Tony Interview Special: Martin Pakledinaz on Being Reunited with Kathleen Marshall for NICE WORK IF YOU CAN GET IT!

BroadwayWorld was there for this year's official Tony Brunch, and got a chance to chat with this year's nominees!  Today we bring you Martin Pakledinaz, Best Costume Design of a Musical nominee for NICE WORK IF YOU CAN GET IT.

Congratulations on your nomination! What’s been going through your head since you heard the news?

I’m so happy. So many friends have been nominated, so I was calling and texting all of my friends- not just on this show, but all of them. Especially people like Laura Osnes, with whom I did ANYTHING GOES. She is just so excited. People have such respect for the Tony’s, and when you call someone and they’re so excited it’s just great.

When did you get involved with NICE WORK IF YOU CAN GET IT, and what attracted you to the project?

Kathleen Marshall asked me to be a part of it. They gave me the script, and I think that Joe DiPietro’s book is so charming and funny that I was very happy to be a part of it. Of course the music is fantastic! I haven’t even been able to see THE GERSHWIN’S PORGY AND BESS yet, even though they’re right next to us, because I’ve been watching our show every night.

What’s been the best part of the whole NICE WORK experience for you?

I’ve got a group of people in my office- young designers. And I’ve gotta say that all of their support is my favorite thing- watching how excited they all are. They come to Broadway with a real, pure, loving of what it all represents. Working with them on the show was lots and lots of fun. And of course working with Kathleen [Marshall] is always a joy!

The show got an amazing ten nominations. Why do you think the reception has been so positive?

Just to have a show that is about pure joy is just that. It’s simply written and beautifully presented. It doesn’t try to be something it’s not. It’s a beautiful show with music and love- it’s a great story of two people searching for love.

Other than the NICE WORK team, is there a production of performer from this season that you’ll be rooting for come Tony night?

I’m really, really wanting to see Linda Lavin in THE LYONS. I can even talk about it because it’s not in my category! I’m so anxious to see that. And OTHER DESERT CITIES as well! There’s so much to see this year.

The Tony Awards will be broadcast in a live three-hour ceremony from the Beacon Theatre, on the CBS television network on Sunday, June 10, 2012.  Click here for the complete list of nominations! Click here for the nominations by the numbers.