Nicholas Christopher, Sara Chase, André De Shields, and More React to Being 2026 Tony Award Musical Nominees
Tony season officially kicked off May 5 with Emmy winner and Tony nominee Uzo Aduba (Clyde’s, Orange Is the New Black) and two-time Tony winner Darren Criss (Maybe Happy Ending) announcing this year’s Tony nominations.
Read on below to learn how the 2026 Tony nominees in the musical
categories heard the news, and what it’s like to have their work
recognized by the Tony Awards.
Keep checking this page for further updates as they come in. (Click here to read reactions from nominees in the play categories.)
ACTORS
Sam Tutty, Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical, Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York)
“I
am feeling so grateful and thrilled for everyone apart of this show. Eight Tony nominations feels like a dream come true, and I am so proud of
everyone, especially for those behind the scenes who make this show
happen eight times a week! I am very very happy, and incredibly humbled—what a moment! Thank you to The American Theatre Wing and The Broadway
League.”
Bryce Pinkham, Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical, Chess
“Chess
has found its way into my life in unexpected and meaningful ways, from
nearly 40 years ago when my father-in-law was part of the original West
End company to almost a decade ago when I first stepped into the role of
The Arbiter. I’m deeply grateful to Danny Strong for his trust and for
being such a generous collaborator. To Michael Mayer, Tom Hulce, and the
incredible company who show up eight times a week with heart and
precision, thank you for making this a journey of a lifetime. And, of
course, nothing is made possible without my forever Queen, Scarlett
Strallen. Thank you to the American Theatre Wing for this incredible
honor.”
Joshua Henry, Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical, Ragtime
“Waking up to getting my fourth Tony Awards nomination for Ragtime
on Broadway after my opening performance at The Met Gala last night…
bro, what is happening?! My heart is bursting with gratitude. I feel
grounded in God, my supportive family, and my creative community in a
fiery way.”
Caissie Levy, Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical, Ragtime
“The
Tony Awards are such a celebration of the theatre, and it feels
absolutely incredible to be recognized in this way by the community I’ve
loved and worked in for the last 20 years. I’m overjoyed to share this
moment with our stellar company—our cast, our creative team, our crew,
and our orchestra. To be nominated for the first time means so much to
me. I’m truly overwhelmed and can’t stop smiling. And now, I’m going to
drop my kids off at school! Balance.”
Marla Mindelle, Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical, Best Book of a Musical, and Best Musical, Titaníque
“Oh my God, I am running on fumes. I’ve had three hours of sleep. I was on The Today Show. I’m wearing a full face of makeup, lashes, and pajamas. It makes me emotional. I never thought that we would be here. I thought we would probably be the little show that could and maybe run Off-Broadway forever and then go all over the world. Maybe that’s the journey for the show, and I can rest in peace with that. To finally be here and for it to feel legitimate because it’s on Broadway and to be recognized, not only as a performer, but as an author too, and not only that, but the show itself, I feel like all of the hard work and the labor of love has finally paid off, even if we don’t win anything. Just to be on Broadway feels like an accomplishment, but to be nominated feels like such a massive honor…I popped out of the womb doing musical theatre. My parents met doing musical theatre. My dad has been writing musical theatre his entire life. I have seen the journey of an artist developing musical after musical, and I have also been a performer in musical after musical. The Tony Awards, they mean everything! Which is silly, because it’s just an award, and it’s an honor to be nominated, but at the same time, when you’re a child, this is what you dream of. When I was 10 years old, I said to myself, ‘At 26, I will have a Tony and be a millionaire from Broadway., And LOL, neither of those things happened. I may never be a millionaire, but to even have a Tony nomination, I feel like I fulfilled some part of my childhood dream.”
