Nominated Director Nicholas Martin Calls Vanya the 'Happiest Theatrical Experience of My Life'

The morning the Tony nominations are announced, phones start buzzing with texts and calls for the happy few who get nods. As usual, Broadway.com is thrilled to be among the callers offering congratulations and getting responses. Here are the first reactions from 2013 Tony nominees. Congrats to all!

Nicholas Martin
Best Direction of a Play, Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike

“It’s so great for the whole show [to receive six Tony nominations]. I’m really thrilled. I’m also relieved. I had turned off the phone, and when I woke up, there were about 60 calls, and I thought, ‘Well, things are looking up!’ I’m happiest of all for Chris [Durang] and Kristine [Nielsen]. It’s unbelievable [that it’s Kristine’s first nomination]. She’s an American treasure. In another time period, she would have been the greatest star of all—like Lucille Ball. She’s amazing. I wish they had kept her in featured [actress category], but it’s okay. Who knows? There have been upsets before. I’m celebrating with the company; we’re meeting at 6:15 at the theater and having a toast with the producers, the McCarter [Theatre Center] producers and Andre [Bishop] and Bernie [Gersten] to celebrate the journey of this play. This has been the happiest theatrical experience of my life. I hope that this is Christopher’s turn. If anyone in the theater deserves it, this is it.  Audiences are just crazy for the play. It’s really thrilling to make them happy in this way.”

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