2013 Tony Nominations - The Nominees React!
By: Robert Diamond Apr. 30, 2013
The Tony Award Nominations were just announced and we'll be doing analysis, nominee reactions, behind the scenes coverage and all sorts of other excitement ALL day.
Click here for the full list of nominees and keep checking back for nominee reactions and interviews which we'll have throughout the day!
Kenneth Posner, TRIPLE nominated for BEST LIGHTING DESIGN OF A MUSICAL for PIPPIN, KINKY BOOTS & CINDERELLA
"I didn't watch this morning, I was in the first day of tech for a new play at Playwrights Horizons and I've also got a horrible head cold. My wife kept saying '3, 3, 3' and I kept trying to figure out what that meant and what show I was nominated for! It's thrilling and wonderful and I can't even begin to process it. I feel so fortunate to have been part of those three productions. I don't think I've ever felt like that before in my life, or ever will again. It's a surreal feeling and was wonderful to share it at work today in the company of my newest project with super close friends. The three projects were totally different. It was really about tailoring the design to each production to give it its own design. I'm also lucky to work with three different directors, who each have their own creativity and vocabulary and styles of working and I was really just blessed."
Tom Sturridge, nominated for BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE IN A PLAY for ORPHANS
"I feel an inexplicable mingling of disbelief and delight. It is an honor beyond words to be named alongside four such exceptional actors. Most of all I am so proud that the immense hard work and talent of every single person involved with Orphans has been recognized with the production being nominated for Best Revival. A very beautiful day."
Victoria Clark, nominated for BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A FEATURED ROLE IN A MUSICAL for CINDERELLA
I skillfully did not tell my son this year that the nominations were today, because the last two times he made me get up and watch! He had to be at school earlier than normal today, so I got him up early to shower and then went back to sleep and didn't find out until 9:45. I found that it's best to get as much rest NOW as you can, because if you don't get the sleep you'll get caught up in the excitement and it's just like spinning your wheels. How did I celebrate? I had a dentist appointment today and celebrated by getting my teeth cleaned. I guess my teeth will be extra shiny for the photographers tomorrow! I was always so confident about Santino and Laura because I have the best seat in the house to watch them every night. The score is from the late 50's, so it's not everyone's cup of tea, but the new book by Douglas Carter Beane gives it jazz and specificity and the creative team created such an amazing world for the show to live in. The response has been an amazing thing and we're all thrilled - bitter sweet because not everyone you want has been recognized from the team, like Mark Brokaw (director) and Josh Rhodes (choreographer) but I've always felt like a nomination for one person from the team is like a nomination for us all.
Keith Carradine, nominated for BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A FEATURED ROLE IN A MUSICAL for HANDS ON A HARDBODY
"I'm pretty excited! I really didn't expect this - I'm on cloud nine right now! I think we did an amazing show filled with gifted people and I'm honestly stunned to be recognized individually. I'm so proud of what we did and just honored to represent the show along with Keala [Settle] and Trey [Anastasio] and Amanda [Green]. I've been celebrating all day while dealing with the mundane aspects of domestic life here in Connecticut. We might be celebrating with some friends tonight!"
Gabriel Ebert, BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A FEATURED ROLE IN A MUSICAL for MATILDA
"I was actually just was lying in bed and my phone started exploding, not literally exploding, but exploding with phone calls and texts. The first one was from my agent and then I realized and I did a dance. I'm so in love with the show and I really believe in the vision of the creative team, and feel thankful to be a part of it. It's so stunning, so precise, unique and imaginative and I'm glad that other people see it that way too. I have a show to do tonight, but I figured I should celebrate today by buying some nice, new clothes to put up a good appearance. It's a very rare occasion that I shop for clothes, but I thought it might be necessary!"
George C. Wolfe, nominated for BEST DIRECTION OF A PLAY for LUCKY GUY
"I just took the red eye from LA and so I was in an ambient state. I was present and not present. My phone was off and I turned it on and I had 15 messages. I know something was really good or really bad. Either we got a Tony nomination or the world was ending. I'm very happy for Tom [Hanks] and Courtney [Vance] and the design team. But mostly I'm so happy for Nora [Ephron] and her family. It's been an intense, amazing, wonderful journey. Later I'll stop by the theatre so that we can all congratulate each other."
