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Editors Notes June 18: THE AWARD SEASON
Winners & Wannabes Drama League, Outer Critics Circle & Drama Desk Winners Tony Nominations
Race to the Finish
Having cleared the hurdles of the runner up prestigious awards the most coveted, The Tony Award, is upon us Here’s a recap of the 2017-2018 season winners so far and the Tony Nominations Please note the Editor’s Picks at each category and match your opinions with mine
THE 84th DRAMA LEAGUE AWARDS
On April 18, 2018, The Drama League announced the 2018 Drama League Awards Nominees, listed below. The nominations were announced at Sardi’s by Tony® Award winners Harriet Harris, Julie White and Tony®Award nominee Christopher Sieber, and the announcement was streamed live online at BroadwayWorld.com. The winners in each of the five categories were revealed at the 84th Annual Drama League Awards luncheon and ceremony on May 18 and are highlighted in red below. The festivities were co-hosted by Taylor Louderman, Ashley Park, and Kate Rockwell – the title trio of Broadway’s Mean Girls – and the 2018 Drama League Awards winners were revealed by actor Norbert Leo Butz, who appeared in this season’s My Fair Lady at Lincoln Center Theater as well as The New Group’s Whirligig. Connect with The Drama League on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to see photos from the big event! Congratulations to all the nominees and winners on an incredible season of theater!
2018 DRAMA LEAGUE AWARDS NOMINATIONS
OUTSTANDING PRODUCTION OF A BROADWAY OR OFF-BROADWAY PLAY
Animal Written by Clare Lizzimore Directed by Gaye Taylor Upchurch Atlantic Theater Company Produced by Atlantic Theater Company (Neil Pepe, Artistic Director; Jeffory Lawson, Managing Director)
Hangmen Written by Martin McDonagh Directed by Matthew Dunster Atlantic Theater Company Produced by Atlantic Theater Company (Neil Pepe, Artistic Director; Jeffory Lawson, Managing Director), Royal Court Theater
Harry Potter and The Cursed Child: Parts One and Two Written by Jack Thorne, based on an original new story by J.K. Rowling, Jack Thorne and John Tiffany Directed by John Tiffany Lyric Theatre Produced by Sonia Friedman Productions, Colin Callender and Harry Potter Theatrical Productions. Executive Director: Diane Benjamin. Executive Producer: Pam Skinner
In the Body of the World Written by Eve Ensler Directed By Diane Paulus Manhattan Theatre Club Produced by Manhattan Theatre Club (Lynne Meadow, Artistic Director; Barry Grove, Executive Producer), American Repertory Theatre (Diane Quinn, Executive Director)
Is God Is Written by Aleshea Harris Directed by Taibi Magar Soho Repertory Produced by Soho Repertory (Sarah Benson, Artistic Director; Cynthia Flower, Executive Director)
Meteor Shower Written by Steve Martin Directed by Jerry Zaks Booth Theatre Produced by Joey Parnes, Sue Wagner, John Johnson, Seth A Goldstein, James L. Nederlander, The John Gore Organization, Scott Rudin, Eli Bush, FG Productions, Jamie deRoy, Sally Horchow, Sharon Karmazin, Barbara Manocherian, JABS Theatricals, Ergo Entertainment, Seth A. Goldstein, Elm City Production, Diana DiMenna, Jay Alix & Una Jackman, Jennifer Manocherian, Cricket Jiranek, Catherine Adler & Marc David Levine, The Shubert Organization (Philip J. Smith: Chairman; Robert E. Wankel: President). Associate Producer: Jillian Robbins.