Nichelle Lewis, Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical, Ragtime
“My brain is mush. Oh my gosh. Thank you so much. I found out sitting here on the couch with my managers and watching the live [broadcast], which I’d never have really done before. So it was so crazy and intense. It felt like forever. I was trying not to have a panic attack on this couch, because the anticipation was building and building. Oh my gosh. Everyone’s super excited. We’ve actually been calling each other. We’re screaming! We’re family. I definitely called my friends and was like, “Period! I knew it was going happen for you.” Because I did. They’re so phenomenal. Each person is incredibly talented. We’re also getting a lot of support from the ensemble, who are also amazingly talented in their own right, each and every person. So it’s been just amazing.”
Christiani Pitts, Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical, Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York)
“I still can’t describe it. I’m so excited. I just dropped my daughter off at school, and so I’m walking down the street. I’m walking down the street. I thought I had 15 more minutes until they were announced. I had my timing wrong. I was walking down the street and almost fell to my knees. It means that all the work and love I’ve put into this insane craft is worthy of acknowledgement. My little self should be very proud. I used to put on shows in my basement, or I’m talking about like lights, camera, full costume. I have lived and breathed theatre since I can remember, and I have watched the Tonys since I can remember. Part of my struggle to process is because it always felt like this very distant thing. [It] always felt like a dream. I love theatre so much, so it was always okay if it never came true. I love what we do. I love what we do so much, and I’m so thankful for the Tonys, because that was how I saw theatre being celebrated. Because I’m from Georgia, I wasn’t close enough to New York. Really, this is really special.”
Hannah Cruz, Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical, Chess
“Waking
up this morning to the news was an experience I will never forget. I
love Broadway more than I can really express. And to be recognized in
this way by The American Theatre Wing and The Broadway League is a dream
come true. I’m so proud of our show and our cast and I’m truly honored
by this nomination.”
Ben Levi Ross, Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical, Ragtime
“This is truly the honor of my life. To be a part of this show, at this time, with this cast. I’m simply overwhelmed with love and gratitude. Ragtime is an example of this art form at its highest caliber thanks to the brilliant score by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty and the genius of Terrence McNally. To have my first Tony nomination be with this production feels aligned and deeply meaningful.”
Brandon Uranowitz, Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical, Ragtime
“Anyone who knows me knows I’ve had a long, complicated history with Ragtime. Coming back to the show 30 years later as Tateh has been one of the most healing and rewarding experiences of my life. This recognition is beyond my 11-year-old self’s wildest dreams. If there’s anything I’ve learned, it’s this: the things that are meant for you won’t pass you by. Just keep going. Thank you to the League, the Wing, and everyone who’s supported me along the way.”
Ana Gasteyer, Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical, Schmigadoon!
“Cheese and crackers! This is so exciting! I’m speechless! Thank you to the Broadway League and American Theater Wing. I love our show so much and I’m so proud of everyone involved with Schmigadoon! We’ve got life and jubilation in Schmigadoon!“
Stephanie Hsu, Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical, The Rocky Horror Show
“My heart is pounding, pouring over with gratitude. Thank you to the Tony Committee for this humbling recognition. Returning to Broadway has been so artistically fulfilling, and it moves me deeply to be witnessed and celebrated by the community. Gosh, I love the theatre and I love being in The Rocky Horror Show in the limitless sandbox that Sam Pinkleton has cultivated. It is a gift to unleash Janet Weiss night after night. I can’t wait to keep sharing her with you.”
Shoshana Bean, Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical, The Lost Boys
“This
nomination is an extra special one because this show is an extra
special one. I’m so over the moon proud of and obsessed with it and with
this group of people! It has been the richest, most joyful experience, so this beautiful recognition is the perfect icing on a pretty
incredible cake.”
Ali Louis Bourzgui, Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical, The Lost Boys
”Currently sitting at my kitchen table—my hands are still shaking typing this out! I watched the nomination announcements live with my partner Tassy, and they started tearing up for me, but I haven’t even fully processed yet. This is such a massive honor, and I’m so happy for the show as a
whole getting multiple nominations because everyone on this team really brought their deepest level of passion to the work. We love this show and each other so much so for that work to be recognized feels amazing. My childhood theatre mentor passed away last week, and all I can think
about is all the people including him who held my hand and believed in my ability to make it to this level. These moments are built on love.”
