First-Time Directing Nominee Kenny Leon of Fences Counts His Blessings

The morning the Tony nominations are announced, phones start ringing off the hook for the happy few who get nods. As usual, Broadway.com is among the callers offering congratulations and getting responses. Here are the first reactions from 2010 Tony nominees. Congrats to all!

Kenny Leon
Nominated for Best Director of a Play, Fences
“Not in a million years [did I expect 10 Tony nominations]. More than anything, I’m so happy and full for Denzel Washington and Viola Davis, who are taking time away from the movie world, to be recognized for their work. And Stephen [McKinley Henderson] is one of the best actors in America. I could not be happier this morning. Every Broadway play I’ve worked on has been nominated, but this is my first time as [a Best Director nominee], and it’s really a blessing. Phylicia Rashad [of A Raisin in the Sun and Gem of the Ocean] once said to me, “How do we get design nominations and acting nominations and not a directing nomination? I guess the show directed itself.” I had no idea I would get this nomination, but I am grateful and thankful. I had the opportunity to work with August Wilson on his last two plays, and we talked about this revival. I think he’s looking down smiling and saying, ‘Wow, you guys did it, across the board.’ I’m going to take a few days off in Jamaica and then come right back up here. I promised the cast I would come every other weekend. We gotta keep working on the play, keep living it and making it better every night.”

For reactions from more of this year's Tony nominees, click here!