Oedipus El Rey Written by Luis Alfaro Directed by Chay Yew The Public Theater Produced by The Public Theater (Oskar Eustis, Artistic Director; Patrick Willingham, Executive Director) in collaboration with The Sol Project (Jacob G. Padrón, Artistic Director)
School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play Written by Jocelyn Bioh Directed by Rebecca Taichman MCC Theater Produced by MCC Theater (Robert LuPone, Bernard Telsey, William Cantler, Artistic Directors; Blake West, Executive Director)
Until the Flood Written by Dael Orlandersmith Directed by Neel Keller Rattlestick Playwrights Theater Produced by Rattlestick Playwrights Theater (Daniella Topal, Artistic Director; Annie Middleton, Managing Director)
OUTSTANDING REVIVAL OF A BROADWAY OR OFF-BROADWAY PLAY
Angels in America Written by Tony Kushner Directed by Marianne Elliott Neil Simon Theatre Produced by Tim Levy, National Theatre America, Jordan Roth, Rufus Norris & Lisa Burger, The Royal National Theatre, Elliot & Harper Productions, Kash Bennett, Aged in Wood, The Baruch-Viertel-Routh-Frankel Group, Jane Bergère, Adam Blanshay Productions, CatWenJam Productions, Jean Doumanian, Gilad-Rogowsky, Gold-Ross Productions, The John Gore Organization, Grove Entertainment, Harris Rubin Productions, Hornos-Moellenberg, Brian and Dayna Lee, Benjamin Lowy, Stephanie P. McClelland, David Mirvish, Mark Pigott, Jon B. Platt, E. Price-LD ENT., Daryl Roth, Catherine Schreiber, Barbara Whitman, Jujamcyn Theatres (Jordan Roth: President; Rocco Landesman: President Emeritus; Paul Libin: Executive Vice President Emeritus; Jack Viertel: Senior Vice President), The Nederlander Organization (James L. Nederlander, President), The Shubert Organization (Philip J. Smith, Chairman; Robert E. Wankel, President). Associate Producer: Franki De La Vega, Red Awning, and Nicole Kastrinos.
Children of a Lesser God Written by Mark Medoff Directed by Kenny Leon Studio 54 Produced by Hal Luftig, LHC Theatrical Development, Craig Haffner & Sherry Wright, Yasuhiro Kawana, James L Nederlander, Rodney Rigby, Albert Nocciolino/Independent Presenters Network, Blue Fog Productions, Suzanne L Niedland, The Shubert Organization (Philip J. Smith, Chairman; Robert E. Wankel, President), Jhett Tolentino, Steve & Paula Reynolds, Nyle DiMarco, Roundabout Theatre Company (Todd Haimes: Artistic Director/CEO; Julia C. Levy: Executive Director; Sydney Beers: General Manager; Steve Dow: Chief Administrative Officer). Associate Producer: Sandy Block. Executive Producer: Tamar Climan.
Edward Albee's At Home at the Zoo Written by Edward Albee Directed by Lila Neugebauer Signature Theater Produced by Signature Theater Company (Paige Evans, Artistic Director; Harold Wolpert, Executive Director)
Hamlet Written by William Shakespeare Directed by Sam Gold The Public Theater Produced by The Public Theater (Oskar Eustis, Artistic Director; Patrick Willingham, Executive Director)
The Iceman Cometh Written by Eugene O’Neill Directed by George C. Wolfe Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre Produced by Scott Rudin, Eli Bush, Universal Theatrical Group, Eric Falkenstein, Dan Frishwasser, The John Gore Organization, James L. Nederlander, Peter May, Stephanie P. McClelland, Candy Spelling, Stephen C Byrd & Alia Jones-Harvey, Patty Baker, Diana DiMenna, David Mirvish, Wendy Federman & Heni Koenigsberg, Benjamin Lowy & Adrian Salpeter, and Jason Blum. Associate Producer: Jillian Robbins and Tom Ishizuka. Executive Producer: Joey Parnes, Sue Wagner, and John Johnson.
Lobby Hero Written by Kenneth Lonergan Directed by Trip Cullman Hayes Theatre Produced by Second Stage Theatre (Carole Rothman, Founder & Artistic Director; Casey Reitz, Executive Director; Christopher Burney, Artistic Producer)
Saint Joan Written by George Bernard Shaw Directed by Daniel Sullivan Samuel J. Friedman Theatre Produced by Manhattan Theatre Club (Lynne Meadow, Artistic Director; Barry Grove, Executive Producer) in association with Eddie Marks/Ostar
Three Tall Women Written by Edward Albee Directed by Joe Mantello John Golden Theatre Produced by Scott Rudin, Eli Bush, The John Gore Organization, James L. Nederlander, Candy Spelling, Len Blavatnik, Universal Theatrical Group, Rosalind Productions Inc., Eric Falkenstein, Peter May, Jay Alix & Una Jackman, Patty Baker, Diana DiMenna, David Mirvish, Wendy Federman & Heni Koenigsberg, Benjamin Lowy & Adrian Salpeter, Jason Blum, Jamie deRoy, Gabrielle Palitz, Ted Snowdon, and Richard Winkler. Executive Producer: Joey Parnes, Sue Wagner, and John Johnson.