Sara Chase, Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical, Schmigadoon!
Thank you! Thank you. I think the shock is wearing off, and now I’m going into the crying mode. So, you got me at a good time. I was in bed with my usual eye mask on, lights off, trying to sleep because I haven’t slept in like 24 hours. This has made me so nervous. I can’t even begin to comprehend the journey of the last two years from the low lows to the high highs. I can’t even believe it. I’m so grateful, and I’m so grateful that musical theatre, which I love, has been intertwined with this entire journey. It’s it’s just poetic.”
André De Shields, Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical, Cats: The Jellicle Ball
“I
think it most appropriate to quote from the song, ‘My legs may be
tottery. I must go slow, and be careful of Old Deuteronomy.’”
Nicholas Christopher, Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical, Chess
“I’m doing great. I’m doing great. I was just saying … I don’t know how the heck I’m going to do a show tonight after all this screaming and crying and screaming and crying. I’m over, over, over the moon. I’m shaking! We watched CBS, and we FaceTimed with my whole family. We were all watching together, and my girls are sitting on the couch next to me and my wife. We saw by watching. We’re all criers. So everybody was crying, all red-faced and crying. My mom [in Bermuda] had this little blue pom pom she was waving. My mom and dad were wearing their Chess t-shirts. My sister was in the middle of a meeting for work, and she screamed in the middle of her meeting. I got all these emotions! I’m sorry, they’re just coming out all at once.”
WRITERS
The Rescues, Best Original Score Written for the Theatre, The Lost Boys
“We’re incredibly honored to be recognized by the Tonys. As three choir-geek-songwriters turned late-blooming-theatre-kids, to be welcomed into the Broadway community is truly humbling and meaningful for us, and we are so proud to share this moment with our beautiful Lost Boys family.”
Jim Barne and Kit Buchan, Best Book of a Musical and Best Original Score Written for the Theatre, Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York)
“This is the proudest moment in mine and Jim’s professional lives, and the most exciting moment in our friendship since the Strokes played the Brixton Academy in 2002. It gives us even greater pride to know that our collaborators Soutra, Tim, Sam, Christiani, and Lux have all been nominated as well. Nothing that we have done would have been possible without them and from the bottom of our hearts we thank the nominating committee for recognizing the detail, intelligence, and commitment they have brought to bear on our musical. This show began with two childhood friends in a Barnsbury bedsit trying to make each other laugh and cry. It is an extraordinary realization to know that, by the alchemy of theatrical magic, we have made this whole city laugh and cry as well. We are proud to be acknowledged, and proud to be among this magnificent field of nominees. Our show has been 10 years in the making, and has grown from very humble beginnings. It is a profound reflection of the generosity and democracy of the Broadway community that a show like ours could find a home in New York, and be recognized in this way. Jim and I met when we were nine years old; I wish I could travel back in time and tell those strange boys that this day would come.”
Tye Blue, Best Book of a Musical, Titaníque
“I am so honored to receive these Tony Award nominations today for what has truly been a voyage of dreams on Titaníque—hearing the news of the Best Musical nod this morning was so thrilling, and then to be recognized again alongside my amazing writing partners?! Beyond. I’d like to send a huge thanks to The American Theatre Wing and Broadway League, who have just changed my life forever. I shall try to do you proud! And huge congrats to both Marla [Mindelle] and Layton [Williams] for their performing nominations as well, which are so well deserved!”
David Hornsby and Chris Hoch, Best Book of a Musical, The Lost Boys
“When
we met in high school so many years ago, the last thing the two of us
ever imagined is that we’d be lucky enough to be Tony-nominated writers
of a Broadway vampire musical. We are so honored and grateful—especially to the cast and crew at The Palace who are making us look
good eight times a week.”
Cinco Paul, Best Book of a Musical and Best Original Score Written for the Theatre, Schmigadoon!
