The new musicals "Dear Evan Hansen," "Come From Away," "Groundhog Day the Musical," and "Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812" all scored their expected Tony Award nominations in New York on Tuesday morning. Although it is not expected to win the most important award for a new musical, "Natasha" had a particularly explosive morning, scoring a dozen nominations.
But for on-the-bubble shows like "Anastasia," which had hoped for a fifth slot in the economically crucial category of best new musical of the 2016-17 Broadway season, there was disappointment.
And there were no sweets for "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory," which was blanked.
Four powerful new plays were nominated in the category of best new play: J.T. Rogers' searing political drama "Oslo," Lucas Hnath's wry "A Doll's House, Part 2," Paula Vogel's impassioned "Indecent" and Lynn Nottage's gritty "Sweat." Notably, all are by American authors.
The boffo Bette Midler revival of "Hello, Dolly!" was nominated in the best revival of a musical category, where it will compete against "Falsettos" and "Miss Saigon." Few will bet against Dolly Levi.
In the closely watched category of best actress in a musical, Patti LuPone and Christine Ebersole of "War Paint" will go head to head against Midler, alongside Denee Benton of "Natasha" and Eva Noblezada of "Miss Saigon." "War Paint" began life as a Goodman Theatre production. Although it was not nominated in the category of best new musical, both of its equally billed stars will walk the red carpet.
Laurie Metcalf, the Steppenwolf Theatre ensemble member who was nominated for her acting in "A Doll's House, Part 2" will compete against a formidable field in the best actress in a play category: Cate Blanchett of "The Present," Jennifer Ehle of "Oslo," Sally Field of "The Glass Menagerie," and Laura Linney of "The Little Foxes."
The much-watched Tony contest for best actor in a musical is likely to be a close contest between Ben Platt, the emotionally resonant star of "Dear Evan Hansen," and Andy Karl, the courageous leading light of "Groundhog Day." Also nominated: Christian Borle of "Falsettos," Josh Groban of "Natasha" and David Hyde Pierce of "Hello, Dolly!"
The nominations were announced this morning by Christopher Jackson and Jane Krakowski, in a ceremony streamed live from the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts at Lincoln Center.
The 71st annual Tony Awards will take place June 11 at the Radio City Musical Hall in a ceremony hosted by Kevin Spacey.
