In what can only be attributed to a scheduling oversight on the part of the American Theatre Wing, the 2011 Tony Award nominations were announced last week in the midst of Derby fever.
And why isn’t your favorite Derby Dinner Playhouse [4] production listed in the categories below? You might say that the Tony Awards are the Kentucky Derby of the theatre world.
Only 3 year old thoroughbreds can run in the Derby—and they only get one shot at the prestigious race, no matter how many years they compete afterwards.
Plays and musicals are the same way. Only productions that opened in Broadway theatres in Manhattan can be nominated—and then, only in their inaugural year, no matter how long they run afterwards.
Lest they be overlooked again, a few items of interest are noted below.
Nominees for Best Musical
The Book of Mormon
Catch me if you Can
The Scottsboro Boys
Sister Act
Nominees for Best Play
Good People
Jerusalem
The Motherf**ker with the Hat
War Horse
Other Nominations of Interest
- The Book of Mormon [5], written by Trey Parker, Robert Lopez and Matt Stone, creators of South Park [6]—14 Nominations, including Best Direction, Best Musical, Best Actor and Best Choreography
- Catch Me If You Can [7], adapted from the 2002 film of the same name and based on a true story—4 nominations
- The Scottsboro Boys [8], a musical based on a racially charged incident in 1930’s Alabama—12 Nominations
- Al Pacino, Best Actor in Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice [9]
- Judith Light, Best Actress in a Supporting Role in Lombardi [10], about famous football coach Vince Lombardi
- Edie Falco, Best Actress in The House of Blue Leaves [11]
- Frances McDormand, Best Actress in Good People [12]
- Vanessa Redgrave, Best Actress in Driving Miss Daisy [13]
The 2011 Tony Awards will air on CBS on June 12.
Image: Courtesy of The Book of Mormon