“Best, best birthday ever. I am beyond happy! I’d originally conceived of Schmigadoon! as a stage musical all those years ago, like 25 years ago. It was always the wildest dream that this would happen. I can’t believe it’s actually come true! Birthday wish come true. It has been a dream from start to finish. I want to do theatre! I’d be happy doing theatre for the rest of my career almost exclusively. I’m going to try to do other stuff, but I just want to keep doing theatre, because it’s a great community. It’s been such a an amazing collaborative experience, from Chris Gattelli, who I’ve known since the TV show, down to every, every single single person involved. I love it so much! There’s something magical about [theatre].”
DIRECTORS AND CHOREOGRAPHERS
Tim Jackson, Best Direction of a Musical, Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York)
“I’m overwhelmed, grateful, and so honored to be nominated for Best Director, and thrilled that Two Strangers has received eight nominations. These nominations reflect the collective brilliance of so many kind, funny, big-hearted collaborators who have poured their magic and immense talent into this special show over the last eight years. Making this musical with Kit Buchan and Jim Barne has been a highlight of my career, and of my life. Every day together has been filled with laughter and a
fizzy creativity, and I couldn’t be happier for the two of them. The opportunity to tell an original story like this is a privilege, and the fact we’ve gone on this epic journey from a tiny basement studio to now Broadway is just bananas.”
Omari Wiles, Best Choreography, Cats: The Jellicle Ball
“This is for the young me who watched his parents build a legacy and community that nurtured the strength within me to pursue my dream. As a child, Cats was the first Broadway show I ever saw, and this reimagining holds a much greater purpose than we could have ever imagined. It’s been a dream of mine to touch a Broadway stage, and now that dream lives on with Cats: The Jellicle Ball.”
Arturo Lyons, Best Choreography, Cats: The Jellicle Ball
“Waking up feeling beyond grateful. A Tony nominee. We’re just two choreographers coming from ballroom and flipping this masterpiece our way—yeah, it’s major. This moment means everything, and we’re pouring our truth, our history, and our artistry into every count. Ballroom is hitting Broadway and we’re not holding back. The energy, the storytelling, the precision—it’s all there and then some. This is for the culture, for the ones who paved the way, and for everybody ready to feel something real. So when whenever you’re ready for a party come meet us at the Broadhurst.”
Lauren and Christopher Grant, Best Choreography, The Lost Boys
“We’re deeply grateful and honored by this Tony nomination. This recognition belongs just as much to our fearless, generous cast, whose commitment and heart bring this show to life eight times a week at the magical Palace Theatre. We’re especially thankful to Michael Arden for believing in us and championing our work, to The Rescues for their extraordinary music, and to everyone who helped shape this piece of theatre.”
Zhailon Levingston, Best Direction of a Musical, Cats: The Jellicle Ball
“[I am] just so excited. I’m basking in this collective honor for my entire creative team. This is a work that took one thousand different fingerprints to make happen. I’m thinking about the journey and thinking about my little kid self at six or seven, watching Cats, and trying to be as present as I can be.… The Tony Awards, for me, remain a welcome sign to a dream that I had that felt both years away and thousands, and thousands, and thousands, of miles away. I would watch the Tony Awards every year growing up in Shreveport, Louisiana, and that was my only pathway to place my dream somewhere. I could project it onto the Tony Awards every year. For me, it is an arrival to this place that I’ve been chasing my whole life. When you’re in the moment, and you get there, it’s not about me and my one singular dream. It’s about the dreams of so many people who I wouldn’t be here without, both in the artistic world and outside of the artistic world. This is an award that, if I win, I think, and if I’m wrong, someone correct me, but I think I would be only the third Black director to win in the category of Director of a Musical. There’s something that feels much bigger than me and all of this.”