Torch Song Written by Harvey Fierstein Directed by Moises Kaufman Second Stage Theatre Produced by Second Stage Theatre (Carole Rothman, Founder & Artistic Director; Casey Reitz, Executive Director; Christopher Burney, Artistic Producer)
Travesties Written by Tom Stoppard Directed by Patrick Marber American Airlines Theatre Produced by Roundabout Theatre Company (Todd Haimes: Artistic Director/CEO; Julia C. Levy: Executive Director; Sydney Beers: General Manager; Steve Dow: Chief Administrative Officer); Produced in association with Chocolate Factory Productions and Sonia Friedman Productions. Originally produced by The Menier Chocolate Factory (David Babani, Artistic Director)
Yerma Written by Federico García Lorca Directed by Simon Stone Park Avenue Armory Produced by Park Avenue Armory (Rebecca Robertson, President and Executive Producer; Pierre Audi, Marina Kellen French Artistic Director), and the Young Vic (Kwame Kwei-Armah, Artistic Director; Sarah Hall, Interim Executive Director)
OUTSTANDING PRODUCTION OF A BROADWAY OR OFF-BROADWAY MUSICAL
The Band's Visit Book by Itamar Moses; Music and Lyrics by David Yazek Directed by David Cromer Ethel Barrymore Theatre Produced by Orin Wolf, StylesFour Productions, Evamere Entertainment, Atlantic Theater Company (Neil Pepe, Artistic Director; Jeffory Lawson, Managing Director), David F Schwartz, Barbara Broccoli, Frederick Zollo, Grove REG, Lassen Blume Baldwin, Thomas Steven Perakos, Marc Platt, The Shubert Organization (Philip J. Smith, Chairman; Robert E. Wankel, President), The Baruch/Routh/Frankel/Viertel Group, Robert Cole, DeRoy-Carr-Klausner, Federman-Moellenberg, FilmNation Entertainment, Roy Furman, FVSL Theatricals, Hendel-Karmazin, HoriPro Inc, Intependent Presenters Network, Jam Theatricals, The John Gore Organizations, Koenigsberg-Krauss, David Mirvish, James L. Nederlander, Al Nocciolino, Once Upon a Time Productions, Susan Rose, and Paul Shiverick. Associate Producer: Steven Chaikelson.
Bella: An American Tall Tale Book, Music, and Lyrics by Kirsten Childs Directed by Robert O'Hara Playwrights Horizons Produced by Playwrights Horizons (Tim Sanford, Artistic Director; Leslie Marcus, Managing Director; Carol Fishman, General Manager)
Frozen Book by Jennifer Lee; Music and Lyrics by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez Directed by Michael Grandage St. James Theatre Produced by Disney Theatrical Productions (under the direction of Thomas Schumacher). Co-Producer: Anne Quart
Hundred Days Book by The Bengsons and Sarah Gancher; Music and Lyrics by The Bengsons Directed by Anne Kauffman New York Theatre Workshop Produced by New York Theatre Workshop (James C. Nicola, Artistic Director; Jeremy Blocker, Managing Director; Linda S. Chapman, Associate Artistic Director). Originally commissioned, developed and produced by Z Space and piece by piece productions.
KPOP Conceived by Woodshed Collective and Jason Kim Book by Jason Kim Music and Lyrics by Helen Park and Max Vernon Directed by Teddy Bergman Immersive Design by Woodshed Collective Ars Nova Produced by Ars Nova (Jason Eagan, Founding Artistic Director; Renee Blinkwolt, Managing Director), Ma-Yi Theatre Company (Ralph B. Peña, Artistic Director), Woodshed Collective (Teddy Bergman, Artistic Director; Amy C Ashton, Producer), Tim Forbes
Mean Girls Book by Tina Fey; Music by Jeff Richmond; Lyrics by Nell Benjamin Directed by Casey Nicholaw August Wilson Theatre Produced by Lorne Michaels, Stuart Thompson, Sonia Friedman, Paramount Pictures, Marisa Sechrest, Ars Nova Entertainment, Berlind Productions, Steve Burke, Scott M. Delman, Roy Furman, Robert Greenblatt, Ruth Hendel, Jam Theatricals, The John Gore Organization, The Lowy Salpeter Company, James L. Nederlander, Christine Schwarzman, and Universal Theatrical Group. Associate Producer: Micah Frank and Caroline Maroney. Executive Producer: David Turner.
