2018 Tony Awards - Over 80 of The Nominees React!
By: Nicole Rosky May. 01, 2018
We've caught Tony fever here at BroadwayWorld, and it's spreading! Follow us throughout the day, as we'll bring you Tony nominee reactions, exclusive reports, surprises, behind the scenes coverage and oh, so much more!
We're talking to this year's nominees ALL day from BroadwayWorld's Tony Awards 'war room' - keep checking back for live updates!
Click here for the complete list of nominees!
Andrew Garfield, Angels in America, Best Actor in a Leading Role in a Play
I feel beyond honored to be nominated in this category with stage acting heroes of mine. The sun is finally shining in New York and to be telling the story of Angels in America on Broadway at this particular moment in time feels like the greatest gift and opportunity already. And to have the Tonys and the theatre community here in this city recognize our work in this way feels like icing on top of icing on top of icing. I'm so proud of this production and all of our crew, actors, designers and crafts people and perhaps most especially for our warrior director Marianne Elliot, who's vision is bringing Tony Kushner's masterpiece of a play to the Neil Simon Theater every night in its full glory; offering healing and medicine and hope to an audience of hungry souls that truly need it. Congratulations to all the nominees in all categories. How beautiful to be a part of such a rich and heartfelt community. I'll be beaming til 2019!
Norbert Leo Butz, My Fair Lady, Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical
I'm thrilled and honored! This project has been a dream job from the beginning. The role, the script and score, a brilliant Bart Sher at the helm, a dream cast and design team, and to top it all off, that wonderful, legendary Vivian Beaumont stage at LCT. I heard about the nomination from my manager (and, yes, I had to be woken up. My 7 year old was up throughout the night with a fever and sore throat, so dad was sleeping in. One of the ironic benefits of having a sick kid the morning of Tony Nominations is that one tends to forget the nominations are coming out! Which removes a lot of useless stress over the whole thing! On the down side , however, I may infect the entire cast with Strep Throat in the next 24 hours)
Katrina Lenk, The Band's Visit, Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical
I'm thrilled, and very proud of our cast, creative team, and crew- I have such respect and admiration for the artists in this community and to have our work recognized in this way is quite an honor.
Jamie Parker, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Parts One and Two, Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play
This is like some excruciating teenaged day dream that you'd be mortified if anyone found out about it even 25 years later. I'm literally the only person here I've never heard of. Tonys, what the hell? Thanks, by the way. That was very lovely of you. Let me say also to the Tony nominators thanks for acknowledging every possible corner of the production they could. The whole team is world class and every last one of them deserves a late night special of their own. Thanks for recognizing them as a whole group, I wouldn't want to be on this ride with anyone else.
Noma Dumezweni, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Parts One and Two, Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play
I am so very thrilled! First and foremost, it's such a beautiful day. What a difference that makes! I woke up late because of course I do shows in the evening and the first thing I heard this morning was from my friend who told me the news. Then I realized it was May 1! Of course! What really comes to mind today is a South African word: ubuntu. It means 'I am because we are.' Being able to be a part of this wonderful company has been such a bonus. The fact that Steven [Hoggett], Christine [Jones], Neil [Austin], and Gareth [Fry]... everyone got recognized! This creative team is so remarkable and at the very top of their game. My mentor, Tony, is 81 years old and he came here for opening night. It was so special to me. I always go to him for his opinion and for advice. He happens to be returning to London today, so I got a big old hug and soon I'm taking him to the airport. It feels fitting!
Nathan Lane, Angels in America, Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Play
I am thrilled to be a part of the most nominated revival in Tony history. Just to be in this company of extraordinary actors under the direction of the brilliant Marianne Elliott in Tony Kushner's masterwork has been an incredible gift. So today is more than just the proverbial icing on the cake, it's the entire dessert tray at the Four Seasons. I feel very happy and grateful and a little bloated.
Tina Fey (Tony Award nominee for Best Book of a Musical for Mean Girls) and Jeff Richmond (Tony Award co-nominee for Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre for Mean Girls)
We are honestly too excited and too proud of our ensemble to make a joke about this. We are so grateful to be embraced by the Broadway community in this way and that we get to work together twenty-five hours a day with the same amount of excitement as our young cast. This is new for all of us.
Laurie Metcalf, Edward Albee's Three Tall Women, Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play
I slept in because I'm on a later schedule, so I received a couple of texts from friends telling me the news. This is really special to me, because we did this work on this play as an ensemble, including being led by Joe [Mantello]. You know, I've never done an Albee play before, but we really had to work as a team to find the tone in this. I just love how it turned out. I never could have envisioned how well received its been. I also love how it got nominations for set and costumes! I am so proud of the work on this one. It was elusive.