Lear deBessonet, Best Direction of a Musical, Ragtime
“We are all so moved by this recognition and the 11 nominations for Ragtime. I am thrilled for the members of our cast and creative team; and we share this moment with the many, many collaborators across disciplines whose talent and humanity have made this production possible. Ragtime speaks so beautifully to Lincoln Center Theater’s commitment to staging work that brings our many histories, voices, and communities into conversation, and I’m particularly overjoyed that this great American musical [by Terrence McNally, Stephen Flaherty, and Lynn Ahrens] is receiving the renewed celebration it has always deserved. On a personal note, I am so honored to be nominated alongside these exquisitely gifted directors who I love and who inspire me.”
Christopher Gattelli, Best Direction of a Musical and Best Choreography, Schmigadoon!
I’m beside myself. Beside myself. I truly can’t put it into words. The double nomination, back-to-back years, I don’t know. I can’t even put into words how special it is. But I’m mostly proud of the show and our company. …Coming up the ranks, it’s everyone’s dream. It’s an honor to be in the community itself. I don’t take it for granted. It’s a mini miracle that any show happens. That it gets up is a miracle. Then to be recognized is icing on the cake. I don’t take that for granted. It’s truly, truly special.”
Ellenore Scott, Best Choreography, Ragtime
“I’m
overwhelmed at the response to this incredible production. My work,
along with all of the other tremendous artists being recognized for Ragtime.
What an honor.”
Bill Rauch, Best Direction of a Musical, Cats: The Jellicle Ball
“Oh, thank you so much. I am over the Jellicle moon. I’m at home, and I’m so excited, so proud of all the nominees for our show. I have to say that this show has always been about Ballroom. Ballroom is at the heart of the honors for this production. So I’m so happy for the Ballroom community. I’ve spent my entire career trying to connect the dots between classics and the here and the now of where we’re sharing them. To be able to work on this iconic musical, to co-direct it with Zhailon [Levingston], and to work with all the artists who contributed to it, really feels like the culmination of what I’ve been trying to do my whole life.”
Michael Arden, Best Director of a Musical and Best Lighting Design of a Musical, The Lost Boys
“I am overwhelmed with gratitude for this honor. To be working in the theatre, let alone on Broadway, has been my dream since I transformed my grandparents’ garage into a stage as a kid. More important than the personal honor is the deep sense of pride I have for my fellow collaborators who poured their souls into the monumental undertaking that is The Lost Boys. They are all my heroes and I am so grateful for the selflessness, rigor, and passion they brought to work every day. Congrats to all the nominees and all the countless artists and technicians who make every show possible and who continue to delight and inspire audiences eight times a week on Broadway.”
DESIGNERS AND ORCHESTRATORS
Mike Morris, Best Orchestrations, Schmigadoon!
“Working on Schmigadoon! has
been a true joy, both personally and professionally. I’m deeply honored
to share this nomination with my colleague and longtime friend Doug Besterman for our work on Cinco Paul’s wonderfully rich and inventive score. I’m also grateful to David Chase for his brilliant arrangements and music supervision, Steven Malone for his expert music direction, Walter Trarbach for
his impeccable sound design, and to the extraordinary musicians in our
pit orchestra, who bring the score to vivid life at every performance. I
am incredibly humbled and grateful that Doug and I are included among
this year’s Best Orchestrations nominees. Thanks to the entire
Schmigadoon! family, especially to Chris Gattelli and our superb cast!”
Scott Pask, Best Scenic Design of a Musical, Schmigadoon!
“I am deeply grateful to be recognized among the incredible theatre artists nominated this year. I’m honored to represent the extraordinary group of artisans and painters who contributed their immense talents to the creation of the magical world onstage at Schmigadoon! This production celebrates the legacy of the Golden Age of Broadway musicals, which laid the foundation for contemporary scenic design.”
Adam Fisher, Best Sound Design of a Musical, The Lost Boys
“I’m completely overwhelmed by this nomination for The Lost Boys. It’s been an epic journey to get here, and seeing the show receive so much recognition is truly incredible. It makes me feel so proud to be part of the Broadway community.”
