2009 Tony Nominees React to the Big News

Good morning, Tony nominee! That was this morning's greeting for the happy few, the 2009 Tony Award nominees, on May 5. We know it's hard enough for regular people to be up and out of bed on a Tuesday morning, and for theater people it's a rarity. But most industry folks were wide awake and raring to go when the nominations for this year's Tony Awards were announced at the New York City Library of the Performing Arts at 8:30am. Immediately, phones started to ring across town alerting nominees. Broadway.com was among the callers offering congratulations and getting responses. Here are their first reactions!
 

Raul Esparza
Best Actor in a Play for Speed-the-Plow
“I was fast asleep. I’d done a benefit the night before, and my mom is in town. She sort of whispered from downstairs, ‘Good morning up there! We just got a call from Miami.’ I’m thinking, ‘Is something wrong with Dad?’ And she said, ‘You’ve been nominated for a Tony Award. Congratulations.’ All I could think was, ‘Why did they call from Miami?’ But that’s how I found out—a call from a relative. I fell back asleep, and then 10 minutes later, I said, ‘Wait a minute!’ and I popped out of bed. The fact that I’ve been nominated not just for musicals but for plays is incredibly flattering. [Esparza joins Boyd Gaines as the only actor nominated in all four categories.] I just wish that Elisabeth [Moss] and [director] Neil Pepe were part of this.”

Marcia Gay Harden
Best Actress in a Play for God of Carnage
“I was at the YMCA dropping my kids off at school, and as I was rubbing scrambled egg off my son’s face, my assistant texted me. I jumped in the air screaming, and all the YMCA mothers mobbed me! In fact, there are about 25 couples coming to see the play tonight from the kids’ classes. It’s interesting and serendipitous because the play is about city parents and the kinds of parenting they do, so to do it for the group that we’re exploring in the play feels great. For me, the Tonys are a dream. Young actors come to this city with a backpack containing a good amount of fear and confidence and ego, and then you realize you’ve joined a pool with extraordinary talent and intelligence. The Tonys are an acknowledgment that you belong there, and the most important thing is to enjoy the moment. For the four of us to be nominated feels like we all won; we all crossed the finish line together and now we can celebrate.”

David Bologna
Best Featured Actor in a Musical for Billy Elliot
“I was in Times Square with my mom; it was raining and they were going to broadcast the nominations on one of the screens. They had some technical difficulties so they didn’t show it, and my mom and I were thinking we missed it. Then my dad called and told us that I got nominated. I did not expect it at all! My mom was screaming in the middle of Times Square and I was like, ‘Shhh! Mom, be quiet!’ My dad was crying. And then I had to go to school! But that’s okay.”

Stephen Daldry
Best Director of a Musical for Billy Elliot
“The announcement came just at the time when my kids were leaving for school, so I wasn’t able to watch. One of the parents at school told me as I was dropping them off. I was thrilled, particularly for the boys. You’re always thrilled for your company. The Tonys are a fantastic celebration and hopefully a means by which more people will come out and see the show. We’re thrilled.”

Moises Kaufman
Best Play for 33 Variations
"I was in California for work and was pretending I was asleep—but I couldn’t sleep the whole night. I had my cell phone in my pillow, and when it was 5:30AM L.A. time, I thought, ‘If I get a call, that means I’ve won, and if I don’t, I can go back to sleep. I’m very happy and very excited. It’s a lovely thing to get five nominations—one for Jane [Fonda] after 46 years, one for Zach Grenier, and to get nominations for sets and lighting means that the play as a whole is being recognized, not just the writing. Jane has been so magnificent to work with; she has spearheaded this production with such joy. I’ve loved being on Broadway.”

David Lindsay-Abaire
Best Original Score Lyrics and Best Book of a Musical for Shrek the Musical
“I was in front on NY1. I had just dropped my son off at school, and I raced home to watch with my wife. I was definitely not expecting it, but I was desperately hoping! The first thing I felt was relief, and then happiness. I’m primarily a playwright, and this is my first real foray into songwriting, so for me to be in the best score category with Jeanine [Tesori], who came up with the idea of me writing lyrics, Tom Kitt, who is one of my best friends, Dolly Parton and Elton John is a little ridiculous!”