SpongeBob SquarePants Book by Kyle Jarrow; Based on the Series by Stephen Hillenburg Original Songs by Yolanda Adams, Steven Tyler, Joe Perry, Sara Bareilles, Jonathan Coulton, Alex Ebert, The Flaming Lips, Lady Antebellum, Cyndi Lauper, Rob Hyman, John Legend, Panic! At the Disco, Plain White T's, They Might Be Giants, T.I., Domani and Lil' C. Songs by David Bowie, Brian Eno, Tom Kenny and Andy Paley. Additional music by Tom Kitt; Additional lyrics by Jonathan Coulton Conceived and Directed by Tina Landau Palace Theatre Produced by Nickelodeon, The Araca Group, Sony Music Masterworks, and Kelp On The Road. Executive Producer: Susan Vargo.
Summer: The Donna Summer Musical Book by Colman Domingo, Robert Cary and Des McAnuff; Songs by Donna Summer, Giorgio Moroder and Paul Jabara Directed by Des McAnuff Lunt-Fontanne Theatre Produced by Tommy Mottola, The Dodgers, Steven and Alexandra Cohen, Courtney Sachs, Ollawood Productions, Lawrence S. Toppall, Rodney Rigby, Morris Goldfarb, James L. Nederlander, Universal Music Group and The John Gore Organization. World Premiere Produced by La Jolla Playhouse (Christopher Ashley: Artistic Director; Michael S. Rosenberg: Managing Director)
Woody Sez: The Life and Music of Woody Guthrie Devised by David M. Lutken with Nick Corley and Darcie Deaville, Helen Jean Russell and Andy Teirstein Directed by Nick Corley Irish Repertory Theatre Produced by Irish Repertory Theatre (Charlotte Moore, Artistic Director; Ciarán O’Reilly, Producing Director)
OUTSTANDING REVIVAL OF A BROADWAY OR OFF-BROADWAY MUSICAL Carousel Book and Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II; Music by Richard Rodgers Directed by Jack O’Brien Imperial Theatre Produced by Roy Furman, Scott Rudin, Barry Diller, Edward Walson, Universal Theatrical Group, Benjamin Lowy, Eli Bush, James L. Nederlander, Candy Spelling, The John Gore Organization, Peter May, Ronnie Lee, Sid & Ruth Lapidus, Stephanie P. McClelland, Sandy Robertson, Caiola Productions, Len Blavatnik, Dominion Ventures, SHN Theatres, The Araca Group, Patty Baker, Al Nocciolino, Darlene Marcos Shiley, Julie Boardman & Marc David Levine, Jennifer Fischer & Olympus Theatricals, Candia Fisher & Allen L. Stevens, Jon Jashni & Matthew Baer, Thomas S. Perakos & Jim Fantaci, Wendy Federman & Heni Koenigsberg, Bruce Robert Harris and Jack W. Batman, and John Thomas. Associate Producer: Jillian Robbins and Tom Ishizuka. Executive Producer: Joey Parnes, Sue Wagner, and John Johnson.
My Fair Lady Book and Lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner; Music by Frederick Loewe Directed by Barlett Sher Lincoln Center Theater Produced by Lincoln Center Theater (André Bishop: Producing Artistic Director; Adam Siegel: Managing Director; Hattie K. Jutagir, Executive Director of Development and Planning). Produced in association with Nederlander Presentations Inc. Mindich Chair Musical Theater Associate Producer: Ira Weitzman.
Once On This Island Book and Lyrics by Lynn Ahrens; Music by Stephen Flaherty Directed by Michael Arden Circle in the Square Theatre Produced by Ken Davenport, Hunter Arnold, Carl Daikeler, Roy Putrino, Broadway Strategic Return Fund, Sandi Moran, Caiola Productions, H. Richard Hopper, Diego Kolankowsky, Brian Cromwell Smith, Ron Kastner, Rob Kolson, Judith Manocherian/Kevin Lyle, Jay Alix/Una Jackman/Jeff Wise, Witzend Productions/Jeffery Grove/Wishnie-Strasberg, Mark Ferris/Michelle Riley/Marie Stevenson, Silva Theatrical Group/Jesse McKendry/Dr. Moigan Fajiram, Conor Bagley/Brendan C. Tetro/Invisible Wall Productions, SilverWalport Productions/Tyler Mount/UshkowitzLatimer Productions, Deitric Johnson/Steven Mulligan/Reilly Hickey, The Harbert Family/Keith Cromwell/Red Mountain Theatre Company, 42nd.club/The Yonnone Family/Island Productions. Associate Producer: Kayla Greenspan and Valerie Novakoff.
