much love from the Tony nominators. It’s an amazing season on Broadway and I’m thrilled that our scrappy musical has been so embraced and recognized. I’m beyond proud of our director and actors and orchestrator, and I’m especially happy to share a nomination with my co-creator and partner in crime Jeanine Tesori."
Jeanine Tesori - Best Original Score, Kimberly Akimbo
"My pulse is still going bop bop bop bop from hearing our names called. Kimberly Akimbo was written from the deepest place in my heart all the way to my funny bone. Honored and thrilled."
Patrick Marber - Best Direction of a Play, Leopoldstadt
“I’ve been directing Tom’s Leopoldstadt for the last four years. This is a thrilling acknowledgement for the play and for all of us who have sailed in it.”
Max Webster - Best Director of a Play, Life of Pi
“It’s been such a privilege and honour to present Life of Pi on Broadway, and I’m so thrilled we have received this recognition. It feels like an important story of survival and hope to be telling right now, and I am thrilled audiences have responded with such wonderful warmth open heartedness to our show.”
Greg Nobile, Sue Wagner, and John Johnson, (Producers) The Sign in Sidney Brustein’s Window, nominees for Best Revival of a Play:
"More than anyone, this Best Revival of a Play nomination belongs to Lorraine Hansberry, who generously chose to share her remarkable talent, wisdom, and worldview with this brilliant-but-little-known play. We are all the lucky beneficiaries of her largesse, and we hope we’ve done her proud. This nomination is also a tribute to everyone who took part in the herculean effort to move The Sign in Sidney Brustein’s Window to Broadway over an incredibly short period of time."
Miriam Silverman, Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play, The Sign In Sidney Brustein's Window
“I was dropping off my four-year-old at preschool this morning when the nominations started being read. I was nervous but felt like it was such a long shot, I kept telling myself to chill. I got home in time to watch the category read live and fell into my husband’s arms in disbelief. I’m utterly floored and blown away. This is a dream come true. I’ve been with this play and this character since we did it in Chicago at the Goodman in 2016. This production, and everyone involved, have been so incredible. The last few months have been simultaneously the hardest of my life and the more glorious. I’m so grateful for this acknowledgment, and so grateful to get to bask in Lorraine’s genius every night. Now I’m on my way to teach my students at NYU. Last week they insisted I was going to be nominated… I said no way… I would buy them all donuts if I got nominated…. So I’m on my way to buy a bunch of donuts.”
Tom Kitt, Best Original Score, Almost Famous
“I am so deeply honored to be recognized by this community that I cherish and I congratulate all my fellow nominees. I am especially proud to share this with Cameron Crowe whose work has been the soundtrack of my life. And none of this would be possible without the brilliant Almost Famous Company, who breathed their great artistry into every word and note.”
Betsy Wolfe, Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical, & Juliet
“I’m overjoyed. I immediately think of little perm-haired Betsy who could only dream of performing on a Broadway stage while watching the Tonys every year in her living room. I fell in love with & Juliet the moment I read it, and to be recognized by the nominating committee is beyond special. My hair has come a long way, and I’m grateful I have too.”
Bill Sherman, Best Orchestrations, & Juliet
“Thank you to the Tony Awards, the cast, crew, creatives, and the producers of & Juliet. To be recognized for our work on a show that exudes such joy is truly an honor. A special thank you to Max Martin for redefining an entire generation and history of music. Dominic and I were honored to take this amazing music apart and put it all back together again for Broadway.”
David West Read, Best Book of a Musical, & Juliet
"So many confetti cannons are firing off in my brain right now! I am beyond thrilled by the 9 Tony nominations that & Juliet received this morning, and tremendously honored to be in the same category as writers I admire so much. In building this show, I have been lucky enough to collaborate with the most talented, passionate, generous, and kind producers, creative team, and cast, so it’s a complete joy to see my fellow team members welcomed and embraced by the Broadway community. We have all been inspired by the humble genius that is Max Martin, and we can’t wait to keep sharing his music, and this story, with audiences around the world."
Dominic Fallarco, Best Orchestrations, & Juliet
"What an honor it is to be nominated for a Tony, along with my fantastic collaborator Bill Sherman - especially in a field of such wonderful nominees! Thank you to Max for trusting us with some of the best songs of the last few decades. It’s a labor of love to put so much detail into the notes and the sound and I’m thrilled to have that work recognized. I’m so proud of our show, and honored to share it with the world - congratulations to all the nominee"
Brandy Clark, Best Original Score, Shucked
"The first musical I ever saw was Oklahoma and I fell in love. It’s been a lifelong love affair for me and musical theater, but I NEVER dreamed I’d be a part of the musical theater/Broadway world. Shucked has made dreams I never dreamed come true"
Jonathan Deans and Taylor Williams, Best Sound Design of a Play, Ain’t No Mo’
“With much thanks. The Producers and Management supported Taylor and I to join together allowing us to shape the invisible with Stevie and Jordan, reflecting on the stunning performances with an amazing collaboration from everyone. “ -Jonathan Deans.