Liza Minnelli
Best Special Theatrical Event for Liza’s at the Palace...
“I’m just breathless. I’m absolutely breathless! At 8:30 in the morning, I got a call from Jim Caruso, who was in the show, and he said, ‘Liza, we made it!’ He was great in the show, and so were the other guys—and [director/choreographer] Ron Lewis is just a miracle worker. It was Ron who really won me the Tony before [for The Act in 1977]. He’s incredible. As soon as I found out, I called him in California. I said ‘Ron! We were nominated.’ And he said ‘You’re kidding!’ The whole thing is, yeah, you expect it, but you don’t really. There’s that anxiety. You think, “Mmmm, I don’t know.’ So when it really happened, it was so fantastic. Oh god, [the Tonys] are the best thing! Every time I’ve been nominated, I’ve thought, ‘This is what I’ve worked for.’ And it happened again! It’s the same damn thing. I’m 63 years old, so I thought, ‘Maybe it won’t happen this time,’ and it did. I thank everybody who nominated me. You don’t know the gratitude I have for this. It’s like the first time I ever won the Tony [for Flora, the Red Menace in 1965]. I’ll be there [on Tony night]. Are you kidding?”

Martha Plimpton
Best Featured Actress in a Musical for Pal Joey
“I’m honestly hiding out a bit this morning. It’s never gets any less exciting to find out [you’ve been nominated]. I found out this time the same way I did the other two times: my agent called me very, very early, then my publicist, and then I went back to sleep! I’m talking to you right now though, so I guess I’m dealing with it finally. That doesn’t mean it’s not incredibly cool, though, not least because our show hasn’t been open for several months now. To be invited to participate in this way is thrilling and speaks volumes about the show and the company of people who worked on it. I’m excited to see all the other nominees—that’s the really fun time, these lunches and events with the other people who have been nominated. You meet people you’ve admired for years or reunite with good friends. It’s a celebration of the season and the extraordinary work that was done, which means, like every year, there are some unbelievable people around. That’s a lot of fun.”

Jessica Hynes
Best Featured Actress in a Play for The Norman Conquests
"We had a get-together yesterday, and we all had a few beers and something to eat, and were being very flippant about the Tonys. ‘We’ve done what we came here to do. If it happens, it happens. Let’s not get excited.’ We were preparing ourselves in a very English way for failure and disappointment. Then I woke up and my email wasn’t working, so that was annoying. My phone rang a couple of times, but I was busy with [my] girls. Then I got several texts from friends that said, ‘Well done!’ For the show to get seven nominations, it felt like a slightly out-of-body experience. It’s like, ‘What? Really? Are you sure?’ And to be nominated in the same category as Angela Lansbury, who I grew up watching in films and on TV? That’s just out of this world! I took the girls out with their scooters, and we took a scooter ride to the Pink Teacup, this soul food place that we just happened upon, and we celebrated with a big American breakfast. We got pancakes and told everyone there that we’d been nominated for seven Tonys. They were very excited and congratulated us. It was pretty perfect, really, a very memorable morning. It’s like the icing on the cake, the cherry tomato on the salad, the top of the pops. It doesn’t get any better for a stage actor. My email’s finally back up, so now I’m going to start emailing people and going, ‘Guess what?’”

Gregory Jbara
Best Featured Actor in a Musical for Billy Elliot
“I don’t get New York 1 [which broadcasts the nominations] at my house, so I met a cousin at the Coffee Shop in Union Square to watch the nominations. We had breakfast and watched on the TV there as they rolled out. We had the whole restaurant cheering with us. It was great. That happened to be the same spot I watched President Obama get sworn in, so it’s now my lucky place. I knew that it wasn’t a long shot, between Outer Critics Circle and Drama Desk, to get a nomination, but it was still a thrilling surprise—hey, this is a first for me! This is twenty-five years of theater in the making. Honestly, I thought it would be a little different. Being on the outside, you think it’ll feel one way, but the whole Billy Elliot experience has been so positive that it’s really just an amazing piece of validation on top of what already was already a remarkable career milestone for me. I’m enjoying that I have this, but I still feel like me just walking down the street, if that makes sense. I didn’t sleep well last night though, I can tell you that! But, you know, after this interview I have a voice over audition and a show to do, so it’s business as usual, aside from the many, many hugs I’ll be giving out when I get the theater tonight.”

