Broadway artists react to their Tony nominations
This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.
The nominees for the 63rd annual Tony Awards were announced today, and Culture Monster has spent the better part of the morning tracking down the lucky honorees.
Here are some of their reactions to the news:
‘I am over-the-moon excited and so happy. My heart is racing.’ -- Jane Fonda, on her nomination for best lead actress in a drama for ‘33 Variations.’
‘We were directed to be a foursome and to be recognized as a foursome is thrilling. It’s a celebration of the ensemble.’ -- Jeff Daniels, on his nomination for best lead actor in a drama for ‘God of Carnage.’ (His co-stars Hope Davis, James Gandolfini and Marcia Gay Harden also received nominations.)
‘I was in bed when I found out. It was 5:30 a.m. in L.A., and I was staring at the ceiling, trying to figure out the best way to wake up. Then I got a text from my agent telling me about the good news. It was the best kind of wake-up call. ... You can’t help but take a victory lap around the living room.’ -- playwright Neil LaBute on his Tony nomination for best drama for ‘Reasons to be Pretty.’
‘I’m going to have to lose my cynicism for at least a decade. I wasn’t really expecting anything. I’m blown away.’ -- actress Alice Ripley, on her nomination as best lead actress in a musical for ‘Next to Normal.’
‘I didn’t sleep at all last night. I decided to leave my cellphone on, and if it didn’t ring, then I
would know I didn’t get it. I think it’s great that all of the nominees for best plays started at nonprofit theaters.’ -- playwright Moises Kaufman, who received a best drama nomination for ’33 Variations.’
‘It’s such a huge testament to persistence. We started it five years ago on Hollywood Boulevard. We grew together, and the journey has been the real gift.’ -- director Kristin Hanggi, on the five nominations for ‘Rock of Ages,’ which originated at the King King Club in Hollywood.
‘I was on the air at the CBS morning show when I found out. I didn’t expect it. All of my friends started texting to congratulate me.’ -- Kiril Kulish, 15, of ‘Billy Elliot’ on learning that he received a Tony nomination, which he shares with David Alvarez and Trent Kowalik.
‘I feel like I’ve won the lottery. We worked on something that was beloved by a lot of people, and we took a lot of risks.’ -- actress Karen Olivo, on her nomination for best featured actress in a musical for ‘West Side Story.’
‘It’s so rewarding. I feel like we’re an indie film and we’ve just arrived in Hollywood.’ -- J. Robert Spencer, on his nomination for best lead actor in a musical for ‘Next to Normal.’
Check back to Culture Monster for updates, with more reactions from this year’s Tony nominees.
-- David Ng
More Tonys coverage:
‘Billy Elliot’ and ‘Next to Normal’ top 2009 Tony nominations
L.A.’s ‘Rock of Ages’ rocks Tony nominations
Tony Awards snub ‘9 to 5,’ ‘The Seagull’ and ‘Desire Under the Elms’
The Tonys: Musical fluff prevails while revivals trump new plays
Who should host the Tony Awards? (Suggestions welcome)
