Meatballs and Prostitutes: David Alan Grier on How to Celebrate a Tony Nom

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!

David Alan Grier
Nominated for Best Featured Actor in a Play, Race
“I’m really happy right now! I heard my name and just screamed. I screamed very loud, and my windows are open. I’m really so proud and happy to be back in New York. All the love and support this whole season, so many people believing in the play and working with David Mamet—this is like icing on the cake. I heard from more people than I have had the chance to respond to today: emails, phone calls, texting, Twitter. Everything! It’s my second nomination, but the first time, it was my first professional job in 1981 with The First, and I didn’t understand in the same way. My whole career, I’ve always wanted to do a dramatic role on Broadway—not only that, but a new play. This really is something I’ve wanted to do, I hoped to do and I thought maybe I wouldn’t get to do. Then for this play to fall into my lap the way it has and have everything turn out like this is just overwhelming. I’m going to celebrate, but nothing too crazy: meatballs and prostitutes! No, it’ll probably just be champagne and friends. That’s the safe course, since I have two shows tomorrow. I’ll have a really good glass of champagne. I ate like a pig last night, so I can’t do that either. Oh, maybe I’ll go light on myself and eat some good food.”

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