Tom Kitt
Best Original Score & Best Orchestrations for Next to Normal
“I was watching the nominations with my wife, Rita, and my mother, Judy. My mom doesn’t have NY1 where she lives, so she came to the city from Westchester to watch it with me. Our baby daughter came home a week and a half ago, so we’ve been having an incredible time. We’re very blessed. I’m overwhelmed by the support for the show, and thrilled for everybody who was nominated. Having gone through what I went through with High Fidelity, which I loved and was proud of, I realize how difficult what we do really is, and I appreciate this [nomination] and want to live in this moment as much as I can. My plan is to celebrate with my friends and my family, especially my wife. She’s still recovering from the c-section, and I want to be with her. In moments like this, if you take the time to share it with the people you love, you’ll enjoy it even more and appreciate it even more.”

Lee Hall
Best Book of a Musical for Billy Elliot
“I was lying in bed in my hotel room and I tried to watch it on the telly. I put it on and saw Cynthia Nixon get up and say, ‘The first nominee is…’ and then the picture starting going in and out. I had no idea we’d gotten nominated; I had to get on the internet to find out. I was thrilled and overwhelmed. This show started out as a small, personal thing that Stephen Daldry and I felt we had to do, about a moment in history we had lived through, and it’s grown and grown. It’s been magical! We were terrified about coming to Broadway because musicals are what you do so well. We feel very humble.”

Jeanine Tesori
Best Original Score for Shrek the Musical
“I let my 11-year-old daughter skip the first half hour of school and we watched NY1 and then jumped up and down on the bed. I’ve been calling my reaction a relief cupcake with happiness icing! This is my fourth nomination, and I’ve been doing this for a long time; I started playing in the pit when I was 19. It’s a very challenging business, but I love it more and more. My favorite time at the Tony Awards is the dress rehearsal when all the shows are sitting in the house. It levels the playing ground and is a very special gathering.”

Thomas Sadoski
Best Actor in a Play for Reasons to be Pretty
“I turned off my phone at night and passed out. My wife, Kim Hope, who’s a casting director for Law and Order: Criminal Intent, is fortunately really good with the phone because of her job and we’ve been together a long time, so she knows how to deliver information to me in the way that’s most helpful. So I woke up to a kiss on the forehead and a ‘congratulations.’ And that was the best way to wake up I could ever hope for. With the amount of amazing plays on Broadway this season it’s surprising to even be included. Usually it’s lip service when people say, ‘It’s just an honor to be nominated,’ but I think that this year, particularly in my category, it’s not a lie to say I’m just thrilled to be nominated. I’m shocked and grateful that people thought enough of my work to put me in the company of actors who inspired me. Ultimately, though, I’ve got a show to do tonight and two to do tomorrow, so as great as the recognition is, the real joy is doing the show, so I’m just proud to be a part of it—and proud of [fellow show nominees] Marin [Ireland] and [playwright] Neil LaBute! Proud of us all.”

Harriet Walter
Best Actress in a Play for Mary Stuart
“My agent called me from London quite early this morning; I was in my pajamas. She’d gone online and seen it. For her it was lunchtime, so she was just busting to tell me. I was terribly, terribly relieved because people had been rumoring about it, and I thought, ‘Supposing after all these rumors we don’t get anything?’ That would be embarrassing. I’m glad that Janet [McTeer] and myself are nominated and that Phyllida [Lloyd, the director] was nominated, and all the guys who did the lighting, the set and the sound—those are key people in this production. It’s been such a happy experience because we have a very good, solid company. We socialize together, we enjoy working on stage together, we have fun backstage. We’re well supported on every single front. The Tonys are the real razzmatazz from what I hear! When in New York, do as the New Yorkers do. That’s my motto. Go for it!”

Carole Shelley
Best Featured Actress in a Musical for Billy Elliot
“This morning has just been non-stop! I’ve got call waiting, and I just flip from one to the next to the next and now you, and it’s glorious. What a joyful day. I’m not [on the internet] and was still in bed, so it was lovely someone thought to call me and share the news—friends of mine in Chicago reached me at 8:30 in the morning, and it’s a good thing they did, or I wouldn’t have found out until I opened the Times tomorrow. I celebrated with a very strong cup of tea—two bags, milk and sugar. I am thrilled to be part of the excitement. I cannot wait to get to the theater tonight and feel all that love washing over, because it is such a happy, lovely company. It’s always a surprise, but for the show to get so many nominations is even more exciting. I’m not even planning on winning! I know it sounds kind of trite, but I’m just thrilled to be acknowledged. I’m certainly not looking forward to finding a dress, but I am looking forward to being there.”