Joshua Henry, Rodgers & Hammerstein's Carousel, Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical
The gratitude I feel being celebrated by my theater community while watching the announcements with my wife and newborn son, Samson, is more than I can put into words. I'm extremely proud to be a part of this show and am lucky to work with such an amazing cast and crew.
Glenda Jackson, Edward Albee's Three Tall Women, Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play
Someone rang me to tell me the news this morning. I am so very delighted that the production as a whole was nominated. This is something that we couldn't have done without each other.
Taylor Louderman, Mean Girls, Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical
I'm so excited I didn't know I could be this excited! This morning I was looking at my phone and no one was texting me or calling, so I thought okay alright it's not happening and out of nowhere four calls and a bunch of texts and I knew it was happening. This part is such a dream role because I get to play a sexy, sassy, confident young girl, it's a dream come true role and to be Tony nominated is amazing. When you're young, you don't think about the roles you could possibly be nominated for because they don't exist yet. I used to watch the Tonys at home in Missouri and thought this could never happen to me. This is unreal. I think Ashley Park and I are going to celebrate later today, then we have rehearsal for the Today Show. And, I should probably shower at some point!
Lauren Ambrose, My Fair Lady, Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical
I was walking my daughter to kindergarten this morning and my husband said, "I think you should check your phone. You might have just been nominated for a Tony Award."My phone was blowing up! And my agent and friends are like, "Why are you not picking up?" I guess I'm famous for that [Laughs]. I'm just so happy! I happy for the whole show. It seems like we were honored in so many ways and it's a result of so many people's hard work. I just feel honored to be a part of it an amazing show. We have an early show tonight, so I'll probably celebrate by taking a nap! And maybe I'll even vaccum!
Denzel Washington, Eugene O'Neill's The Iceman Cometh, Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play
Coming back to Broadway is like coming home again. The Iceman Cometh experience has been especially gratifying, working with our sensational director George C. Wolfe and my 18 wonderful castmates.
Ethan Slater, SpongeBob SquarePants: The Musical, Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical
I am freaking out! I'm trying to calm myself down right now. It hits me in waves. I was trying to act cool this morning and I had Facebook Live on in the background as I was cooking breakfast. Then I just had to stop cooking and watched fully. It's the kind of thing where I'd be proud no matter what happened, because we've approached this from a place of creative integrity. We are really proud of our show, and of course it feels so good to see it recognized. We know that some people who came to see this show were skeptical and it is so great to see those people converted. But, I understand the skepticism! It takes a village to put on a show, and there are so many people who worked at the top of their game, all starting with Tina Landau. I actually screamed when I saw her name today! She brought out the best in all of us. It looks like it's a beautiful day, so I'm going to celebrate by going for a walk and then to physical theapy!
Tony Shalhoub, The Band's Visit, Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical
I am shocked! Maybe shocked is not the word...I mean, I expected that the show and that Katrina [Lenk] would be recognized, and that everyone else would be nominated, but I'm not known as a musical theatre guy! I am so happy because it's such a great piece. This will take me at least a week to process! We were actually doing a segment on the Today Show this morning and we were being interviewed by the hosts and they actually told Katrina and I that we were nominated while we were on the air! So, that was slightly awkward. [Laughs]. My jaw was hitting the concrete. This is so great for the show because it's so beautiful and has such a great message. I'm so happy because this means that more people might get to see it now. I didn't have any plans for today but maybe I'll have a celebratory champagne lunch!
Anthony Boyle, Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Play, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Parts One and Two:
I was so nervous! I was biting my nails and refreshing the Facebook page over and over. I'm blown away, truly honored to be in such amazing company.
Jessie Mueller, Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical, Rodgers & Hammerstein's Carousel:
I'm so thrilled for the show. I couldn't be surrounded by better people and better artists; my heart is so happy right now.
Gavin Lee, Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical, SpongeBob SquarePants: The Musical:
OMG! I am over the moon for Spongebob. Getting recognized for so many categories is awesome for our fabulous show. I was actually taking my oldest daughter to school when the nominations happened, but my fabulous agent called me to let me know that I'd gotten nominated. Thank you Tony Awards!
I'm so thrilled for everybody. I'm so thrilled to be nominated, but more than anything, I'm especially excited to be nominated in the same category as Susan Brown.
Michael Arden, Best Direction of a Musical for Once On This Island:
To be honored in such incredible company of artists and theatre is truly a career highlight thus far. I am so incredibly proud of the work of all the artists, technicians, musicians, designers and producers who toiled in the sand and debris to make Once on this Island the magical and relevant piece of theater that it is. It's apparent that art is needed now more than ever and I am humbled to be part of this brilliant community. Congrats to all the nominees and everyone making theatre this season.
