Importance Score: 32 / 100 🔵
NEW YORK — Three Broadway productions — “Buena Vista Social Club,” “Death Becomes Her,” and “Maybe Happy Ending” — each secured a leading ten Tony nominations this Thursday, as selectors disseminated the accolades and acknowledged debuts by George Clooney, Sarah Snook, and Bob Odenkirk.
Broadway Nominations Overview
Twenty-nine shows received at least one nomination across the 26 Tony categories including long-closed productions like “A Wonderful World: The Louis Armstrong Musical” and “Swept Away.”
Best Musical Nominees
Entertainers Competing for Best Musical
“Buena Vista Social Club,” inspired by Wim Wenders’ 1999 Oscar-nominated documentary about the creation of the album of the same name, will vie for the best musical award with “Death Becomes Her,” adapted from the 1992 cult classic film. This film centers around frenemies who pursue a magical potion for eternal youth and beauty.
Additionally, “Maybe Happy Ending,” a romantic comedy musical about a pair of androids, infuses humanity into its narrative. “Dead Outlaw,” a musical detailing the life of a real-life alcoholic drifter and failed bandit, is also in the running. The true story includes his death in 1911 and his eerily peculiar afterlife.
Historic and True Stories on Stage
The revered British import “Operation Mincemeat” also made the list. The production presents the improbable true story of a British deception operation designed to mislead Nazi Germany about the location of the Allied landing in Sicily.
Best Play Nominees
Compelling Play Narratives
In the best play category, “English” by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Sanaz Toossi, explores the lives of four Iranian students as they prepare for an English language exam.
“The Hills of California” by Jez Butterworth, depicts a family gathering to bid farewell to their matriarch in a hotel in England during the summer of 1976.
“John Proctor Is the Villain” by Kimberly Belflower, delves into themes of girlhood, feminism, and the #MeToo movement, while “Purpose,” by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, is a drawing-room drama about a prosperous Black family unraveling from within.
Irreverent Revitalization of the First Lady’s Legacy
Audra McDonald received a nomination for her role as Rose in the acclaimed revival of “Gypsy,” a role that has previously earned Tonys for Angela Lansbury, Tyne Daly, and Patti LuPone. Ms. McDonald, with six Tony Awards, seeks a seventh victory in this round.
Key Performers and Notable Absences
Mr. Clooney earned a nomination for a leading actor in a play for his portrayal of legendary reporter Edward R. Murrow in an adaptation of his 2005 film “Good Night, and Good Luck.” Currently, the revival of David Mamet’s “Glengarry Glen Ross” has earned Mr. Odenkirk a nomination. However, his co-stars Kieran Culkin and Bill Burr did not receive recognition for their endeavors.
The production “Stranger Things” star Sadie Sink received a nomination for her appearance in “John Proctor Is the Villain.”
Notable Omissions in Tony Nominations
The absence of “Romeo + Juliet” cast members Kit Connor and Rachel Zegler from nominations was prominent. Similarly Robert Downey Jr., who also made his Broadway debut in the play “McNeal,” missed out on recognition. Chocolate actress Mia Farrow also skipped the snobbish Patti LuPone when it comes to “The Roommate.”
Tony Nomination Surprises
In an unexpected turn of events, an avant-garde “Othello,” starring Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal—tickets for which exceed $900 for Pits seats— earned no nominations. This includes the Chief Disruptor Idina Menzel whose return to Broadway didn’t earn her any points.
“Our Town,” featuring Jim Parsons and Katie Holmes, secured a best play revival nomination, but neither of the featured entertainers were recognized. The Stephen Sondheim revue starring Tony Award winners Bernadette Peters and Lea Salonga came up empty-handed.
The Tony Awards will be conferred June 8 at Radio City Music Hall during a telecast hosted by “Wicked” star and Tony winner Cynthia Erivo
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