Stockard Channing
Best Leading Actress in a Musical for Pal Joey
"I’m in Paris at the moment, so I really just found out. I was on the train from London when I turned my phone on and got a message that this happened, which is really exciting. I sort of have to go in the bathroom on the train so I wouldn’t be talking too loud. It just feels fabulous, it really does. I’m so thrilled—it’s always like the first time [you were nominated], especially for something you love. [Pal Joey] hadn’t been around for a couple of months, so I’m gratified they honored us this way, [co-star] Martha Plimpton and I. I just think it’s really swell and I really, really, really appreciate it. This is just a moment to just be happy. And with three nights to go in Paris, [celebrating] shouldn’t be a problem!"

Josefina Scaglione
Best Leading Actress in a Musical for West Side Story
“I was at the MET’s Annual Costume Gala last night, so I was very tired and still in bed [this morning]. I turn off my cell phone so I could sleep. But my best friend is visiting from Argentina, so she woke me up with the news. We were jumping up and down and very excited. I just talked with all of my family back home in Argentina and of course they are very excited too. I think they’re going to come up to visit me for the awards. I was very surprised though—it’s a beautiful surprise. I dreamed of it so much as a child and thought it would happen someday, but I never thought it would happen so soon [in my career]. I can’t wait to be there and see all those live performances and share the night with my cast, it will be an amazing thing. But I really don’t need anything more than to just celebrate with my family—I’m not that kind of girl!”

Amanda Root
Best Featured Actress in a Play for The Norman Conquests
"I’m still a bit bleary-eyed, really, and a bit shocked. I never expected to have a personal nomination, so I’m incredibly surprised and incredibly honored. I’m rather speechless. This is one of things where you probably can’t take it all in. You’re just very grateful, and it’s lovely. This is probably the best company I’ve ever worked with, and we all know each other so well and work so well together, so something like this really is for everybody involved in the show. So far, there’s been lots of text messages from all the cast. My agent rang, too, while I was still in bed, and the phone has kept ringing. So I’m just sitting here, having my cup of tea and trying to ring everybody I’ve been asked to call. When companies like ourselves come over from England, getting a Tony nomination is a big deal, and we are all very aware of that. My family couldn’t be more excited for me. My husband and my mother want to come over when the awards happen. So I’m going to do whatever I can–beg, borrow or steal–to get them in and have them join me on that day. And I hear it’s televised, right? Maybe dad will be able to watch it at home if he gets it on the right channel."

Diane Paulus
Best Director of a Musical for Hair
“I have two little children, so I’m up at seven. I made my daughters oatmeal, and they got to eat it in front of the television as a special treat while we were watching NY1. They’re only four and a half and two, but they know all about Hair, so they screamed every time they heard Hair mentioned. They were active participants in the excitement this morning. It was very, very sweet. Hair is such a team effort, and to see so many colleagues recognized was so gratifying. I’m especially happy for [composer] Galt MacDermot and [librettist] Jim Rado, who are still with us. I’m thrilled to be able to bring this material to a new generation. I’ve cherished every moment of the ride [with Hair]. And now, you know, I started thinking, ‘Oh my god! This is the Tonys! This is Radio City! I have to get a dress!’”

David Alvarez, Trent Kowalik & Kiril Kulish
Best Actor in a Musical for Billy Elliot
Alvarez: "We were on TV [doing the CBS Early Show] and they were actually filming us while they read the nominations. I couldn’t believe it or something! [We’ll celebrate] by doing the show today! And then I’m just going home and going straight to bed, I’ve been up since 4am!" Kowalik: "Yeah, it was really overwhelming. I didn’t expect any of this to happen, and we were really on the spot with [the cameras there]. But it is amazing, isn’t it? Wow." Kulish: "I was just really shocked when I heard them say our names. I’ve gotten lots of calls and texts though from my friends and other people!"
 

Michael Greif
Best Director of a Musical for Next to Normal
“I’m in Minneapolis working on Tony Kushner’s new play at the Guthrie, so I was looking at the New York Times arts blog this morning but the phone calls beat me to it. I’m thrilled that so many different areas of the musical have been recognized because I think it’s a beautiful synthesis of performance and material and design. When we were in DC [at Arena Stage], it felt like this was the best version of this musical, and I’m really happy that [producer] David Stone got us to New York. The 11 nominations are wonderful because they mean wider recognition. I think the show is smart. And unexpected. I love the surprises in it. These nominations will let people know there is something very special here.”