Tim Minchin, nominated for BEST ORIGINAL SCORE for MATILDA
"It's all pretty exciting. I was sitting around and up early because my body is still on London time, and I was setting up my studio and checked the website. The first thing that you notice of course is where people missed out. For me on a personal level, it's just another absurd thing, after 7 or 8 years of this. Before I was just playing at pubs and as a part of a desperate act that has led me to this point. It has left me feeling very grateful and lucky and very tired. It's been a lot of work, but I'm not the kind of person that can really get my head around it. I'm very much in the public eye with the show, but it's wonderful to see nominations for people who don't usually I get associated with it. People like Chris Nightingale, Hugh Vanstone, Rob Howell, whose work I have so much admiration for. The terrible thing about human nature is that I'm normally just relieved, and because had it not been so well received, it would have damaged my ability to write the next thing. Though the show has become this juggernaut, it's not what we intended, it's just what it became through the press. We just did our thing. But we're so grateful to be embraced this way and to feel so welcomed on Broadway."
Nicholas Martin, nominated for BEST DIRECTION OF A PLAY for VANYA AND SONIA AND MASHA AND SPIKE
"I'm really good and really happy about how much the show has been recognized and how many of the actors were too! And of course Chris [Durang], that's what I'm the most thrilled about. I purposefully turned everything off this morning and woke up late. Then I looked at the phone, and that will tell you everything- just how many calls you've had. I'm looking forward to the whole thing. We're all going to the theatre tonight and celebrating there. We're all going to pat each other and ourselves on the back. It's all very festive and I didn't expect it! Sometimes the Tonys can be really grim but this is just a joy."
Richard Kind, nominated for BEST PERFORMANCE BY ACTOR IN A FEATURED ROLE IN A PLAY
"I am utterly thrilled. I can't believe how many people are happy for me! Getting a nominated is fantastic and I'm thrilled, but being told how great you are by everyone you know is an actor's dream! Four years ago I did the 24 Hour Musicals and there was a documentary shot that year, and last Friday I was supposed to be on 'Good Day New York' for it and they cancelled the last minute and asked if we could reschedule for Tuesday morning. So they picked me up to go to the studio and while I'm in the car I start getting all of these phone calls. I didn't know they were coming, I thought it was at noon or something! So I'm in the car and getting all of these calls, and we get to the studio and I think "This is going to seem like the most disgusting display of Tony campaigning ever." So I had stop and say that up front. And while I was there I was getting so many calls and texts. My thumbs are killing me, I'm telling you. People out of the woodwork are sending me congrats, it's wonderful! Doug Hughes told me to enjoy the month. I love being an actor!"
Lauren Ward, nominated for BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A FEATURED ROLE IN A MUSICAL for MATILDA
"Well I was taking my kids to school - my daughter actually had a transition meeting, because she's going to be starting 4th grade next year, so my phone was on vibrate. During the meeting it just kept buzzing. So, I looked down and I had a massive display of text messages all saying 'Congratulations' and I said to myself, "oh I guess the Tony nominations came out today". I finally spoke to a friend who said, "wow the show got 12 nominations" and I said "that's great" and then they said "and you got a nomination!" Then I had to turn my phone off and learn all about going into the 4th grade...but that really puts it all into perspective! It's thrilling - honestly I'm incredibly flattered. It's a very quiet part and I'm thrilled that the show has received so many nods. I think it is such a special show with such important content and now I hope it has a chance to reach an even wider audience. The show has such an important message because it says so much about life and it is entertaining at the same time. And of course, coming back to Broadway after being gone so many years - you couldn't ask for a better response or a better homecoming."
Judith Light, BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A FEATURED ROLE IN A PLAY for THE ASSEMBLED PARTIES
"What a wonderful honor it is to be nominated. A special thanks to my incredible ensemble and amazing director. You make me grateful to be a part of this Broadway company and community."
Cyndi Lauper, nominated for BEST ORIGINAL SCORE for KINKY BOOTS (on Twitter)
"I'm crying and jumping up and down! I can't believe it so excited! @KinkyBootsBway !! So proud to be part of this! Thank you Harvey!xx OmG! OMG!! wow we got nominated!! @KinkyBootsBway !!! OMG!!!"
