Bobby Cannavale on Sutton Foster Waking Him with Tony News

Past Tony winners Anika Noni Rose and Matthew Broderick announced the 2011 Tony Awards nominees live from the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts in New York City. BroadwayWorld.com will be talking to all of the nominees to hear their exciting stories of how they heard, who they told and more!

The American Theatre Wing's 65th Annual Antoinette Perry "Tony" Awards, which are presented by The Broadway League and the American Theatre Wing, will air on CBS on Sunday, June 12th from 8:00 - 11:00 PM (ET/PT time delay).

"I was asleep during the nominations and found out about the nominations when my girlfriend, Sutton Foster, woke me up. It feels amazing to have the show honored like this and I'm just so thrilled that it was recognized in so many categories. It's scary to start a new play and put it on stage and see how it is received. I believe so strongly in this play. It is the best play I have ever read and I have always had confidence in it. This is a big moment for us and I'm proud of everyone who got in the room on February 7, Chris Rock's first day actually, to make this a reality. We are so connected as a cast. Seeing Stephen's work recognized is absolutely one of the highlights of this whole process. I have known Stephen Adly Guirgis for years and he has a unique voice, a special voice, and an important voice that deserves to be on Broadway. Finally, working class New Yorkers, which are such an important part of this city, are having their moment on Broadway. I was proud of him the day we opened on Broadway, proud for him when we got our reviews and I'm proud for him today. It's also my birthday so I get to continue celebrating with birthday presents - I'm still waiting on my girlfriend's gift, so that should be good - and then I get to perform tonight, which is always a pleasure." 

Bobby Cannavale, nominee for Best Leading Actor in a Play for The Motherf**ker With the Hat

Photo Credit: Walter McBride/WM Photos