Marin Ireland
Best Featured Actress in a Play for Reasons to be Pretty
“I really did not expect this, so I didn’t even wake up until 9:30. Suddenly there were, like, 78 messages on my phone. [Producer] Richard Frankel’s message was probably the one that gave me the news, but I don’t really know which was first because I pressed the button and all these ‘congratulations!’ filled the Blackberry screen. It’s been a weird day. I had to go to the ER yesterday morning because my cat almost fell out the window, and I grabbed her at the last second and she chewed my finger up, so I really didn’t sleep last night because I was in pain. I’m so groggy that literally it’s only sinking in now, two hours later. I’m in a total daze! My best friend in the world she called me and demanded we get together [to celebrate], so sometime this afternoon we’re going to get together. I’m honestly shocked to be included, but I’ve got my fingers crossed for all [the Reasons to be Pretty nominees]. Between this and the cat jumping out the window yesterday, it’s been a crazy couple days.”

Stephen Mangan
Best Featured Actor in a Play for The Norman Conquests
"I successfully managed to go to sleep and sleep right through the announcements, until I was woken up by a text from a friend that said, ‘Bad luck: You missed out on Best Leading Actress in a Musical.’ Then more texts and calls and emails started flooding in. I talked to my wife in London. She’s very, very excited. She’ll be coming over for the awards, which are televised, unlike the Oliviers in England, so we’ll need to get some of our best clobber on. I would say I’d have a good shave, but I’m not allowed to. I’m really pleased for Alan Ayckbourn because you don’t get that many nominations for a badly written play. It’s just a testament to the enduring greatness of his trilogy that it’s generated that much interest 35 years after it was written. And Matthew [Warchus, our director] seems to be dominating. I did a quick count and he’s got ten actors working on Broadway, and eight of us have nominations. The Tonys have always been reported in the U.K. as a big deal, but what surprised me was how much interest there was about them in Manhattan itself. I was out walking about yesterday and got stopped three or four times by people wishing me ‘good luck’ for tomorrow. That’s just amazing. That would never happen in London, even though London is a big theater town. Admittedly, I’m incredibly recognizable, thanks to all of the hair that I’m wearing at the moment. And I must say, it makes me laugh to see my two friends [fellow nominees and castmates Amanda Root and Jessica Bynes] compete with Angela Lansbury for an award. That’s great fun!"

Roger Robinson
Best Featured Actor in a Play for Joe Turner’s Come and Gone
“I found out by a call from my agent. I was asleep, and my agent, Mark Redanty, called me and said, ‘Congratulations!’ And I said, ‘For what?’ And he said, ‘You got nominated for a Tony.’ And I said, ‘Oh my God, I am so asleep! Am I dreaming?’ I got up and I’ve been up ever since. People have been calling me from all over. They find out instantly about this stuff. It’s always great to have your work recognized and appreciated. It’s kind of bittersweet for me, I must say honestly. I would have liked some of my colleagues in the play to be nominated too, especially LaTanya Richardson Jackson and Chad Coleman. But I understand that it’s a crowded field this year. I hope this means we can extend, so there will be longer employment for the cast and crew. I’d like it to translate that way, rather than just a boost for my ego. The last time I got nominated [in 1996 for Seven Guitars], the ceremony was held in a Broadway theater. Now I’m looking forward to putting on a tux and going to Radio City Music Hall.”

Will Swenson
Best Featured Actor in a Musical for Hair
“I’m freaking beside myself! It’s an extraordinary day. I was on the way to take my five-year-old to preschool, and my sister called as I was walking out the door and said, ‘Congratulations.’ I was like, ‘Oh my gosh, yay!’ I don’t want this to sound ungrateful in any way, but [waiting for the Tony announcement is] a little bit of a distraction. We’ve all got big egos as actors, and we all want recognition, but it kind of gets in your head as far as doing the show, so I tried not to think about it. I’ve spent the morning checking the 100 Facebook messages I got from people. I never knew people from junior high school still kept track of me! [Playing Berger] is a great release. I feel like it’s an alter ego. Maybe I’m just mellow in life because the show takes all my energy. This [awards season] is a whole new thing for me. I’m excited beyond belief. I feel like I’m putting my toe in a gigantic pool of talent and I’m thrilled to be invited to the party."
 

