FELA!, AMERICAN IDIOT Likely Ineligible for Best Original Score Tony Noms.

The Wall Street Journal is reporting today that there may be some Tony tension brewing early over the category of Best Original Score.  According to the report, only two scores from original musicals that opened on Broadway this season may be eligible for nomination, despite the 4 available slots in the category. MEMPHIS and THE ADDAMS FAMILY will be eligible, however shows such as FELA! and AMERICAN IDIOT will likely not qualify.

According to Tony rules, over 50% of a show's score must be newly composed for the musical.  FELA! features original songs from Afrobeat icon Fela Kuti, while AMERICAN IDIOT features the music off of the Green Day album of the same name.  FELA! lead producer Stephen Hendel had recently petitioned the Tony administration for eligibility in the best original score category for FELA! since many of the tunes were refashioned for the Broadway show.  His request for consideration has been denied, since he did not make his petition within two week's of FELA's opening, which Tony rules require.  

Says Hendel to the Wall Street Journal: "In some respects, it's sort of ironic, because this is music that to an American theater audience is unfamiliar and very, very original and in some respects probably the most original music anybody is listening to on Broadway this year." 

AMERICAN IDIOT producers have not petitioned for best original score consideration.  Shows' eligibility in all categories will be determined by the Tony administration at the end of April.

The Tony Awards Ceremony will be held on June 13, 2010.  For more information, visit www.tonyawards.com.