Ryan Park, Best Costume Design of a Musical, The Lost Boys
“I’m caught off guard and so honored to be recognized. I’m immensely proud of our team’s work and being able to see The Lost Boys’ family getting so much love makes it extremely special.”
Dane Laffrey, Best Scenic Design of a Musical, The Lost Boys
“The Lost Boys was as much of a thrill ride to make as it is onstage. I am incredibly honored to be nominated amongst the best designers working on Broadway and as part of a creative team that was recognized across the board for this biggest of swings.”
Qween Jean, Best Costume Design of a Musical, Cats: The Jellicle Ball
“On the first day of our tech rehearsal, I quoted a speech from icon Junior Labeija, who plays Gus The Theatre Cat in Cats: The Jellicle Ball. And in Junior’s speech, they described the era in which young black and brown queer people living in New York City at the height of ostracization, HIV stigma, and injustice; despite that, community was formed, galvanized at the epicenter. Each night, a ball occurred. This experience has certainly unequivocally changed my life as a black trans woman in ballroom. To have the honor to illustrate and adorn these icons, legends, statements, and stars is an honor that I do not take lightly. In particular, this morning, I’m reflecting on the pioneer mothers, Pepper LaBeija, Angie Xtravaganza, to Dorian Corey and Crystal LaBeija. I am grateful for the courage, love, and sacrifices that these people have when they did not receive their flowers and love back. The Jellicle Ball serves as a lighthouse. For all to come, to learn, to rejoice, and to be reminded that we are all that we need to survive. There is no legislation, evil rhetoric, or executive orders that will diminish the light that we shine. I pray and I stand proudly… on the shoulders of leaders, pioneers, activists. I invite everyone to be a part of the change. This dynamic, transformative, and immersive story was made possible by our artistic leaders, producers, collaborators, outstanding cast, and crew, who dedicated to giving our best, each and every night. I firmly believe in our power. On Opening Night, ‘Tempress’ Chasity Moore, our Grizabella, quoted Charlie Chaplin saying, ‘When people see a free world, they want to fight for it.’ And Cats: The Jellicle Ball is a grand prize free world.”
Walter Trarbach, Best Sound Design of a Musical, Brigadoon!
“I’m delighted and honored to represent Schmigadoon! with this nomination. It is a true pleasure to work on a musical that brings so much laughter and joy into the world, and I’m proud to play a small part in sharing that joy with audiences eight times a week.“
Adam Honoré, Best Lighting Design of a Musical, Cats: The Jellicle Ball and Ragtime
“Wow, wow, wow, wow, wow. I am so tickled I don’t even know what to say. This is an incredible honor to be nominated in this category with such greats. I, not very long ago as a… you know, a young designer, looked up to all of these designers in this category with me and I cannot believe this morning has gone the way it has. Cats: [The Jellicle Ball] was such an incredible journey. The entire process was so joyous. The room had a spirit and a light to it that was just incredible, and I am truly here just also along for the ride. So, it’s very cool to be nominated with everyone. Thank you.”
“I am incredibly tickled, humbled, and elated to be nominated alongside Don and 59 Studio for the design of Ragtime.
Working by the side of these industry greats has been the joy of a
lifetime and a personal dream come true. Looking forward to continuing
this important storytelling night after night and sharing our work on
the Tony stage.”
Rachel Hauck, Best Scenic Design of a Musical, Cats: The Jellicle Ball
“What! What! I’m so thrilled. We are so, so, so proud of the ball and for the entire show to be seen. I just can’t believe it. I’m so proud and so thrilled. It’s an impossible honor. I just can’t believe it. Congratulations to everybody. I’m just thrilled to be in this company. I can’t believe it. Come on. Come one. Come all. Come to the ball.”
Linda Cho, Best Costume Design of a Musical, Ragtime
“What a morning. I’m beyond delighted that Ragtime has
received so much recognition this season. I believe we honored this
magnificent piece of the American Musical Theatre canon. My heart is
bursting with joy for all my collaborators, and I am fiercely proud we
get to share this moving cautionary tale with New York audiences.”