Brian Yorkey
Best Book of a Musical & Best Score Lyrics for Next to Normal
“I woke up this morning to maybe 20 text messages and voicemails. Some were from people I haven’t heard from in many years, who suddenly rediscovered my phone number and e-mail address, which is really neat. Before I answered anything, I went online to see what the results were. I purposely planned on sleeping through it, just to get the news all at once. I was surprised and delighted, and I’m so happy for everyone involved. This is such an unlikely show, a long shot. Yet so many people believed in it, and it’s wonderful to see David Stone and our producers get nominated, as well as Michael Greif, who directed it with such love and detail, along with these wonderful actors. And Michael Starobin and Tom [Kitt] got the nomination for orchestration. That’s a huge delight to me, because it’s a smaller orchestra than you find most places, but what they’ve done is so inventive and incredible. Being on Broadway and being nominated for a Tony is a dream I’ve had for a long time. I always try to do good work, and to have that acknowledged in such a prominent way by people who aren’t related to me is really exciting.”

Hallie Foote
Best Featured Actress in a Play for Dividing the Estate
“I was actually watching NY1 this morning. I had it on because I knew that the nominations were coming out, and I was curious to see if the play got it. It did, and I was very gratified about that. And then I kept watching and saw that I got a nomination, which I was kind of shocked by, I have to say. It’s nice to be recognized by a group of your peers. It’s just a nice feeling. I’m casting for another play of my dad’s [late playwright Horton Foote, who wrote Dividing the Estate]—what I call his masterwork—the Orphans' Home cycle. So we are in auditions all day for that, and then tonight I’m going to see Reasons to be Pretty, so that’s how I am celebrating.”

Phyllida Lloyd
Best Director of a Play for Mary Stuart
“We’re very, very excited—a bit over-excited, actually, given that we’re English! I’m in London, and my assistant, Seth, texted me with the news. I was trying not to think about it, but I can’t pretend that I could get it out of my mind. The sun is almost over the yardarm now, where we can actually start celebrating. Obviously I’m thrilled for the queens [Janet McTeer and Harriet Walter]. To be honest, I was just concentrating my mind on, “If one of them gets nominated, it would be wonderful if the other does too.” That was all I was really hoping for, so the rest of it is a glorious bonus. I’m in the early stages of working on a film at the moment, so I’ve got time to come over [for the Tonys] and visit Mamma Mia!, as well. Someone said to me that the awards ceremony is even longer than Mary Stuart, which is quite funny. I’m aware that being nominated for a Tony is a big honor, and all of us here feel very thrilled.”

Karen Olivo
Best Featured Actress in a Musical for West Side Story
“I actually found out via text message from my manager. I was still lying in bed when I got the text so there was no dancing around, but I did immediately call my mom. She did a little crying and a lot of screaming, and then she said, ‘I have to come up there!’ She lives in Florida, so she’s literally ready to jump in a plane right now. This is what you’ve always wanted if you’re an actor. You give up on it after a while in the business because you realize it takes much more than talent: you need the right show, the right role, and many other factors to come together to even be in the running. So eventually just working became more important to me. Then, as soon as I gave up on it, it appeared. I’m going to celebrate by doing a wonderful show tonight, and then I’m going out with three of my girls from In the Heights who’ve been my support system since the beginning for a drink. To go to the Tony’s last year with In the Heights [for Best Musical] and now return, sort of in the ‘hot seat,’ is such an interesting turn of events. I feel like I’ve won, just being nominated. I don’t even care what happens on Tony Night, I just want to get into a pretty dress and see my friends!”

Will Ferrell
Best Special Theatrical Event for You’re Welcome America. A Final with George W. Bush
"To say I’m thrilled about the nomination is an understatement. In fact, when I heard, I plotzed. And then, I double-plotzed.”

Zach Grenier
Best Featured Actor in a Play for 33 Variations
“I was lying in bed at about 8:35, and I heard this distant cell phone ring in the study downstairs. I thought, ‘That’s probably my car insurance reminder,’ but it was my wonderful agent, leaving a message telling me that I had gotten nominated. It’s just a wonderful feeling and a wonderful validation! I really wasn’t expecting it, but I’m so pleased that people have enjoyed the play. Beethoven’s music is such a balm, especially in tough times, and my relationship with the character is such a joy. I think Moises [Kaufman] was channeling Beethoven’s genius when he conceived of this thing. It transcends what you expect when you walk into the theater. It’s a unique experience. Jane [Fonda]? What a fun person to work with. Collaborative; she loves people, loves causes; she’s such a team player and so gracious. I have a really special little scene with her at the end of the play that I look forward to every night.”