David Morse, Eugene O'Neill's The Iceman Cometh, Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Play
I was sitting in Philadelphia having breakfast on this gorgeous spring morning with wife - trying not to stress about it - and I got a call from my manager screaming with delight! It's great, you know we got 8 nominations in total so even if they weren't named it feels like everyone involved in the play has been recognized. It's a rare thing [a Tony nomination] for anyone and just to be on Broadway is a real treat and a real treasure!
Ari'el Stachel, The Band's Visit, Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical
I am really, really excited. We were on the Today Show this morning- we performed to coincide with the announcement. Part of the protocol was that we had to leave our phones downstairs while we were performing and it was total torture. As soon as it completed one of the producers came up to me and said congratulations. I just started crying. This is all so personal to me because this show celebrates Middle Eastern people and the fact that our show, that represents this often overlooked culture, got so much love, means the world to me. I'm going to celebrate by to eating! Then I'm off to my usual Tuesday therapy session. Then of course I'll get to celebrate with my friends and castmates after the show tonight.
David Cromer, The Band's Visit, Best Direction of a Musical
We got the news while at the Today Show, the hosts told Tony and Katrina on the air while they were being interviewed. We had gone out of our way not to think about it, the company decided we were going to turn off our phones and ignore it and focus on the performance and then in the end no one had to cheat! And, since we were already together, we've already done our celebrating. The Band's Visit has been one of the best collaborative experiences on new material I've ever had. We have a wonderfully productive relationship so I had such a special time working with David and Itamar and figuring out what the show was going to be and watch them craft something that iss so beautiful. There would be scenes that Itamar would keep rewriting and I would try to stop him, but he would keep going until it was perfect. Then it came together with David's songs and I really just got lucky because they were writing a masterpiece. I was just smart enough not to screw with it.
Ashley Park, Mean Girls, Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical
I went on a walk with two of my best friends through Central Park in the beautiful weather and they both have been along for the journey for the past few years. We got coffee and juice and I put my phone away and put it on silent, we were present. I knew that around 9 if I pulled out my phone and had a lot of stuff it might be good news and if there's nothing, that's fine too. And it was awesome. I pulled out my phone around 9 and there was a lot of stuff and the outpouring of love from people in my life is the most moving thing, all the people who have been with me up until this point, all the people in the New York community and the love of our team and our cast, I'm so excited for our show. Me and Grey were in the middle of a Facetime and hadn't even exchanged any words yet, we were completely speechless. This is such a joyful group of people, I'm so thrilled to celebrate what we've all made together and this Gretchen that this team has graciously allowed me to infuse with my own self. The show is filled with heart I'm so proud of it.
Ben Stanton, Junk, Best Lighting Design of a Play
I found out this morning because Michael Arden texted me! I was in the shower, doing my usual morning routine. I had no idea that the announcement was this morning. I was just eating breakfast! I have no words. This was completely unexpected. I am so grateful that people remembered a show we did in October. I'm actually in tech today, so maybe I'll have to do something special for dinner. I don't think Susan Stroman will let me off the hook of tech!
Jordan Roth, Producer
This morning I was huddled on my bed with my computer and phone and tv, all screens powered up watching as it was coming through and oh my god, oh my god, oh my god. Honestly I am floored, I've seen this production, I can't even count how many times, and every time I am floored by each and every person who is part of this and especially today I feel like this play belongs to all of us, the Broadway community, the Gay community, this is all of our story. Then a few minutes ago I found we're the most nominated play in history which is too big an idea to even hold in my hands at this moment. I feel such gratitude and I'm soaking it all in. It helps me understand how deeply it is true that this play belongs to all of us. I also get the great joy to connect with everyone who is a part of this show and everyone who is involved with all of our shows, Mean Girls, Frozen, Tony Winner Bruce Springsteen, this is an extraordinarily great day celebrating all of the great work we do. If this ever gets old it's the minute this should stop, this is what we all dreamed about, this is Broadway, I have to say I feel very lucky to be here everyday and today especially.
Condola Rashad, Saint Joan, Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play
A huge thank you to the American Theater Wing and the Broadway League. I am thrilled for all of this year's nominees, and am deeply humbled and grateful to have been acknowledged in this way. I am constantly moved and inspired by Joan, and I can't wait to get back to the theater this afternoon to continue to tell her story to people of all ages and backgrounds, as many times as I possibly can!
Orin Wolf, The Band's Visit, Producer
I was in the plaza watching The Band's Visit cast tape the Today show and then Hoda and the other hosts came and came over told the company about the nominations. Tony and Katrina had this jaw dropping moment and taking it all in - it was just a very honest moment. There I am trying not to trip over a cable in the background. Personally I am filled with all this pride getting to see all the actors recognized and I want to celebrate them. And this is my first time so I feel this responsibility to bring this show to a wider audience - it's my job to take every opportunity to shout about it. I am celebrating my talking to you, answering questions so that I can get our show out there!
