The 71st Annual Tony Awards are coming up this Sunday and the competition is stiff all around following the strong 2016-17 Broadway season. The four shows up for Best Musical are all deserving of the honor. Which are you rooting for?
Come From Away
It is a bold move to touch on the tragedy of September 11 in a Broadway musical. Come From Away handles it sensitively and thoughtfully by focusing on the positive events that followed the days after. The small town of Gander, Newfoundland, hosted thousands of stranded travelers when planes were grounded that day. They opened their homes and hearts to the refugees. Creators Irene Sankoff and David Hein highlight kindness generosity of strangers in Come From Away, which features authentic Newfoundland-style music and a terrific ensemble cast.
Read Long Island Weekly’s review of Come From Away!
Come From Away is nominated for seven Tony Awards:
- Best Musical
- Best Book of a Musical – Irene Sankoff and David Hein
- Best Original Score
- Best Featured Actress in a Musical – Jenn Colella
- Best Lighting Design in a Musical – Howell Binkley
- Best Direction of a Musical – Christopher Ashley
- Best Choreography – Kelly Devine
Dear Evan Hansen
Dear Evan Hansen evokes exceptional passion from all who’ve seen it. The original musical written by Pasek & Paul, with a book by Steven Levenson, delves into the life of high school student Evan Hansen. His anxiety makes it difficult to make friends, but everything changes during senior year. The at times hilarious and at times emotional show proves that life is complicated and you can always learn from your mistakes.
Read Long Island Weekly’s review of Dear Evan Hansen!
Dear Evan Hansen is nominated for nine Tony Awards:
- Best Musical
- Best Book of a Musical – Steven Levenson
- Best Original Score – Pasek & Paul
- Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical – Ben Platt
- Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical – Mike Faist
- Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical – Rachel Bay Jones
- Best Lighting Design of a Musical – Japhy Weideman
- Best Direction of a Musical – Michael Greif
- Best Orchestrations – Alex Lacamoire
Groundhog Day
Imagine reliving the same day over and over and over again. If you’re lucky, it might go something like Phil Connors’ Punxsutawney adventure in Groundhog Day the Musical, based on the 1993 Bill Murray film of the same name. The concept might actually work better on stage in this romantic comedy with music and lyrics by Tim Minchin and a book by Danny Rubin. Hop on the time loop with Broadway mainstay Andy Karl in this humorous and enjoyable musical, start to finish.
Read Long Island Weekly’s interview with Andy Karl of Groundhog Day!
Groundhog Day is nominated for 7 Tony Awards:
- Best Musical
- Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical – Andy Karl
- Best Book of a Musical – Danny Rubin
- Best Direction of a Musical – Matthew Warchus
- Best Original Score – Tim Minchin
- Best Choreography – Peter Darling and Ellen Kane
- Best Scenic Design in a Musical – Rob Howell
Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812
Characters from Leo Tolstoy’s War and Peace are brought to life in Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812. The line between audience and performers is blurred with the unique stage and seating setup and high level of interactivity. Rachel Chavkin directs the show, which features music and libretto by Dave Malloy and stars multiplatinum recording artist Josh Groban. Critics love this complex pop-opera and audiences do too.
Read Long Island Weekly’s review of The Great Comet!
Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812 is nominated for 12 Tony Awards:
- Best Musical
- Best Book of a Musical – Dave Malloy
- Best Original Score
- Best Actor in a Musical – Josh Groban
- Best Actress in a Musical – Denée Benton
- Best Featured Actor in a Musical – Lucas Steele
- Best Scenic Design in a Musical – Mimi Lien
- Best Costume Design in a Musical – Paloma Young
- Best Lighting Design in a Musical – Bradley King
- Best Direction of a Musical – Rachel Chavkin
- Best Choreography – Sam Pinkleton
- Best Orchestrations – Dave Malloy
Grab your printable ballot and settle in for the most extravagant awards ceremony of the season. The 71st annual Tony Awards hosted by Kevin Spacey take place at Radio City Music Hall and live on CBS on Sunday, June 11, at 8 p.m.