Donald Holder, Best Lighting Design of a Musical, Ragtime and Schmigadoon!
“Ragtime
has and always will be one of my favorite musicals, so I feel
particularly fortunate to be a part of this magnificent production. I’m
truly honored and thrilled beyond words to be nominated for my work in
collaboration with Adam and 59 Studio, and I couldn’t be happier for
Lincoln Center Theater, Lear deBessonet, and the amazing cast and crew
of Ragtime.”
“Schmigadoon! was a joyous experience and a wonderful collaboration from beginning to end. It was an honor and a privilege to make this production with so many gifted colleagues, and to be recognized for my work with a Tony nomination means the world to me. I’m so happy for the entire Schmigadoon! company, both onstage and off: It’s been a truly incredible day!”
59 Studio, Best Lighting Design of a Musical, Ragtime
“We are delighted to be nominated alongside Don Holder and Adam Honoré for the lighting design of Ragtime. Working on Ragtime
was a dream, and it is thrilling to be part of bringing these important
stories back to the stage, now more than ever. We feel honored to be
nominated among so many talented friends and colleagues.”
Ethan Popp, Best Orchestrations, The Lost Boys
“I’m deeply honored by this recognition from the Tony Awards. The Lost Boys has
been an extraordinary musical undertaking, and I’m incredibly proud of
the orchestrations, arrangements, and music production work that helped
bring this score from The Rescues’ demos into a fully realized
theatrical world. I’m grateful to our phenomenal musicians, the entire
music team, and all of my collaborators who helped make that possible.”
The Rescues (Kyler England, Adrianne “AG” Gonzalez, Gabriel Mann), Best Original Score Written for the Theatre and Best Orchestrations, The Lost Boys
“I’m starting to feel overwhelmed. This is something we’ve never done before. This thing that’s happening right now, where we are calling and getting calls from press people for our thoughts. It’s fascinating. We’ve been working on this for five years, and [being nominated for a Tony] wasn’t on the agenda. To be welcomed into this community has been an incredible joy and honor. To be celebrated in this way feels exactly like the message of the show. It is the message of belonging. To feel that way, to be welcomed, and to belong into a community is a beautiful, beautiful thing. It feels like we are super late bloomers as theatre kids, and we finally found the place where we belong…We are also deeply in love with our team that made The Lost Boys. From the producers, to our director, to the cast, to the crew, everybody is so talented and brilliant and generous and kind. To see our teammates celebrated as well is a really beautiful thing.”
Trevor Holder, Best Orchestrations, Cats: The Jellicle Ball
“We were just nominated for nine Tonys, y’all. This is amazing. And I was just nominated for Best Orchestrations. I’m just, I’m thrilled. I’m thrilled. It was such a privilege to work with amazing, talented, beautiful artists to put this production together. And we must thank Andrew Lloyd Webber for giving us a privilege to share this energetic revival and reimagination of his iconic show. Thank you, thank you. See you at the Tonys.
Doug Schadt, Best Orchestrations, Cats: The Jellicle Ball
“I’m so excited to find out today that we were nominated in the Best Orchestrations category at the Tonys. This is my first Broadway production, and it’s been such a joy to experience the infectious joy and creativity around this production, and it’s such a joy to share this nomination with David Wilson and Trevor Holder, and of course Andrew Lloyd Webber.”
Doug Besterman, Best Orchestrations, Schmigadoon!
“I’m incredibly grateful and honored to be recognized for Schmigadoon! It’s been such a joy to be part of this project, and to celebrate it
alongside this entire company during Tony season makes it even more
meaningful. I’m
especially thrilled to share this nomination with Mike Morris—not only a
wonderful orchestrator, but a close friend. Seeing him receive his
first nomination is something I’m truly excited about, and it makes this
moment all the more special. I
also want to acknowledge the extraordinary work of our arranger and
music supervisor, David Chase, our musical director, Steven Malone, and
the beautiful score by Cinco Paul. This recognition truly reflects the
collective artistry of an exceptional team. For
me, the Tony Awards have always represented something larger than any
one individual. They’re a celebration of the craft, discipline, and
passion that theatre artists bring to their work—onstage and off—across
the entire field. We’re all part of that shared effort to tell stories
through music and performance. I
feel very lucky to be included in that tradition, and as always, deeply
grateful to be part of such a vibrant and generous community.”