Gareth Fry, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Parts One and Two, Best Sound Design of a Play
It is very exciting, it's only my second show on Broadway so it's very nice. My wife left a message to let me know. We're in the middle of tech for the new cast of Harry Potter in London, so we all got the news at the same time. It's just lovely. It's the first time the sound design category has been reinstated which is amazing. New York is such a hub of sound design excellence, we're very thankful to the Broadway League that they've reinstated them and to be back in competition. There might be a bottle of fizz open and definitely some plane tickets. I had such an amazing time last year when I received my special Tony Award for The Encounter, and I'm so excited to go back. It's been truly wonderful to be welcomed into the community, it feels like home.
David Yazbek, The Band's Visit, Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre
I was watching the Today Show because our cast performed this morning. It was really exciting because I got to watch as Tony [Shalhoub] and Katrina [Lenk] got the news while they were on the air! By the time that was over I heard we got 11 nominations. The fact that people are engaging with the show is so satisfying, but that those nominators are a part of that is especially satisfying to me. What really thrills me is Ari [Stachel] getting a nomination. Itamar's book! I mean, he's had a lot of shows! Even [David] Cromer, who is a powerhouse and a genius! I mean, it's my fourth time at this rodeo, so it's very satisfying, but to watch them all go through this is incredible. I will probably put an extra teaspoon of peanut butter in my smoothie to celebrate!
Grey Henson, Mean Girls, Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical
I have truly never been more overwhelmed in my entire life. I don't know how to function anymore! It's amazing. I'm literally getting texts from every person I've ever spoken to. I wasn't planning on watching this morning because I didn't want to freak myself out. But I turned on the stream and once it started my heart started pounding in my chest. The show got so much love! It's so thrilling to see the people you work with and love get recognized. It was also excruciating to wait because my category was one of the last one. I'm so happy that I get to celebrate by going to the show tonight!
Itamar Moses, The Band's Visit, Best Book of a Musical
I knew the nominations were coming out this morning and my plan was to sleep through them and have a peaceful morning. That didn't work out [Laughs]. My girlfriend was watching from the other room and so when I heard that I decided to wake up and watch. There is something very particular and very special about how this show came together. It all added up to more than the sum of its parts, you know? It all feels right. It feels like the only way to get acknowledged... that so many of us were. One person alone wasn't the reason it came out the way it did. It was a melding of visions. I'm gonna relax today and take it easy!
Christine Jones, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Parts One and Two, Best Scenic Design of a Play
I woke up this morning to my phone buzzing with lovely notes of congrats, and am now celebrating with lattes with beloved friends. I'm mainly overjoyed for all my co-conspirators on Harry Potter and to get to share this extra bit of magic with my kids.
Lauren Ridloff, Children of a Lesser God Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play
It has been a very, very, very unusual morning! First, my son wakes me up at 5 am demanding a bath. Very unusual. Then I get a text from my masseuse that he was here--my first at-home massage and I forgot all about it. And then my husband says "Congratulations, babe!" And I realize I'm nominated for a Tony Award for my role in Children of a Lesser God. A very unusual morning, indeed! Joshua Jackson, my co-star, told me last summer in the Berkshires to just shoot forthe moon and I might land among the stars. I never dreamt I'd land among stars like Glenda Jackson, Condola Rashad, and Amy Schumer.
Jack Thorne, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Parts One and Two, Best Play
My wife and I were trying to get the live stream on but we couldn't! And, then once we finally did we realized that the category had already passed. I don't know how we missed it! This really means everything to me. Being given this chance to do this play... I never thought I'd get this chance and I don't think I'll get a chance like this ever again. Doing justice to this and Jo [Rowling]'s world was such a massive responsibility. My nephew is coming over today and my son is here, so we'll likely play some stupid games with them, then we'll go out for a nice dinner to celebrate!
Tina Landau, SpongeBob SquarePants: The Musical, Best Direction of a Musical
I'm so crazy proud of our entire SpongeBob team! - that's how I feel. Thrilled for the show itself. I'm most proud of the multiple nominations because making theater comes from an 'us' not a 'me,' you know? I was watching live online with my girlfriend, and as names were being read aloud - Tom Kitt, Walter Trarbach and Mike Dobson, Kyle Jarrow, Chris Gatelli, our designers, actors, composers - I kept fist pumping the air and saying, "Yes!" When my name was read, I fell completely silent. Much to my own surprise, it brought me to a place of quiet reflection. It's moving and layered for me, and causing me to reflect on the whole ten-year journey this has been for me so far. So yes, I'm quiet and humbled and grateful this moment - but tonight I get to go to the Palace Theater where pure joy is spread in abundance each night and I get to celebrate with the whole friggin' town of Bikini Bottom!! Also, congrats to every single person who has made theater this year, that's what I say!
