Best Musical: Once
What happens when you combine two beautiful people, a complicated romance, and unforgettable ballads? The answer; 11 Tony nominations! This year’s breakout Broadway hit, Once, was not only nominated for best musical, but also snagged nods for best actor, best actress, and best choreography. Not too shabby for a show with unknown actors and a dime-sized budget.
Best musical: Nice Work If You Can Get It
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Proving that its cool to kick it old school, Nice Work pays homage to the classic musical style that made Broadway popular. Featuring music from the legendary Gershwin brothers, the musical comedy starring Matthew Broderick and Kelli O’Hara highlights the flair of the roaring '20s. From the Charleston to colorfully dressed flappers, there’s never a dull moment.
Best Play: Peter and the Starcatcher
How did Captain Hook become so mean? And for Pete’s sake, how did he loose his hand? Learn the answers to these questions and many more in Peter and the Starcatcher. This Tony-nominated play tells the origin story of Peter Pan while taking audience members on a hilarious adventure complete with pirates, magic, and treasure. It’s the “Neverland you never knew!”
Best Play: Other Desert Cities
Every family has secrets. However, not every family has a member writing a tell-all book. In Other Desert Cities, an estranged daughter returns home to inform her family of a memoir she intends to write exposing a deep, dark family event. Like all family reunions, this meeting has a ton of laughs, a few tears, and a busload of drama.
Best Actor in a Play: Phillip Seymour Hoffman
From success on the big screen to triumph on the big stage: Academy Award winner Phillip Seymour Hoffman received a best-actor nod for his leading role as Willy Loman in Death of a Salesman. Never one to shy away from complicated dramatic roles, Hoffman takes audiences inside the mind of a man sinking deeper and deeper into despair. The play also stars Andrew Garfield (The Social Network, Spiderman) as his son Biff.
Best Actor in a Play: John Lithgow
John Lithgow brings Cold War columnist Joseph Alsop’s life to Broadway in the political drama The Columnist. The play sheds light on historic headlines of the time while unraveling the closely held secrets of Alsop’s personal life. Typically known for his comedic roles, Lithgow flexes his acting chops for this Tony-nominated performance
Best Actress in a Play: Cynthia Nixon
You may know her as the career-driven Miranda from Sex and the City, but be assured, Cynthia Nixon has range. In the Broadway play Wit she plays a terminally-ill English professor going through experimental treatments and dealing with her own mortality. Watch as Nixon describes why “Hi” is usually the best salutation when greeting a cancer patient.
Best actor in a musical: Jeremy Jordan
Paper, get your paper! Jeremy Jordan shines in the movie turned musical ‘Newsies.” The Disney show highlights the revolt of 1890's paper boys, and stars Jordan as Jack Kelly, the leader of a rag tag group of orphans. Although previously starring in other Broadway shows like ‘West Side Story’ and ‘Rock of Ages,’ this is Jordan’s first nomination. We dare you to watch this clip and not immediately buy a ticket to the show!
Best Actress in a musical: Audra McDonald
This isn’t her first rodeo. Veteran stage actress Audra McDonald already has four Tony awards under her belt. Nevertheless, this is the first time she is nominated for a lead actress role. Starring in Porgy and Bess, McDonald plays the role of Bess, a woman with a troubled past who finds safety and love in the arms of a crippled beggar. Watch as the award winning performer belts out an operatic rendition of the classic “Summertime.”