Pacific Overtures Book by John Weidman; Music and Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim Directed by John Doyle Classic Stage Company Produced by Classic Stage Company (John Doyle, Artistic Director)
NOMINEES FOR THE DISTINGUISHED PERFORMANCE AWARDJelani Alladin, Frozen Lauren Ambrose, My Fair Lady Annaleigh Ashford, A Midsummer Night’s Dream Laura Benanti, Meteor Shower MaameYaa Boafo, School Girls; or, The African Mean Girls Play Anthony Boyle, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child: Parts One and Two Juan Castano, Oedipus El Rey Billy Crudup, Harry Clarke Eisa Davis, Kings Ariana DeBose, Summer: The Donna Summer Musical Noma Dumenzweni, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child: Parts One and Two Deanna Dunagan, The Treasurer Eve Ensler, In The Body of the World Chris Evans, Lobby Hero Johnny Flynn, Hangmen Alfie Fuller, Is God Is Andrew Garfield, Angels in America Harry Hadden-Paton, My Fair Lady Rebecca Hall, Animal Harriet Harris, The Low Road Brian Tyree Henry, Lobby Hero Joshua Henry, Carousel Tom Hollander, Travesties Oscar Isaac, Hamlet Chukwudi Iwuji, The Low Road Glenda Jackson, Three Tall Women Joshua Jackson, Children of a Lesser God Hailey Kilgore, Once On This Island LaChanze, Summer: The Donna Summer Musical Katrina Lenk, The Band’s Visit Robert Sean Leonard, Edward Albee’s At Home at the Zoo Taylor Louderman, Mean Girls Elizabeth Marvel, Julius Caesar James McArdle, Angels in America Laurie Metcalf, Three Tall Women Jessie Mueller, Carousel Patti Murin, Frozen Alex Newell, Once On This Island Sahr Ngaujah, Mlima’s Tale Seth Numrich, Travesties Deirdre O’Connell, Fulfillment Center Ashley Park, Mean Girls and KPOP Billie Piper, Yerma Karen Pittman, Pipeline Condola Rashad, Saint Joan Lauren Ridloff, Children of a Lesser God Roslyn Ruff, X: Or, Betty Shabazz v. The Nation Amy Schumer, Meteor Shower Tony Shalhoub, The Band’s Visit Paul Sparks, Edward Albee’s At Home at the Zoo Katy Sullivan, Cost of Living John Douglas Thompson, Julius Caesar Michael Urie, Torch Song and The Government Inspector Denzel Washington, The Iceman Cometh Dianne Wiest, Happy Days
The Drama League also wishes to acknowledge the previous recipients of the Distinguished Performance Award who appeared in Broadway or Off-Broadway productions this season. As the Award can only be won once in a performer’s lifetime, they are ineligible to be nominated; however, their exemplary work is recognized and applauded.
Norbert Leo Butz, My Fair Lady and The Whirligig Kathleen Chalfant, For Peter Pan on Her 70th Birthday Nathan Lane, Angels in America John Lithgow, John Lithgow: Stories By Heart Bernadette Peters, Hello, Dolly! Mark Rylance, Farinelli and the King
The Drama League previously announced the 2018 Special Recognition Award Recipients, chosen by a separate panel of theatre professionals: Tony® Award winner Idina Menzel received the Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theater Award; director Casey Nicholaw, currently represented on Broadway with Mean Girls, Aladdin, and The Book of Mormon, received The Founders Award for Excellence in Directing; and the National Endowment for the Arts (represented by Chairman Jane Chu) received the Unique Contribution to the Theater Award. Learn more about the 2018 Special Recognition Award Recipients by visiting www.dramaleague.org/awards
Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theatre – Idina Menzel Founders Award for Excellence in Directing – Casey NicholawUnique Contribution to the Theatre – The National Endowment for the Arts Outer Critics Circle2018 OCC Winners Announced!The 2018 Outer Critics Circle Award winners have been announced. Harry Potter and the Cursed Child tops the list, taking home six honors, including Outstanding New Broadway Play, with My Fair Lady receiving five awards, including Outstanding Revival of a Musical. The full list of winners is below. Hyperlinked shows are currently running at time of publication. Click on links to purchase tickets. Outstanding New Broadway Play Outstanding New Broadway Musical Outstanding New Off-Broadway Play John Gassner Award Outstanding New Off-Broadway Musical Outstanding Book of a Musical (Broadway or Off-Broadway) Outstanding New Score (Broadway or Off-Broadway) Outstanding Revival of a Play (Broadway or Off-Broadway) Outstanding Revival of a Musical (Broadway or Off-Broadway) Outstanding Actor in a Play Outstanding Featured Actor in a Play Outstanding Actress in a Play Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play Outstanding Actor in a Musical Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical Outstanding Actress in a Musical Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical Outstanding Solo Performance Outstanding Director of a Play Outstanding Director of a Musical Outstanding Choreographer Outstanding Scenic Design (Play or Musical) Outstanding Costume Design (Play or Musical) Outstanding Lighting Design (Play or Musical) Outstanding Projection Design (Play or Musical) Outstanding Sound Design (Broadway or Off-Broadway) Outstanding Orchestrations (Broadway or Off-Broadway) The Band’s Visit was nominated for and received multiple awards from the Outer Critics Circle last season and therefore was not considered this year. The awards were presented on Thursday, May 24, at Sardi’s Restaurant.