Kyle Jarrow, SpongeBob SquarePants: The Musical, Best Book of a Musical
I'm incredibly honored to be nominated, alongside three writers I admire so much: Tina Fey, Itamar Moses and Jennifer Lee. Talk about good company, wow! I'm also over-the-moon proud of the amazing Spongebob Squarepants cast, crew and creative team. It's a testament to all of their hard work - and to director Tina Landau's awesome vision - that the show got so many nominations.
As for how I found out: I have an almost-two-year-old daughter Oona who recently got a set of Sesame Street toys that she's obsessed with. We were playing with them together, putting them in and out of a little toy car (Oona never seems to tire of that) while my wife (also a Tony nominee, Lauren Worsham) watched the nomination streamcast in the corner, giving live reports. When I got the nomination, Lauren screamed - I screamed too - thoroughly scaring our toddler. Sorry Oona!
David Zinn, SpongeBob SquarePants: The Musical, Best Scenic Design of a Musical AND Best Costume Design of a Musical
I was having breakfast at my corner diner and flipped my phone over after i knew the announcements would be out-figuring there would either be some texts with lots of exclamation marks, or it would be blank. So it was nice to see all the exclamation marks. Of course I'm so excited to have so much of the work on SPONGEBOB recognized-its a project that was really birthed in Joy and the spirit of Creative Exuberance, and having that message embraced is a thrill and an honor. And I am nominated alongside colleagues whose work i love and admire, so...yeah, just a delightful and humbling way to start the morning.
Christopher Gattelli, SpongeBob SquarePants: The Musical, Best Choreography
I'm beside myself. Literally. To say I'm honored and overwhelmed is an understatement. I'm incredibly grateful, but I'm even more so excited about our shows. Both SpongeBob and My Fair Lady being recognized as they were. Both teams and casts are truly special led by our brilliant leaders Tina and Bart, that that made me more happy and proud than anything. I tried to go about my morning like any other and thought, well, if I hear my phone "bing" that could be a good thing... and it did, and I found out from Seth Rudetsky who was the first to text. Which made it all the more special as I basically started this phase of my career choreographing with Seth doing numbers for Broadway Cares and that's when the bug really bit me. So to hear from Seth was pretty special.
Kevin Adams, SpongeBob SquarePants: The Musical, Best Lighting Design of a Musical
It's the first day of sun in some time and I was out mulching my yard early this beautiful spring morning. Very excited to come inside and hear the news from my agent. I'm very proud to be nominated with so many other remarkable friends, collaborators and theatre artists from other shows and SpongeBob and I'm especially happy for the director of SpongeBob Tina Landau.
Walter Trarbach & Mike Dobson, SpongeBob SquarePants: The Musical, Best Sound Design of a Musical
Mike Dobson: I was making breakfast and watching the announcement live. I was already freaking out that the show was getting so many nominations. By the time they got to sound design, it was all a blur. I'm so honored and excited to be nominated. It feels totally surreal.
Walter Trarbach: I was working preparing for Ain't Too Proud this morning. I didn't know it was Tony nomination day. My assistant on the show texted me a bunch of exclamation points, and I wrote back and asked her "what?" Then I started hearing from a bunch of people, phone calls, emails, and texts. I find it quite exciting, and also a little embarrassing.
Tom Kitt, SpongeBob SquarePants: The Musical, Best Orchestrations
Today, I'm elated and extremely proud to be recognized by the Tony Committee along with my friends and collaborators on SpongeBob Squarepants, as well as all the other gifted artists who made this season so extraordinary. I'm very grateful for this nomination and I also want to congratulate my fellow nominated orchestrators as well, who are all musicians that I draw inspiration from. It is truly an honor to be in their company. This has been an enormously busy year for me and I've had the great privilege of working on so many projects I love, but my family has had to weather a lot of time apart. So this morning, while I was up in Boston, it was very special to be on FaceTime with my wife as the nominations were being read and to experience that moment with her. And as that was happening, I thought of my kids in school and how I can't wait to tell them the news and give them all big hugs. My family has shared the journey of SpongeBob from the beginning and has seen all of the work that has gone into it, so experiencing this moment now with them is truly a gift that for today, makes the distance seem not so great.
Marianne Elliott, Angels in America, Best Direction of a Play
I would never have expected this honour and I am thrilled to have been nominated alongside such remarkable fellow nominees. Thank you to The Broadway League and The American Theatre Wing. A huge thank you also to Tony Kushner for taking the chance on an English woman to direct this seminal American classic. I love this play and our extraordinary creative team and cast of actors.
Finn Ross, Mean Girls, opposite Scott Pask & Adam Young, Best Scenic Design of a Musical
1st reaction - Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.
2nd reaction - Ahhhhhhhhh.