Tom Hanks, nominated for BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE IN A PLAY for LUCKY GUY
"LUCKY GUY is an apt title -- for George C. Wolfe and Courtney B. Vance and all of us who meet up 8 times a week. It is a privilege to be in Nora's play and an honor to be included with the other nominees and I would go nuts celebrating but I have a show tonight."
Nathan Lane, nominated for BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE IN A PLAY for THE NANCE
"I'm absolutely thrilled to be nominated for The Nance, and that our entire brilliant design team was nominated as well. I was sad that Doug Carter Beane and Jack O'Brien were not included, since I wouldn't be here without them, but it doesn't change the fact that they've done extraordinary work on this beautiful play, as well as our stellar company of actors. I'm so proud of everyone involved and grateful that audiences have responded so positively to the play."
Amanda Green, nominated for BEST ORIGINAL SCORE for HANDS ON A HARDBODY
"I didn't watch it live because I didn't know where to look for it and I was too nervous. Then a friend of mine called and was very non-chalant and she blurted it out that I had received the nomination! It is incredibly meaningful to me because I've been at this for a long time and its just lovely to be recognized. Hands on a Hardbody is so near and dear to my heart and I was so thrilled to be able to celebrate with Trey and Keala and Keith - I'm just thrilled for all of them and for the fact that we were recognized. I'm also so happy for BRING IT ON. My good friend Jenny just came over and we're gonna start writing so that's always a good way to celebrate and then I'll probably go out for dinner with my husband!"
Carolee Carmello, nominated for BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE IN A MUSICAL for SCANDALOUS
"I was at home in bed and I woke up at 8:15 and realized that the nominations were at 8:30. I knew I wouldn't be able to get back to sleep. So I sat with my computer and just held my breath. Then afterwards I got a teary call from my mother and Kathie Lee [Gifford] and a bunch of nice people congratulating me. It's such nice closure. We worked on the show for so long- I was involved for 7 years on and off, so I felt so connected to her and the show. To see it come to Broadway but have a short life was frustrating of course. I would love to still be doing it now! It's a nice recognition for the show."
Rob McClure, nominated for BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE IN A MUSICAL for CHAPLIN
"What a crazy morning - its overwhelming. My wife and I were watching it live on TV in Phllly and the honest version of what happened is, they said my name and my wife gasped and I said 'holy s**t' and then I immediately got a text from my mom and it said "holy s**t" as well! I was ecstatic! I'll tell you about the moment that sent me over the edge, I went back to my old high school to help with their musicals and I recently did the lighting design for their production of Spelling Bee. And, I just got a text message from those kids saying that my old high school had just erupted in cheers when the news was announced and that pushed me over the edge - it really just sent me in to the mindset of just how many people are responsible for all of this. Right now I'm home in Philly tring to keep up with the amount of love being thrown at me - I haven't even been able to check all my Facebook messages. It was so exciting when I got a knock at the door and my cast mates from Chaplin had my favorite donut place in Philly send over a delivery so I'm sure I will be thanking them so much for that. I am really just so thrilled and honored to be representing that group of people from Chaplin, from the initial concept to La Jolla to Broadway. To be able to represent them - that is the true honor. "
Judith Ivey, nominated for BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A FEATURED ROLE IN A PLAY for THE HEIRESS
"My agent called to tell me. I was preparing for our builder to work on our new apartment and I forgot about that happening today. So, it was a pleasant surprise. It's always flattering- the Tony is the iconic award, in the same way the Oscar is. This is is my 4th nomination and it's equally exciting. It's been a while so it's very reassuring. My daughter is coming over for dinner with me and my husband tonight and she is in many ways responsible for this because I had another job and she said "Mother, you're fool if you don't do this.""
Annaleigh Ashford, nominated for BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A FEATURED ROLE IN A MUSICAL for KINKY BOOTS
"My fiancé was the first to tell me. He was watching and came into the room with tears in his eyes. I'm so very proud of our show and the message of our show, and to be recognized is incredible. We're just so lucky to even have a job! We'll be celebrating by doing a show tonight and it will be amazing! I'm going to have a diet coke this afternoon. This is crazy!"