Who Won Big at the Drama Desk Awards? Full List!
The Drama Desk Awards considered shows that opened on Broadway, Off Broadway and Off Off Broadway during the 2017-2018 New York theater season. 2018 Drama Desk Award Nominations Outstanding
Play Outstanding
Musical Outstanding
Revival of a Play Outstanding
Revival of a Musical Outstanding
Actor in a Play Outstanding
Actress in a Play Outstanding
Actor in a Musical Outstanding
Actress in a Musical Outstanding
Featured Actor in a Play Outstanding
Featured Actress in a Play Outstanding
Featured Actor in a Musical Outstanding
Featured Actress in a Musical Outstanding
Director of a Play Outstanding
Director of a Musical The
LaDuca Award for Outstanding Choreography Outstanding
Music Outstanding
Lyrics Outstanding
Book of a Musical Outstanding
Orchestrations Outstanding
Music in a Play The
Hudson Scenic Studio Award for Outstanding Set Design of a Play Outstanding
Set Design for a Musical Outstanding
Costume Design for a Play Outstanding
Costume Design for a Musical Outstanding
Lighting Design for a Play Outstanding
Lighting Design for a Musical Outstanding
Projection Design Outstanding
Sound Design in a Play Outstanding
Sound Design in a Musical Outstanding
Wig and Hair Outstanding
Solo Performance The Chase
Award for Unique Theatrical Experience Outstanding
Fight Choreography Outstanding
Puppet Design SPECIAL AWARDS To Sean Carvajal and Edi Gathegi of Jesus Hopped the A Train whose last-minute entrances into the Signature production of this powerful play ensured it had a happy real-life ending Ensemble Award: To Nabiyah Be, MaameYaa Boafo, Paige Gilbert, Zainab Jah, Nike Kadri, Abena Mensah-Bonsu, Mirirai Sithole, and Myra Lucretia Taylor of School Girls; Or, the African Mean Girls Play, whose characters learn the facts of life but whose portrayers taught us all a thing or two about the way things are. Sam Norkin Award: To Juan Castano, whose varied performances this season in Oedipus El Rey, A Parallelogram, and Transfers not only make a complex statement about American life but also indicate great things to come for this talented performer. Drama Desk was founded in 1949 to explore key issues in the theater and to bring together critics and writers in an organization to support the ongoing development of theater in New York. The organization began presenting its awards in 1955, and it is the only critics' organization to honor achievement in the theater with competition among Broadway, Off Broadway and Off-Off Broadway productions in the same categories
Tony Awards 2018: Full List of NominationsThe Tony Awards nominations were led by “Mean Girls” and “SpongeBob SquarePants,” garnering 12 nods each. Revivals of “Angels in America” and “Carousel,” as well as the new musical “The Band’s Visit,” received 11 nominations apiece. Best Musical “Frozen” “SpongeBob Square Pants: The Broadway Musical” Editor’s pick: Band’s Visit should win but Tony voters favor shows that will win big on the road, therefore will choose SpongeBob (though much less expensive to produce the smaller show) Best Play “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child” “Junk”
Editor’s pick: Harry Potter, no competition, one wonders how Children and Latin History even got there Best Revival of a Musical “Carousel” Editor’s pick: Hard call, Carousel marred by poor casting (no chemistry between romantic leads and unedited element of violence also exasperated by casting), Fair Lady hampered by insignificant leads and very odd altered ending but otherwise great production values and Norbert Butz. Winner: Fair Lady Best Revival of a Play Editor’s pick: Outstanding selections, my favorite, Travesties, will fade under huge hype of Angels, winner: Angels in America Best Book of a Musical “The Band’s Visit,” Itamar Moses “Frozen,” Jennifer Lee “Mean Girls,” Tina Fey “SpongeBob SquarePants,” Kyle Jarrow Editor’s pick: Not one original, all based on movies or TV, Bands Visit the most touching and intimate, but people’s hunger for Tina Fey will prevail. Besides she gives the best acceptance speeches. Winner: Mean Girls Best Original Score “Angels in America,” Adrian Sutton “The Band’s Visit,” Music and Lyrics: David Yazbek “Frozen,” Music and Lyrics: Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez “Mean Girls,” Music: Jeff Richmond; Lyrics: Nell Benjamin “SpongeBob Square Pants,” Various contributors