3rd reaction - Immense pride in the collaboration that led us to making MEAN GIRLS' design everything that it is. And immense pride in the show and all on and off stage - I'm so happy to have been part of this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Renée Fleming, Rodgers & Hammerstein's Carousel, Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical
I am feeling shock and awe. Moving to a whole different world, one with such incredible talent I'm feeling such joy. I'm a fan of Broadway, I go to shows all the time, so this is very special. I found out from watching the stream, I wanted to root on my colleagues. The quality of the show is so high I was expecting many of them to be recognized, but I definitely wasn't expecting the same to happen to me! This is something for me that validates risk, and I wish more people would cross over like Kelli O'Hara this spring. We sort of traded places. This was such a leap of faith, it means so much to be recognized. Someone from the show texted all of us and said this calls for a clambake!
Claire van Kampen, Farinelli and The King, Best Play
I'm completely chuffed as we say in England. It's my first play so you can imagine how I'm feeling! The Broadway audiences have been so great and so accepting, it feels like the icing on the cake and a great thrill for Mark and I. I watched the stream this morning and I got on just before the best new play nominations and missed the best leading actor and thought I hope Mark got one as well or domestic bliss wouldn't be quite so blissful! He's got three Tonys, every time he's on Broadway he gets nominated, I feel like he should change his middle name to Tony at this point. Usually I'm just the partner and I would have been thrilled to accompany him but it's wonderful to both be nominated. We've got our lives together, that's celebration enough for us, but we'll find an extra special way of celebrating tonight, perhaps a nice dinner and some champagne.
Robert Lopez and Kristen Anderson-Lopez, Frozen, Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre
K: We were up very early because it is our younger daughter's 9th birthday. We woke up early to give her a new bicycle and then we sent the other one off to middle school. Annie got to pick her breakfast cereal for her birthday, she picked Lucky Charms! So we were curled up on the couch with her bowl of cereal. This really means so much to me because this is my first! To see my name today... I had to take picture of the screen to make it real. I've been dreaming my whole life to be a part of the Broadway community. It feels so great to be invited to the party!
K: You don't need to feel bad! I've been to the Tonys as the plus one several times now, and to be going this time as the nominee feels so wonderful!
R: We can't wait for the album to come out. It's going to be really special. Particularly what Dave Metzger did with the orchestrations... we owe so much to him.
K: But, today is all about Annie, so we are going to celebrate by taking her new bike to the park and we'll ride and enjoy. Then we have to take the cat the vet because she has a bladder infection. Happy Tony nominations!
Casey Nicholaw, Mean Girls, double nominee for Best Direction of a Musical and Best Choreography
I was so excited this morning to hear the news of our nominations. As a kid, I lived for whatever bits of Broadway I could see or hear - I feel like I'm 8 years old today! We've all worked so hard between DC and our Broadway opening. It feels so fantastic to have that work recognized.
Steven Hoggett, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Parts One and Two, Best Choreography
I'm chuffed to bits about the nomination today. The idea of choreography is changing enormously and the Tony committee acknowledging Harry Potter and the Cursed Child in this way is a huge recognition of choreographers all over the world who are bringing their artistry to shows that might not always be a musical. It's a thrilling time for choreographers and I'm very proud to be a part of this.
I am so majorly thrilled for myself and for my company. I'm so honored that our show's been recognized in this way. I was trying to watch it on the live feed and then I started getting a ton of text messages so then I knew. To be honest I was in my pajamas in bed with my husband and my dog when I heard.
Lindsay Mendez, Rodgers & Hammerstein's Carousel, Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical
This role is so special to me. Every day I can't believe I get to play Carrie Pipperidge. I live with that every single day and getting to do this beautiful work every night is so special to me. Jack O'Brien has given me the freedom to make my way with it and to really carve her out in a new way, a 2018 way, has been really fun. The fact that it's something that people are enjoying makes me really proud and honroed to be among the company. I think my cast and I are all going to have a toast after the show since we've all been nominated. We're all really close and we'll definitely party. But then we have to go bed and get up early!
Jules Fisher + Peggy Eisenhauer, Once On This Island, Best Lighting Design of a Musical
Jules and I thought we had double-vision this morning - when we learned the two of us were nominated in two categories on two marvelous shows, Once On This Island and The Iceman Cometh! We are so lucky to be part of two very dynamic companies, both embracing a different aspect of the creative flow. Congratulations to our fellow collaborators, and especially Michael Arden and George C. Wolfe for their vision!
Jennifer Lee, Frozen, Best Book of a Musical
I'm in LA at the moment, I had been up most of the night nervous and woke up to a dozen wonderful texts from friends and family which was the best way to wake up. It means the world to me to be nominated. Frozen is such a special story for me and to be working on Broadway for the first time, it's a part of my career I never dared to dream of. I'm so proud of everyone on this show, they're all so generous and loving and their passion came through in the amazing collaboration. I've caught the theatre bug! But mostly I'm so proud of everyone it's an extraordinary. Caissie and Patti have talked so often that as women in theatre they've done roles where it's about a romance between a man and woman whereas this is about sisters and I hadn't thought about that, but it made me so happy. The show is such a wonderful way of looking at familial love, and power as women. They're real flawed characters and have completely different powers to give to the world. I might celebrate, but I'll be spending the rest of the day working on the outline for Frozen Two so that's keeping me grounded!