“I’m still floored that I was invited into the vortex of this show. Jonathan’s collaboration, along with the amazing work of so many people at the Belasco, have made this a dream experience. The honor of a nomination this morning is a (very big) cherry on top of it all!”- Taylor J Williams
Jodi Comer, Best Actress in a Play, Prima Facie
“I love getting to play the role of Tessa in Prima Facie, so to receive this Tony Award nomination for my Broadway debut is beyond my wildest dreams. Broadway audiences have been so welcoming to me, so it has truly been an amazing experience. I am grateful to get to speak Suzie Miller’s words in her vital and urgent play, and for director Justin Martin, who guided me every step of the way.”
Ben Platt, Best Actor in a Musical, Parade
'I am beyond excited to be nominated this year, and I’m deeply honored to be recognized for this role especially. As a lifelong lover of musical theatre, this show has always had a special place in my heart. And as a Jew, giving a voice to Leo Frank’s story and bringing him to life each night is so wonderfully meaningful. It’s incredibly special to be included among such talented actors and friends and I’m feeling so grateful and so proud of my entire company.'
Lorna Courtney, Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical, & Juliet
“It feels amazing to be honored and recognized in this way, and for this show, it means everything. Congratulations to my fellow nominees, they are all incredibly talented. And thank you so much to the Tonys. To be a young Black woman, from Queens, New York, this is truly a dream come true!”
Howard Hudson Best Lighting Design of a Musical, & Juliet
“I feel very honoured to receive this nomination and particularly to be part of & Juliet’s 9 nominations which shows what a collaborative effort this production was. I’m delighted that the New York theatre community have welcomed our colourful and joyous show so warmly.”
Brigitte Reiffenstuel– Best Costume Design of a Play, Leopoldstadt
“I am delighted and honoured to be nominated for a Tony Award for Best Costume Design of a Play. This experience was a deeply moving process. The story told by Tom Stoppard was a very personal one about his past, centered around the Holocaust. This play is about the past but also very much about the present. I felt a big responsibility to create the clothes for his characters, not overwhelming them in costumes that masked their personality. Leopoldstadt was one of those rare experiences where everybody in the team without exception gelled and fed off one another’s creativity and input. I am deeply grateful to Patrick Marber and Sonia Friedman for trusting me to fulfill my task.”
Micaela Diamond, Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical, Parade
"I woke up and watched the nominations with my mom, who has been with me on this journey since I moved to New York. I am so happy for what this means for her and for us! And to be nominated for this production at this moment in time - along with Ben and Michael - what a dream!"
Tim Hatley, Best Scenic and Costume Design of a Play, Life of Pi
“I am absolutely thrilled to be included in this year’s nominations. The scenic builders, costume makers, and all of our wonderful crews in the Broadway theatre community have been so welcoming to me. The design for LIFE OF PI is a very special piece of creativity, so it’s simply wonderful to have nominations!”
Sean Hayes, Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play, Goodnight, Oscar
“Thank you to The Broadway League and The American Theatre Wing for this incredibly humbling nomination…I am honored to be included in such esteemed company. I am forever grateful to Doug Wright and Lisa Peterson for giving me the opportunity, and the stage, to bring Oscar Levant to life alongside a brilliant cast, crew and producers who work tirelessly to make this show so special. It is a privilege to portray someone so complex; someone who is both hilarious and heartbreaking and I am truly grateful and thankful for this beautiful acknowledgement.”
Yahya Abdul Mateen II, Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play, Topdog/Underdog
"Topdog Underdog: I was introduced to you at 20 years old. You taught me that there was a place in the theater if I were daring enough to take up space. You were confirmation that I belonged. Today, 16 years later, as I wake up to news of a Tony Award Nomination for the role I’ve dreamt about for so long, you continue to be the gift that keeps on giving. I’m grateful to Suzan-Lori Parks, to my Director Kenny Leon, the entire creative team including our producers, and especially my brother on the boards, Corey Hawkins. Congratulations to my fellow nominees. It’s a pleasure to be amongst great company."
John Shivers, Best Sound Design of a Musical, Shucked
"I am absolutely thrilled to have been nominated for my work on Shucked. It has been an extremely rewarding production to be a part of. I can’t say enough about the incredibly talented creative team, cast, orchestra and crew. I am so happy our work was collectively recognized with the Best Musical nomination."
Scott Pask, Best Scenic Design of a Musical, Some Like It Hot & Shucked
“I couldn't be more stunned, or more thrilled about the nominations for my work on Shucked and Some Like it Hot! To be recognized for both of these incredible productions - well, the enormity of it all is still sinking in. I have been a part of these very special shows long before the pandemic began, so to have the designs accomplished, and then realized during such a precarious time in the world, and especially within our live arts community, makes this recognition all the more special and significant.”
Jason Howland, Best Orchestrations, Shucked
"I am thrilled to be nominated for my work as an orchestrator on Shucked! Shane McAnally and Brandy Clark's songs are fantastic, and the combination of working with them and Jack O'Brien, Robert Horn and Sarah O'Gleby has been an absolute joy. You can feel that joy coming back to us every night in spades from the audiences who are laughing and cheering 8 times a week at the Nederlander theater! I am so proud of this team, our producer Mike Bosner, and this cast! Get Shucked!"