Paul Ritter
Best Featured Actor in a Play for The Norman Conquests
“We’re all delighted. Seven nominations for our show? That’s really knocked us off our feet. It’s the stuff of dreams, really. I was stumbling around in my dressing gown, researching something—I’d gotten a message from my son in England, talking about a kind of iPod that’s only available in the States. So I was looking that up when I got a call from our publicity office. It’s funny because when I went out to lunch with Amanda [Root], my fellow nominee, she said, ‘We haven’t heard anything about the Tonys.’ And I said, ‘Well, when is it supposed to happen?’ And she said, ‘I think it’s today.’ That was yesterday [laughs]. We’re not as up on these things as we could be, I guess. Apparently there’s a big screen in Times Square that shows the announcements, so I could’ve stood in the rain and watched it. Is it on the television as well? I’ve only talked to my wife and agent so far. I’ll have to give my dad a call, back in Yorkshire. He’ll be very pleased”

Allison Janney
Best Actress in a Musical for 9 to 5
“I was such a wreck I couldn’t sleep, so I went out to walk my dog in Riverside Park. I decided that when I found out whatever happened had happened, I just wanted to be with my dog in the rain! I had crazy dreams about it. My friend eventually called me on my cell phone and I got the news. Of course it’s very bittersweet because I feel the whole show really deserves to be nominated. I wish that the three girls could be nominated the same way the Billy Elliot boys were! We’re such a team, you know, the three of us, so I feel I definitely share this with [co-stars] Stephanie J. Block and Megan Hilty. I just adore them. I don’t have much time to sit back and enjoy this since it’s a very busy week, but I’ll have an extra lift in my spirit. It’s really thrilling to get a Tony nomination, it’s a wonderful thing to happen for anybody, especially in musical theater. I’ve never done it before, so to be recognized for it is a great accomplishment. I feel proud to represent the show, and excited for [fellow nominees] Marc Kudisch, Dolly Parton and Andy Blankenbuehler. Doing the show, that’s how I’ll celebrate. Just doing the show and having fun doing it, like I do every night.”

Constantine Maroulis
Best Actor in a Musical for Rock of Ages
“Man, that was definitely a nice way to wake up this morning. I’ve been sick with a bad cold all week and fighting through it, so I’ve been waking up crappy for the last couple days. Today was not crappy. I didn’t set my alarm or anything—you know, I didn’t want to be ‘that guy’—so I was asleep for the beginning. I usually fall asleep with Sports Center on, so the TV was on when I woke up, and I just threw the [telecast] on in the background when I got up. I happened to turn it on literally as they were saying ‘Nominees for Best Leading Actor in a Musical.’ I said, ‘Oh, well, OK, whatever.’ So they read off Gavin [Creel] and Brian [d’Arcy James] and the Billy Elliot boys, and then suddenly me? It was amazing. Very, very surreal. I’m very blessed to have an incredible role and the opportunity to do what I love to do, which is be a performer, especially one in the theater. The chance to create a role is every actor’s dream. And [fellow nominee] Kristin [Haggni], our director, really deserves the thanks, because they originally called me years ago to play the Stacee Jaxx role [played by James Carpinello]—I went to the audition with his sides in hand. It was Kristin that said, ‘No, we need you for Drew.’ I’m bustin’ my butt up there and have an incredible ensemble around me, and everyone brings their best to every single performance. So here we all are.”

Alice Ripley
Best Actress in a Musical for Next to Normal
“Oh my gosh, I’m over the moon! I was sitting on my couch in my grungies, watching television, and just felt completely blown away that these dreams are coming true for everybody in our show. We’re all walking around in heaven right now. I didn’t feel any pressure—pressure is a choice, and you only feel it when you press back. But I was overwhelmed by people saying that I was going to be nominated. I don’t really know what you’re supposed to do when somebody says that before it happens. You just kind of smile and say, ‘Thank you for the support.’ And now I’ve been on the phone all morning! It’s a very contemporary Tony announcement day where I’m on my iPhone, I’m texting, e-mailing and talking all at the same time. Multimedia congratulations! I feel like everything I’ve done creatively in my life has led me to this. This is the role I’ve waited for, and I’m really, really grateful that I was ready for it. If we had transferred to a Broadway theater last year, I don’t think it would have been the same. I needed this year to train to do this; it is definitely a 24-hour-a-day commitment because of what’s required of me on stage.”