Andy Blankenbuehler, nominated for BEST CHOREOGRAPHY for BRING IT ON: THE MUSICAL
"I had just taken my son to school and then I was watching live on NY1 with my wife. We were patiently watching - my wife had a bottle of champagne ready - we were planning to drink it one way or the other - whatever happened! I was so thrilled that Bring It On was recognized, it has been a big part of my life for the last several years. And, while I'm thrilled with my nomination for choreography, the best part was the show getting the nomination for best musical. It's just great that people have recognized it and I know the cast of all these Broadway newcomers are going to be thrilled...I did get to drink the champagne a little this morning, it calmed my nerves, but then I had to head to the office. But, I will finish it later today!"
Terrence Mann, BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A FEATURED ROLE IN A MUSICAL for PIPPIN
Well it's shocking. I was like "what? really?". I had actually just taken my girls to school and I then I went on to Trader Joes and as I was going to the subway station with my Trader Joe bags, a friend of mine texted "congrats" and i thought "cool, the show got nominated" and then I received a text which said "Congrats Mr. Nominee" so then I realized I received a nomination. And I came home and made breakfast and worked on a drain in the tub with my plumber - you know keeping it real. I celebrated by pulling junk out of my bathtub! You know you try not to have it mean anything but it of course it means an amazing amount - you start to think about it, imagine it, fantasize about it and then you shut it away. But, it means a lot, yet it means nothing - its a wonderful accolade to be selected, to be among your talented peers. The last time I was nominated was 20 years ago. So, it's just nice to be playing in this big sandbox called 'Pippin!' Of course its a little bittersweet, because you have to wonder, "what about Matthew" and of course I think my wife deserved a nomination - so I will represent our family.
Charl Brown, BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A FEATURED ROLE IN A MUSICAL for MOTOWN
"I knew that they were today and I wanted to watch just to see if the show would be nominated, or any of my friends. I wasn't at all expecting to get nominated myself. I set my alarm and was tossing and turning last night. Then this morning I sat on the couch and saw them come through. First, my one of my best friends Stark Sands got a nomination for Kinky Boots and I was so excited. And then I was first to be announced in my category- I don't even know who else is in the category because I started running around the apartment screaming. Some friends and I are going to lunch to celebrate. We took Stark to lunch for his first Tony nomination so I think we'll make it a tradition!"
Kristine Nielsen, nominated for BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE IN A PLAY for VANYA AND SONIA AND MASHA AND SPIKE
"I was sound asleep and too scared to watch this morning. My dear friend and agent called and woke me up and made my husband pick me up of the floor. There was laughing and hysteria at 8:30 in the morning. It means the world to me. We get to do this show every night and I'm so thankful for that. I'm going to the gym today because I have a feeling that some photos will be taken soon! I'm very happy for the show and I feel so very happy right now!"
Bertie Carvel, nominated for BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE IN A MUSICAL for MATILDA
"I've been standing on one leg up at the Lake George trying to get a signal on my phone. So, now I'm using a borrowed phone. But, I've been warned that today is super Tuesday! Someone from the press office finally called and said congratulations and so here we are. Its kind of slightly absurd actually, to make my Broadway debut and be nominated but it feels great. the truth is, the job really is to stay focused on what we're doing, what we feel passionate about. And, when others agree, whether it be at the stage door, or in the audience or now with this honor, it reinforces that what you re doing is right. Now there is a bit of pressure to carry on what we're doing. Were hoping people are moved and elated and joyful and moved to tears - so it really ups the pressure due to new expectations now. We want to send people away with more than they expect after seeing the show and I hope we can continue to do that. Anyone who says being nominated doesn't feel amazing is lying. I don't believe any actor can claim 100% credit - theater is the most collaborative of art forms which makes it amazing that the show's been recognized in all these different categories -many people, many brilliant ideas and a lot of hard work and bravery and inspiration and that's why it thrilling to work in the theater. You're all in it together, the audience is part of the conversation, without their mood that day, without their experiences you wouldn't have that swell of feeling we manage to provoke. So it's amazing with a capital "A"!"
Diane Paulus, nominated for BEST DIRECTION OF A MUSICAL for PIPPIN
"I was at Laguardia waiting to board the shuttle to head back to ART, and I was waiving to them to please let me wait because I was getting texts constantly, after every category. So it was an amazing moment for me at the airport . A musical is built by a team- it's a collaboration, so when you get this kind of recognition across the board it's amazing. I couldn't be happier! I've been in New York watching all the previews up to opening night, so the best celebration for me is to return to the ART where the show was born and come back and hug the staff here!"
