After Personal Tragedy, Catch Me's Norbert Leo Butz Gets His Most Meaningful Tony Nomination Ever

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 2011 Tony nominees. Congrats to all!

Norbert Leo Butz
Nominated for Best Actor in a Musical, Catch Me If You Can

“I’m thrilled! I’ve been on both sides of this [Tony] thing for a long time. I’ve had nominations, and there have been a lot of roles that haven’t been nominated. But I have never been more excited to be nominated for anything in my entire life than I am for this specific role and this specific award. I think people know that my family and I have had a really rough couple of years. [Butz’s sister Teresa was murdered just before the pre-Broadway run of Catch Me If You Can began in Seattle in 2009.] I thought I was not going to be able to get on stage anymore; I was ready to hang it all up. To have this be the outcome of so much pain and suffering makes the experience that much more fulfilling. I wish the show had gotten a lot more nominations. I definitely think Aaron Tveit is a huge omission, and the score is a huge omission. But to get that Best Musical nod is a tribute to the whole company and to the show. We survived a lot of shit, and here we are with a Best Musical nomination. Life is good! I was always a little supercilious and glib about awards, but I feel like getting out a marching band and having a big old party. I am one happy, grateful actor today.”