Hailey Kilgore, Once On This Island, Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical
This morning was a morning that I swore I would treat like any other. I looked out the window and thought to myself, "I'm just gonna take a walk." Cue airpods, fresh air, and Ariana Grande. 8:44 AM my phone rings. On the other end my beautiful parents screaming, crying, laughing...all of it! My whole world was rocked. I literally ran to the nearest tree and held my hand to it. The initial thing that drew me to Ti Moune's story was the sense of love and community. Not only among the people who raised her, but the people who raised her up on her journey. In this journey of mine, I have been so lucky to have a village of people to teach me the importance of hard work, perseverance, asking questions, and most importantly to love. Humbled. Honored. Grateful.
Ayad Akhtar, JUNK, Best New Play
I am so honored by this nomination, humbled to be in such amazing company with the other nominees. JUNK was an enormous undertaking, and one that depended on so many, a company of amazing actors, a brilliant design team, the committed, inspired support of Andre Bishop and Lincoln Center Theater, and of course, the inimitable Doug Hughes, who was my partner in the enterprise from start to finish. I am so grateful to the nominating committee.
I'm beside myself. Literally. To say I'm honored and overwhelmed is an understatement. I'm incredibly grateful, but I'm even more so excited about our shows. Both SpongeBob and My Fair Lady being recognized as they were. Both teams and casts are truly special led by our brilliant leaders Tina and Bart, that that made me more happy and proud than anything. I tried to go about my morning like any other and thought, well, if I hear my phone "bing" that could be a good thing... and it did, and I found out from Seth Rudetsky who was the first to text. Which made it all the more special as I basically started this phase of my career choreographing with Seth doing numbers for Broadway Cares and that's when the bug really bit me. So to hear from Seth was pretty special."Harry Hadden-Paton, My Fair Lady, Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical
"Thank you to the Tony nominators, André Bishop and Lincoln Center Theater, and to our director Bartlett Sher for believing in me. I truly could not have imagined a better and more welcoming Broadway experience and am continuously grateful to our cast, crew, and to my family for their amazing dedication to the work, and support. Not-to-mention the wonderful and loyal theatergoers who make this job such an absolute pleasure. Cheers to all the nominees."Dame Diana Rigg, My Fair Lady, Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical
"I'm thrilled"Bartlett Sher, My Fair Lady, Best Direction of a Musical
"I am genuinely excited for our show. My Fair Lady was the largest undertaking I have ever attempted at LCT. It was a huge risk and I felt very fortunate to share this work with such an astonishing group of artists. People don't realize how hard it is to make these musicals, and how intense the pressure is, and how close a company can become. So the recognition from the Tony Awards is well deserved for all us, and it feels especially good because it acknowledges profoundly all of our commitment and hard work . And I feel especially honored to be in the company of such an amazing group of nominees. All of my fellow nominees have done mind blowing work. They are all exceptional artists and I am honored to be in their company. I am really looking forward to the joyful celebrations ahead."Michael Yeargan, My Fair Lady, Best Scenic Design of a Musical
"What a thrill that all the visual aspects of My Fair lady have been recognized with these nominations! I'm so grateful to be part of this amazing team and in the company of fellow nominees who have all done such amazing and diverse work."
Tom Hollander, Travesties, Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play
I am thrilled and delighted to be nominated. Huge thanks to Todd Haimes and all at the Roundabout. To David Babani and Tom Syracuse at the Chocolate Factory. To Sonia Friedman, Patrick Marber, Tom Stoppard and the rest of the brilliant company of Travesties. It means a great deal to be part of this revival of a play that I was mystified by 30 years ago when we studied it at school but has now become my friend. Like a comical confetti shower of ideas projected in strange and beautiful patterns by the genius of Tom Stoppard.
Mark Rylance, Farinelli and The King, Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play
I just came home from some meetings with theatre architects and my wife Claire told me the news. I was surprised because I wasn't nominated for a Drama Desk or Outer Critics Award and thought it was just going to be Claire's thing, but now it's nice to be celebrated as well. I'm thrilled for Claire. She wrote as a little girl and then became a pianist and to return to writing was a dream for her. Then to write a successful play is wonderful. Being welcomed on Broadway, I never expected such a thing. I didn't act on Broadway until I was 48, it's amazing to me that I have an audience there that will come along to such a variety of different things. And, to have a producer like Sonia Friedman to take the risk with me on different projects I'm interested in, it's a thrill for me. I love that city and this just means that I can carry on imagining things that I could bring to that theatre community that will be interesting to them. I expect Claire will be right and we'll celebrate by going out for dinner and some champagne!