Pam MacKinnon, nominated for BEST DIRECTION OF A PLAY for WHO'S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF?
"I'm in LA right now so it's early now, and it was VERY early before. It was a restless night and I knew it was around the corner but my phone started beeping by my bed-side table pretty early, so that got me out of bed. With this show, and even last year, they've both been projects by dear friends and I'm incredibly proud of both companies of actors. They weren't supposed to go to Broadway originally. It was nothing generic, just true and deeply personal. I'm feeling very grateful to be surrounded by people that I love."
Valisia LeKae, nominated for BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE IN A MUSICAL for MOTOWN
"I was laying in my bed and my phone has not been working and I had been trying to test the ringer and my partner couldn't get on line. But, when it finally worked I saw there were 7 or 8 calls and my agent finally got through, so that's how I got the news! I was completely shocked, because its been like a nerve wracking day and night. I couldn't sleep, and I just wanted it to be over with and go on to Wednesday. But, when I heard I was really happy, I was speechless. I was crying and screaming on the phone with my agent. Today is going to be a really busy day. I need to come to the theater for an NBC interview, they're doing something on the show, and then after I am scheduled to be on Bravo's Watch What Happens - I'm bartending! I got the request from Andy Cohen after he had seen the show. So, it's been a really eventful day and I need to rest up because it's gonna get very busy!"
Keala Settle, BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A FEATURED ROLE IN A MUSICAL for HANDS ON A HARDBODY
"I stayed at a friend's house last night and early this morning I got a phone call from my agent saying "Is this my Tony nominee?" And I laughed!! Then I heard my friends in the house SCREAMING "KEALA GET UP!!!!!" I COULDN'T BELIEVE IT! And then I found out that Keith was nominated along with Amanda and Trey and I REALLY got excited!!! BETTER THAN CHRISTMAS DAY, FOLKS!!! TRUST ME ON THAT ONE!!!!"
Andrea Martin, BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A FEATURED ROLE IN A MUSICAL for PIPPIN
"I'm so honored to be nominated alongside these exceptionally talented ladies. I was at my desk paying bills when I got the news this morning. The first call came from my manager Perry Zimel in Toronto, then text messages from my dear friends Jessica Stone and Justin Bohon, and then I spoke to my fabulous New York agent Gary Gersh. We opened just last week, so I still have family in town visiting. My son got up, and I was immediately torn between taking calls or making him bacon and eggs. I made him bacon and eggs. I love the role of Berthe and I truly can't wait to perform it each and every night. Working with this incredible ensemble of actors, acrobats, dancers and singers has been one of the greatest experiences of my career. I'm particularly thrilled we were nominated in the Musical Revival category - it's a testament to the contribution of every single person who has worked on and continues to bring their own magic to this extraordinary show."
Scott Ellis, nominated for BEST DIRECTION OF A MUSICAL for THE MYSTERY OF EDWIN DROOD
"I have 2 kids that are 3.5 years old and I sat them on the couch and I told them "We might hear Daddy's name and we might not" and then they heard my name and they started running around and playing. I figured that if I wasn't nominated I would still be there with my kids and get them to school and out the door, and it would be ok. As always with shows that close early, you don't know if they'll remember you. I loved being a part of it from beginning to end. I'll be in rehearsal all day for my next play and then I'll go home and go to bed- not quite as glamorous as some other people I'm sure. It's really nice to be in rehearsals because it reminds you that just working is the best part of the business. It makes me very appreciative."
Chet Walker, nominated for BEST CHOREOGRAPHY for PIPPIN
"I was in rehearsal earlier and I got a text from my agent and he let me know the news. The show got so much love and that's amazing...so amazing. Amazing! I'm giddy right now. I'm in London right now securing rights for my next project so tonight I'm painting the London-town red!"
Justin Paul and Benj Pasek, nominated for BEST ORIGINAL SCORE for A CHRISTMAS STORY, THE MUSICAL
Justin - "We weren't together. If we were we probably would have died or strangled each other. I was, in my mind, I was going to play it cool and not get crazy. My wife and I went to bed late but then five minutes before the telecast i jumped out of bed, and we got on our bath robes and when we heard we just started running around our apt screaming!
