In a most unusual fashion, nominations for the 2020 Tony Awards were announced (virtually, of course) by James Monroe Iglehart on Oct. 15, recognizing the best of 2019–20 Broadway—a season cut painfully short by the coronavirus pandemic.
Still, many shows bowed before all theaters shuttered on March 12, though the Tony Awards eligibility committee determined that only shows that opened on or before Feb. 19 would be considered. As such, four musicals, four play revivals, and 10 plays were in contention for this year’s prizes; no musical revivals had the chance to open before the cutoff.
On the musical front, jukebox tuners “Moulin Rouge!,” “Tina - The Tina Turner Musical,” and “Jagged Little Pill” are up for top honors.
Adrienne Warren—considered by many to be the frontrunner long before the shutdown—was recognized for her work in “Tina - The Tina Turner Musical” in the leading actress in a musical category, alongside “Jagged Little Pill” star Elizabeth Stanley, and Karen Olivo of “Moulin Rouge!”
Also nominated for “Moulin Rouge!” is Aaron Tveit, the sole nominee for leading actor in a musical, featured actor Danny Burstein, notching his seventh nomination, and Sahr Ngaujah, also in the featured category. Burstein and Ngaujah are joined by Derek Klena and Sean Allan Krill for “Jagged Little Pill,” and Daniel J. Watts for “Tina - The Tina Turner Musical.”
In the running for featured actress in a musical are Kathryn Gallagher, Celia Rose Gooding, and Lauren Patten of “Jagged Little Pill,” Robyn Hurder of “Moulin Rouge!,” and Myra Lucretia Taylor for “Tina.”
On the play front, Jeremy O. Harris’ critical darling “Slave Play” is nominated for best play alongside Matthew Lopez’ seven-hour saga “The Inheritance,” Bess Wohl’s dramedy “Grand Horizons,” the two-for-one “Sea Wall/A Life,” and Adam Rapp’s haunting “The Sound Inside.” Contending for play revival are “Betrayal,” “Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune,” and “A Soldier’s Play.”
The leading actor in a play category, expanded from the usual five nominees to six, is comprised of Ian Barford for “Linda Vista,” Andrew Burnap for “The Inheritance,” both Jake Gyllenhaal and Tom Sturridge for “Sea Wall/A Life,” Tom Hiddleston for “Betrayal,” and Blair Underwood for “A Solider’s Play.”
Leading actress in a play nominees are Joaquina Kalukango for “Slave Play,” Laura Linney for “My Name Is Lucy Barton,” Audra McDonald for “Frankie and Johnny,” and Mary-Louise Parker for “The Sound Inside.”
At the time of nominations, the American Theatre Wing and Broadway League have not announced a date for the actual Tony Awards, nor is it clear where or how the 74th ceremony will be broadcast.
These nominations come on the heels of news that Broadway theaters will remain closed until at least June 2021. “Don’t worry,” said Iglehart before signing off. “Broadway will be back. And it’ll be worth the wait.”
You can see a full list of nominations here.
Looking for remote work? Backstage has got you covered! Click here for auditions you can do from home!