Brian Usifer, Best Orchestrations, Chess
“I
am so thrilled and honored to be nominated for this incredible show and
stunning production. Working on this score has been the most rewarding
and challenging experience, and my biggest priority has always been to
honor the sound that Benny [Andersson], Bjorn [Ulvaeus], Tim [Rice], and Anders [Eljas] created more than 40
years ago. I need to give thanks to Ian Weinberger and the Chess
orchestra as well as John Shivers and Brian Rau.”
Linda Cho, Best Costume Design of a Musical, Schmigadoon!
“Still
trying to get my heart rate to settle down. So if ever there was a
labor of joy, Schmigadoon! would be it. Every name you see listed in the
program was a true delight to work and play with. I’m so thrilled our
joy-bomb is getting all the love it deserves! Go team Schmigadoon!”
Kevin Adams, Best Lighting Design of a Musical, Chess
“It’s
an absolute honor to be nominated with all the great theatre artists
who designed Broadway plays and musicals this season.”
Jen Schriever, Best Lighting Design of a Musical (with Michael Arden), The Lost Boys
“I’m beyond excited to be nominated alongside the most daring collaborators. The Lost Boys
took a big, fearless leap, and getting to take that jump with my
collaborators is something that I will never forget. I am indebted to
and so proud of the greatest lighting team on Broadway!”
Walter Trarbach, Best Sound Design of a Musical, Schmigadoon!
“I’m delighted and honored to represent Schmigadoon!
with this nomination. It is a true pleasure to work on a musical which
brings so much laughter and joy into the world, and I’m proud to play a
small part in sharing that joy with audiences eight times a week.”
Dane Laffrey, Best Scenic Design of a Musical, The Lost Boys
“The Lost Boys was as much of a thrill ride to make as it is onstage. I am incredibly honored to be nominated amongst the best designers working on Broadway and as part of a creative team that was recognized across the board for this biggest of swings.”
PRODUCERS
Lamar Richardson, Best Revival of a Musical, Ragtime
“I am deeply grateful and sincerely humbled this morning to see our production of Ragtime recognized and celebrated in such a beautiful manner by the Broadway community. This is my first season as a lead producer, and I could not be more proud to be partnered alongside Tom Kirdahy, Kevin Ryan, Bob Greenblatt, and Lincoln Center Theater as we amplify this timely revival of a beloved American classic. The story of Ragtime resonates now more than ever, and we are all blessed to be involved with reviving this prescient, sweeping, deeply human story.
“To see our glorious company be recognized in such a magnanimous way this morning across the board truly means the world, and there are not enough words to express just how much this moment means to me. As the son of Caribbean immigrants who came to this country in search of a better life for their children, I honor them this morning and thank them for their sacrifice on my behalf. This is honestly a core memory that I will cherish for the rest of my life. Huge congratulations to our entire Ragtime family on all of this morning’s nominations across categories and also to all of my friends and colleagues on other productions. Cheers to another wonderful season!”
Winners will be named June 7 at The 79th Annual Tony Awards, airing
live on both coasts from Radio City Music Hall via CBS, and streaming
live on Paramount+ for Premium-level members. Grammy winner Pink will host Broadway’s biggest night of the year.
The American Theatre Wing’s Tony Awards are presented by The American
Theatre Wing and The Broadway League. At the American Theatre Wing,
Emilio Sosa is chair, and Heather Hitchens is president and CEO. At the
Broadway League, Kristin Caskey is chair, and Jason Laks is president.
Tickets to the ceremony are currently available via Ticketmaster.
Visit Playbill.com/Tonys.