Richard Greenberg, nominated for BEST PLAY for THE ASSEMBLED PARTIES
"Well mostly I was trying to avoid it and sleep the day through but I realized that that wouldn't work. Then I saw I had a lot of emails and they said things like 'yay' and 'congratulations' so then I knew.The thing about awards is that its as silly to enjoy them as it is to feel bad if youre not nominated. They're wonderfully festive and you're just thankful. Even if you don't like parties, its pleasant to be invited to the party - its a very nice feeling - its really pleasurable. I think everyone who was involved in this play deserves nominations because theyve all been stellar its been the most extraordinary effort from everyone- it's really true. I have no real plans to celebrate I just think the thing itself is the celebration I've had a lot of work the last few months, a lot demands so I think just to relax and enjoy the day is a celebration"
Will Chase, nominated for BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A FEATURED ROLE for THE MYSTERY OF EDWIN DROOD
"So surreal...I got up early and turned on NY1 (because that's what one does apparently) and watched with my lady and puppy....I was so happy when they announced Stephanie J. Block and laugh-cried when they said my name...just looking forward to a month of lunches and dinners with Terry Mann (sorry Charlotte)."
Douglas Carter Beane, nominated for BEST BOOK OF A MUSICAL for Rodgers + Hammerstein's Cinderella
"This is number five for me so I have a routine. I get up and get the kids to school then I sit at watch on the couch and eat a bagel. Then I always email and text friends who were nominated first. And then hopefully I can crawl back it bed by 11! But I'm really up all night- I have the nerves of a cat. It's been fun because I came in with the philosophy that I have to enjoy the nomination but can't get upset if I don't get it. And It worked out great this year. Nathan [Lane] and Vicki [Clark] and Santino [Fontana] and Laura [Osnes] all got nominations. It's thrilling! At 6pm I'm doing a photoshoot at the Broadway Theatre and we have an understudy going on for Santino for the first time because he's doing Song of Norway. So I'll go say hi to the cast and then zip from there to The Nance to congratulate them!'
Stark Sands, BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE IN A MUSICAL for KINKY BOOTS
"I got up and was sitting on the couch with my wife and had my fingers crossed for the show. I think it's amazing, and being a part of it and doing it every night, I know what the audience is feeling. That's part of the beauty of this job, you share with what people are watching. I know that we have a special, and it's worth watching. It feels like a validation for the show, it's not about winning or anything now, it's just really nice to be recognized. "
Billy Porter, BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE IN A MUSICAL for KINKY BOOTS
"I'm feeling fantastic! I cannot complain... My phone starting ringing off the hook, I was asleep. I'm so thrilled for everyone involved, because it's really hard work putting on a show and you become a family and it's nice to have the whole family recognized. I'm so thrilled for my co-star Stark, because I wouldn't be able to Lola without him and it's amazing. I'm celebrating by sleeping and getting ready to go into this twirl wind of activity. I need to sleep enough so I can do 8 shows a week."
Shalita Grant, BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A FEATURED ROLE IN A PLAY for VANYA AND SONIA AND MASHA AND SPIKE
"I was asleep and my publicist called me. We went to the Actors Fund gala last night and I went out afterwards. She told me that if I got a personal nomination she would call me, and if the show did that she would just email me. I got in at 3am and went to bed and got a call from her so early, and I answered the phone and she was loosing her mind! She said, "Wake up! You're a Tony nominee!" I'm alive and feeling good and today I will be glued to my couch talking to people about how I feel. I'm gonna go to Kitchenette for lunch, which is one of my favorite places, to get fried chicken and mac and cheese. My favorite!"
Patina Miller, nominated for BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE IN A MUSICAL for PIPPIN
"My fiancé came and woke me up and told me. He said "Well, we're going to the Tony Awards!". And then my manager called me right after. This means everything. From the creative team to cast and crew, we all put our hearts and souls into reinventing the show and telling it our way, and it feels so great to be a part of it. It's so amazing. I'm going to get a vocal massage today and then work out and then I'll have a celebratory lunch with my manager- and then of course the show tonight! We are having the time of our live and the reception has been so great, and now it will continue. This is just something extra."