Ariana DeBose, Summer: The Donna Summer Musical, Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical
I am absolutely beside myself! I'm thrilled to be included in this incredible line up of powerhouse women. My high school self is absolutely geeking out right now!... To be able to represent our show, to represent Donna is priceless! Needless to say I burst into tears when I saw my face on that screen during the live stream. It's a proud moment, indeed... I'm just so GRATEFUL!
LaChanze, Summer: The Donna Summer Musical, Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical
I am so thrilled and honored to be nominated this year for outstanding leading actress in a musical for the Tony awards. And I am very grateful to be in the category of women that have been selected who are all divas in their own right, so I celebrate this moment with them all
Annmarie Milazzo, Once On This Island, Best Orchestrations
It was a privilege to have collaborated with Michael Starobin, the entire creative team and this cast of remarkably gifted singers!
John Tiffany, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Parts One and Two, Best Direction of a Play
I'm over the moon that so many of the brilliant artists who I have had the great fortune of collaborating with on Harry Potter and the Cursed Child have been recognised by the Broadway League and the American Theater Wing.
Alexander Gemignani, Rodgers & Hammerstein's Carousel, Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical
It's unreal, I'm a tad speechless. My wife and I were up with our daughter, who will be three in about a week, playing with her, packing food for the day, and my wife said the Tony nominations are this morning and I said oh right yeah. We turned them on, danced around with our daughter then heard the category and our own little celebration. Our whole cast is nominated so we were all texting 'here's to us'! We have such a warm and beautiful company of actors it's been a lovely experience working with them and the fact that some of us have been recognized is amazing. I think to celebrate we're all going to take off a week and go to Cabo (just kidding). We're a very congratulatory bunch, and I think there will be lots of hugs and I'm sure as month goes on there will be many shindigs.
Clint Ramos, Once On This Island, Best Costume Design of a Musical
I feel flabbergasted. It means the world and an honor to be nominated among these design TITANS. Also, it's so humbling and encouraging to be recognized for design that doesn't resemble a traditional Broadway musical-it just means that we have the room for something more unconventional . THANK YOU!
Sonia Friedman Productions, Colin Callender, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Parts One and Two, Best Play
We are thrilled that the play, our incredible creative team and actors have been recognised in the Tony nominations - this production has been such a wonderfully collaborative experience from the very beginning, and these nominations are a reflection of the extraordinary and inspired artistry of everybody involved in the making of this production, both on and off stage.
Lorne Michaels, Producer, Mean Girls, Best New Musical
If you had told me when I was in high school that someday I was going to get a Tony nomination I would have thought, "Fantastic. Lead Actor in a Musical." Still, I'm thrilled. It's been a joy to work with this cast and creative team and we hope we've made Stuart Thompson proud.
Susan Brown, Angels in America, Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play
Well, I knew that the nominations were today and literally I'd just gotten up and was making a cup of tea when my husband called from London. It was rather wonderful to hear from him first and to celebrate together and I've spent the day making a lot of phone calls like these and listening to lovely voice mails from friends. It's a jolly hard show and one can't go too made on a Tuesday and still do two shows on Wednesday so I'll be celebrating ... but not too much!
Dane Laffrey, Once On This Island, Best Set Design of a Musical
I'm ecstatic that our show was shown so much love and that the whole family of designers were recognized (along with our brilliant leader Michael Arden). I'm honored and humbled to be nominated in the company of artists I greatly admire. Having the opportunity to reimagine Stephen and Lynn's gorgeous Once On This Island has been the greatest of gifts and an incredible journey that gets more exciting by the day!
Scott Pask, Mean Girls co-nominee for Best Scenic Design of a Musical
I'm over the moon about this thrilling recognition of our work together on Mean Girls! And to get the news while on a train weaving between lochs in the Scottish highlands was beyond surreal.
Adam Young, Mean Girls co-nominee for Best Scenic Design of a Musical
This recognition is overwhelming but I'm so happy it's for a show that we spent so much time, effort and love crafting.
Patrick Marber, Travesties, Best Direction of a Play
I'm thrilled and delighted for everyone who made 'Travesties' that it has received 4 Tony nominations. It has been one of the greatest pleasures of my professional life to work with Tom Stoppard and our incredible company of actors, creatives, crew, agents, marketeers, publicists, string pullers and producers to bring this great play back to Broadway. I loved every moment of directing 'Travesties'. To be nominated for a Tony award for doing so feels like a gift too far. But I am extremely grateful to receive it. I intend to spend the next few weeks undermining and impugning the credibility and integrity of my fellow directing nominees thus to lay the pathway for my personal victory on June 10."
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