Emilio Sosa, Best Costume Design, Ain't No Mo' and Good Night, Oscar
"I’m completely floored by this amazing acknowledgement by my peers. I truly love what I do and hope to continue to add to the fabric of inclusion and diversity in our community. Go Theater!!!!"
Kevin Del Aguila, Best Featured Actor in a Musical, Some Like It Hot
“My jaw hit the floor and it’s been there ever since! I was cheering and hugging, flooded with gratitude and love, and then I had to quickly run off to a dental appointment. Now I’m spending the rest of the day sporting a giant, sparklingly bright smile.”
Corey Hawkins, Best Actor in a Musical, Topdog/Underdog
“A huge honor to be nominated again in this category, this year alongside my brother Yahya! I had the privilege of embodying a character in Lincoln that will live with me and with countless others forever. One of the most challenging and rewarding roles I've ever taken on. Suzan-Lori Parks wrote a masterful symphony, Topdog/Underdog. All we had to do was play the music under the skilled leadership of our conductor, Kenny Leon. It is an homage to black men, to the unseen, to the underdogs. Grateful for the journey and to the audiences we got to share each night with on the boards. Big ups to the Topdog team!"
Annaleigh Ashford, Best Actress in a Musical, Sweeney Todd
Thank you American Theatre Wing! It is an honor to be nominated alongside these talented women. I am deeply proud to be part of a show that has long inspired so many people to become artists and continues to do so today. Steve Sondheim was masterful at ensuring that the female counterpoint in his shows was equal and he was authentically interested in telling the whole, full story of all humans. I couldn’t be more thrilled to be telling his story with this magical cast, crew, and creative team. Congratulations to you all.
Natasha Chivers, Best Lighting Design of a Play for Prima Facie
“I’m honoured to be recognized for my work on a production as powerful and important as Prima Facie. This team is one dedicated to collaboration, trust, and support and I’m grateful and proud to be amongst their ranks. Thank you to Suzie, Justin, and James especially for welcoming me into their vision. It has been incredibly rewarding to revisit and refine my work on Prima in its move from the West End to Broadway.”
Lap Chi Cu - Best Light Design of a Musical, Learner and Lowe's Camelot
"What a great way to wake up! I’m thrilled and so proud that the Camelot design teams’ work is being recognized. Hooray for the Lusty Month of May! "
Jordan Donica, Best Featured Actor in a Musical, Learner and Lowe's Camelot
“Words simply cannot describe the differing and constant emotions that I am feeling. I am a wee bit sleepy, a lot bit energized, and just at peace with whatever has been and whatever will be. It is an honor to be nominated along such incredible talents and, more importantly, incredible people. Thank you for the recognition and thank you to Lincoln Center Theater and the beautiful cast and crew of Camelot. No one gets to where they are alone. Thank you to everyone on Team Jordan and thank you to my entire family for the never-ending love, support, and guidance. “Every day is a gift.” (Kathy Schutte).”
Michael Yeargan and 59 Productions for Best Scenic Design of a Musical, Learner and Lowe's Camelot
"It’s a thrill to be nominated, but more-so for the collaboration with Ben Pearcy and 59 Productions, the extraordinary company and the brilliant “Camelot” production team at Lincoln Center Theater - it just doesn’t get any better!”
Jessica Stone, Best Direction of a Musical, Kimberly Akimbo
“What excites me more than anything is that Kimberly Akimbo was nominated for Best Musical. That’s the one that belongs to all of us. The cast. Writers, designers, crew, producers- all of us. It takes everyone’s heart and wit and dedication. I love this group.”
Cameron Crowe, Best Original Score of a Musical, Almost Famous
"What a privilege to be nominated alongside my friend, the brilliant Tom Kitt. Tom brings his whole heart to his work, you can feel it on first listen, and it only deepens from there. Our passionate cast lives in every note of the score, they brought such fire every night and day. Much appreciation to our audiences, our fellow nominees, and to the Tonys. Thanks for shining a light on Almost Famous and our simple motto – Music is love."
Bryan Carter & Charlie Rosen, Best Orchestrations, Some Like Hot
Bryan Carter: “13 Tony Nominations - AND THAT AIN’T BAD! What an absolute honor to be recognized alongside Charlie for this show. Some Like It Hot has given us the experience of a lifetime, working with our heroes and Broadway legends Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman. This story captures such a powerful balance that pays tribute to the women of color who band-lead integrated ensembles and risked their lives for Black American music with the beauty of finding freedom in queer identity. It’s an incredible honor for an unbelievable team - we owe this to our cast, crew and everyone who shared these moments with us at the Shubert Theater.”
Charlie Rosen: “It’s a HUGE honor to be recognized alongside Bryan for our work on Some Like it Hot. It was a thrill to help bring this tremendous score to life in collaboration with the legendary songwriting duo of Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman, and I'm so glad that the classic sound of large ensemble Jazz can fill the halls of the Shubert Theater every night. Special thanks to our entire music team at the show, and of course, the incredible musicians who perform and interpret our music every night, because, without them, we would have no voice.”