Editor’s pick: Note: a play is in category, really??? Carefully researched, beau fully integrated Band’s visit unique Middle Eastern flavored score will give way to Oscar winning song. Winner: Frozen Best Leading Actor in a Play Andrew Garfield, “Angels in America” Tom Hollander, “Travesties” Jamie Parker, “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child” Mark Rylance, “Farinelli and the King” Denzel Washington, “The Iceman Cometh” Editor’s pick: Tom Hollander, Denzel (has he ever lost before?), Mark Rylance (has he ever lost before? Specially a play written for him by his wife?) But Andrew is the community’s darling. Winner: Garfield Best Leading Actress in a Play Glenda Jackson, “Three Tall Women” Condola Rashad, “Saint Joan” Lauren Ridloff, “Children of a Lesser God” Amy Schumer, “Meteor Shower” Editor’s pick: No question! Jackson sucks the air out of the room. What are the others even doing there? Winner: Jackson Best Leading Actor in a Musical Harry Hadden-Paton, “My Fair Lady” Joshua Henry, “Carousel” Ethan Slater, “SpongeBob SquarePants” Tony Shalhoub, “The Band’s Visit” Editor’s pick: Henry too grim but has best voice, Shaloub and Hadden-Paton (who?) out of their league, but everybody loves the kid! Winner: Slater Best Leading Actress in a Musical Lauren Ambrose, “My Fair Lady” Hailey Kilgore, “Once on This Island” LaChanze, “Summer: The Donna Summer Musical” ERTISEMENT Katrina Lenk, “The Band’s Visit” Taylor Louderman, “Mean Girls” Jessie Mueller, “Carousel” Editir’s pick: Katrina, Katrina, Katrina! Hopefully. But Mueller an insider favorite, Winner: Mueller despite substandard performance. Best Featured Actor in a Play Anthony Boyle, “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child” Michael Cera, “Lobby Hero” Brian Tyree Henry, “Lobby Hero” Nathan Lane, “Angels in America” David Morse, “The Iceman Cometh” Editor’s pick: Michael Cera in a nuanced major performance. But Nathan is a crowd favorite, even though role not suited to his talent. Winner: Lane Best Featured Actress in a Play Susan Brown, “Angels in America” Noma Dumezweni, “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child” Deborah Findlay, “The Children” Denise Gough, “Angels in America” Laurie Metcalf, “Three Tall Women” Editor’s pick: Laurie because, again, Broadway insider’s favorite, otherwise – who are these people? Winner: Metcalf Best Featured Actor in a Musical Norbert Leo Butz, “My Fair Lady” Alexander Gemignani, “Carousel” Grey Henson, “Mean Girls” Gavin Lee, “SpongeBob SquarePants” Ari’el Stachel, “The Band’s Visit” Editor’s pick: ALL good! Gavin Lee the best thing in SpongeBob but Butz deserves it, outstanding performance Winner: Butz Best Featured Actress in a Musical Ariana DeBose, “Summer: The Donna Summer Musical” Renée Fleming, “Carousel” Lindsay Mendez, “Carousel” Ashley Park, “Mean Girls” Diana Rigg, “My Fair Lady” Editor’s pick: Fleming should get it – classiest performer on Broadway, but this is Lindsey’s year. Winner: Mendez Best Scenic Design of a Play Miriam Buether, “Three Tall Women” Jonathan Fensom, “Farinelli and the King” Santo Loquasto, “The Iceman Cometh” Christine Jones, “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child” Ian MacNeil and Edward Pierce, “Angels in America” Editor’s pick: Angel’s design borders on hokey, Farinelli excellent. Winner: Harry Potter! Best Scenic Design of a Musical Dane Laffrey, “Once on this Island” Scott Pask, “The Band’s Visit” Scott Pask, Finn Ross and Adam Young, “Mean Girls” Michael Yeargan, “My Fair Lady” David Zinn, “SpongeBob SquarePants” Editor’s pick: My Fair Lady gorgeous, SpongeBob embarrassingly over the top. Winner: SpongeBob Best Costume Design