Joseph Robinette, nominated for BEST BOOK OF A MUSICAL for A CHRISTMAS STORY
"I actually got the news this morning, we were watching The Today Show and saw A Christmas Story was nominated but they didn't go into individual nominations, just the actors. And, then I got an email from Brett Oberman congratulating me and the team and that was the first I had heard about it. It's a thrill - it's been a long joyous journey with some bumps in the road of course, but its been a culmination of 6 years of hard work. To wind up in NY was feather #1 and to wind up with a nomination is a whole batch of feathers! I'm going to celebrate by having a nice big breakfast, although that has been delayed because of emails and calls so it might wind up being a nice big lunch!
Stephanie J. Block, nominated for BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE IN A MUSICAL in THE MYSTERY OF EDWIN DROOD
"I am still weeping. I am so joyful for all involved with DROOD. Sebastian and I are driving to Baltimore and my phone keeps ringing and buzzing. Literally, right now, we are at a rest stop on the NJ Turnpike to get a car phone charger because I am about to loose battery... Obviously, I did not prepare my phone for this incredible Tuesday morning!"
Billy Magnussen, nominated for BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A FEATURED ROLE IN A PLAY in Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike
"My phone just kept ringing - I was sleeping, you know Monday's my day off. To me it means that the past ten years have been all worth it. And, I get to celebrate today by doing the play again tonight! I'm still kind of sleeping but its crazy, that's what I think!"
Laura Osnes, nominated for BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE IN A MUSICAL for Rodgers + Hammerstein's Cinderella
"I am thrilled! I was watching live this year. My husband is out of town so I had a sleepover at my friends house and we turned it on at 8:30. I'm beyond thrilled and grateful and so honored to be in the company of the other women. And I'm so happy for the show, for Santino and for Vicki. I'm going to celebrate, well last year I went with my good friends Natalie and Audra to bloomingdales for ice cream so I think we will probably do that again today and make it a tradition!"
"I happened to wake up at 8:25 and I looked at the clock and I thought "It's like the world telling me something." So I got up and turned on the TV and it was lovely to see Golden Boy getting so much love. I'm in shock that they remembered us. It's always a great time. It's my fourth nomination and its always exciting and a lot of fun. I don't care whether I win or loose, it's just great being invited to the party. "
Courtney B. Vance, nominated for BEST PERFORMANCE BY A FEATURED ACTOR IN A PLAY for LUCKY GUY
"I was asleep this morning and my mom called, I found out the typical way. I've gotten a lot of emails and calls already and it was amazing and wonderful. I'm very much ready for the rest of the journey. Being in a show is emotionally and physically tasking and nominations are wonderful- but at the end of the day I know that I did what we set out to do- bringing George C. Wolfe's amazing vision to life. This is just the icing on the cake. Today I'll be on the phone with my mom, everyone is still asleep right now! I'm sure we'll be celebrating tonight at the show with the producers."
Gerald Goehring, nominated for production BEST MUSICAL NOMINEE, A CHRISTMAS STORY
"I didn't have the guts to watch this morning, I was so nervous. We're just a holiday show in everyone's eyes. I was driving and turned everything off. Then I couldn't take it anymore and I noticed a flood of texts and found out about 10 minutes after the fact. To have that amazing writing team get recognized is the best part. This is a show about a father and son- it's really a show for all seasons."
Marc Salzberg, nominated for BEST SOUND DESIGN OF A PLAY for GOLDEN BOY
"I found out this morning online. I went onto the Tony website at 8:40 and thought "I wonder when they do this." And then the texts started coming in. It's so surreal to me because I never expected it. It's really wonderful because I've been working in sound for 35 years and it's great that sound designers get recognition sometimes. I have to be at The Nance tonight to mix that, so I'll be celebrating there!"
Leon Rothenberg, nominated for BEST SOUND DESIGN OF A PLAY for THE NANCE
I was at home and we were following the Twitter feed and my girlfriend sort of punched me when we saw my name. I'm in tech all day (for MURDER BALLAD in Union Square) so I'm celebrating the best way of all - by working! Don't worry though, we'll have a drink tonight.
Japy Weideman, nominated for BEST LIGHTING DESIGN OF A PLAY for THE NANCE
I got the news from a text from a friend who I haven't spoken to in a couple of years, who was watching the video live on TonyAwards.com so it was nice to catch up with him too. Right now, I'm in tech w/ Phillip Seymour Hoffman so I'm working at the LAByrinth Theater Company and will celebrate after work!
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