of a Play Jonathan Fensom, “Farinelli and the King” Nicky Gillibrand, “Angels in America” Katrina Lindsay, “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child” Ann Roth, “Three Tall Women” Ann Roth, “The Iceman Cometh” Editor’s pick: Farinelli deserves it but, if you like academic robes as key costume its Potter again. Winner: Potter Best Costume Design of a Musical Gregg Barnes, “Mean Girls” Clint Ramos, “Once on This Island” Ann Roth, “Carousel” David Zinn, “SpongeBob SquarePants” Catherine Zuber, “My Fair Lady” Editor’s pick: Once On this Island creative, others traditional, but Spongebob outrageous. Winner: Spongebob Best Lighting Design of a Play Neil Austin, “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child” Paule Constable, “Angels in America” Jules Fisher and Peggy Eisenhauer, “The Iceman Cometh” Paul Russell, “Farinelli and the King” Ben Stanton, “Junk” Editor’s pick: Key to Potter’s success is the magical tricks played the lighting. Winner: Potter Best Lighting Design of a Musical Kevin Adams, “SpongeBob SquarePants” Jules Fisher and Peggy Eisenhauer, “Once on This Island” Donald Holder, “My Fair Lady” Brian MacDevitt, “Carousel” Tyler Micoleau, “The Band’s Visit” Editor’s pick: I don’t know – Spongbob is blinding, Band evocative, others as expected. Winner: Once on this Island Best Direction of a Play Marianne Elliott, “Angels in America” Joe Mantello, “Three Tall Women” Patrick Marber, “Travesties” John Tiffany, “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child” George C. Wolfe, “The Iceman Cometh” Editor’s pick: Travesties my favorite, Angels a mess in part II, others unremarkable, but…Winner: Potter Best Direction of a Musical Michael Arden, “Once on This Island” David Cromer, “The Band’s Visit” Tina Landau, “SpongeBob Square Pants”
Casey Nicholaw, “Mean Girls” Bartlett Sher, “My Fair Lady” Editor’s picks: Band’s visit beautifully and sensitively done, My Fair Lady extremely odd, SpongeBob manic and complex. Winner: SpongeBob Best Choreography Christopher Gattelli, “My Fair Lady” Christopher Gattelli, “SpongeBob SquarePants” Steven Hoggett, “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child” Casey Nicholaw, “Mean Girls” Justin Peck, “Carousel” Editor’s Picks: Once you see the dancing Octopus…Winner: SpongeBob Best Orchestrations John Clancy, “Mean Girls” Tom Kitt, “SpongeBob SquarePants” AnnMarie Milazzo and Michael Starobin, “Once on This Island” Jamshied Sharifi, “The Band’s Visit” Jonathan Tunick, “Carousel” Editor’s pick: Thank you producers of Carousel for letting the world’s greatest living orchestrator use a full sized old fashioned orchestra to deliver one of the best scores ever. Winner: Tunic Sound Design in a Play Adam Cork, “Travesties” Ian Dickinson for Autograph, “Angels in America” Gareth Fry, “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child” Tom Gibbons, “1984” Dan Moses Schreier, “The Iceman Cometh” Editor’s pick: Potter sabotaged by multi-glitched new system but will win anyway. Winner: Potter Sound Design in a Musical Kai Harada, “The Band’s Visit” Peter Hylenski, “Once on This Island” Scott Lehrer, “Carousel” Brian Ronan, “Mean Girls” Walter Trarbach and Mike Dobson, “SpongeBob SquarePants”
Editor’s pick: Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theater Chita Rivera Andrew Lloyd Webber Special Tony Award John Leguizamo Bruce Springsteen Regional Theater Tony Award La MaMa E.T.C. Isabelle Stevenson Tony Award Nick Scandalios Tony Honors for Excellence in the Theater Sara Krulwich Bessie Nelson Ernest Winzer Cleaners
Editor’s Pick: I think the most intriguing and touching award goes to this multigenerational family business that works daily overnight to keep costumes fresh and clean and the hardships and emergencies they encountered during Sandy when a truck literally had to be fished out of the water and the costumes cleaned in time. Its steady work which is lucky but grueling – to make the adage possible – he show must go on. 
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