Jeff Daniels
Best Actor in a Play for God of Carnage
“We’re stunned. I watched it on CBS, and actor was the first category, so I’m going, ‘OK, this’ll be over real quick.’ Then bang, there I am—alphabetically the first name—and I’m going, ‘Oh my God!’ I just didn’t expect it. None of the other earlier awards had included me, which was fine. But there was my name. And then there was Jim [Gandolfini]. Then actress was up next, and there’s Hope [Davis], and there’s Marcia [Gay Harden]. And I’m going, ‘Oh my God!’ When have all four actors been nominated in a leading category? It’s just unusual, if not rare, and maybe a first. We were hopeful that it would be as many of us as possible, but all four of us? I don’t think any of us really believed that would happen. It’s all out of your control. It’s wonderful when it happens. When it doesn’t, which is usually the case for all of us, you find ways to enjoy it. And there’s plenty to enjoy about God of Carnage before today and certainly after today. It’s been a great experience, and now it’ll be even better. First people I called were my parents, who’ve been very supportive for years and came to see a preview. It’s been great to include them in this whole Carnage tsunami—the praise and audience response and all that. Marcia’s called. Jim’s called. I called Hope. We’ve all talked to each other this morning. We can’t believe it!”

Jennifer Damiano
Best Featured Actress in a Musical for Next to Normal
“I was actually sleeping, and my manager called me at 8:40 and told me the news. I had put my alarm on for eight, but I overslept! I guess it’s better that I woke up and heard right away. I was at home, so I got to celebrate a little bit with my dad and my sister. A few of my friends have already texted me, and I got voicemail from [fellow nominees] Alice [Ripley] and Bobby [Spencer]. It’s really funny, Alice said, ‘Hey, it’s your mom, call me back!’ Then I get a voicemail from Bobby saying, “Hey, it’s dad, give me a call.’ I feel totally honored, and really, really thrilled and thankful for all the people who have helped me. I would never want nominations or awards to jeopardize what happens each night in the theater because that’s what’s most important to me—every person in the show contributed to getting those 11 Tony nominations. But this is amazing! It’s totally surreal.”

Kristin Hanggi
Best Direction of a Musical for Rock of Ages
“I don’t know if I’ve ever been better than I am right now. I mean, I watched Lin-Manuel Miranda say my name on television! I am totally shocked. When he said my name my hands started shaking so bad I couldn’t hold the phone when people started calling me. Once I had time to take it in, I’ll admit I had to dance around the living room a little. It’s incredible. You watch the Tony’s when you’re five years old, and go, ‘One day…’ But to have it happen? Holy shit, are you serious? I literally want to run outside and grab people and start screaming, ‘Dreams come true!’ And now I want to go to Times Square and put on tap shoes and tap down the TKTS stairs, with the Rock of Ages girls as my backup dancers. The show’s been a labor of love for the last five years, so to have it be nominated at all is a testimony to every single person involved and what they do. My cast, my designers, all of them are genius. We are a testament to the importance of being silly, I think, and to celebrating your inner rock star. This is all just surreal. I think I need to go blast Journey’s ‘Don’t Stop Believin’!"

Geoffrey Rush
Best Actor in a Play for Exit the King
“I’m trying to lead the life of a Broadway baby, and go to bed late and get up around 11, so this is very early for me. But I really wanted to watch a part of what’s been an extraordinary theatrical journey for me over the last couple of months—bringing this play over from Australia and being so welcomed by New York with audiences and the theater community as well. I wanted to see how it all went. I’ve always loved watching the Tony Awards on cable in Australia. It always radiates with this amazing sense of community. We think of Broadway being this big competitive business template, but when you watch the Tonys, you see it’s more to do with a great heritage and a great celebration of the theater industry here in New York. I’m new in the Broadway neighborhood, and I adore all my neighbors. I’m working down the road from Schiller and Ayckbourn and Beckett! And the fact that we brought over an Ionesco play—an obscure Ionesco play—and have it so readily enjoyed by fairly attuned, informed audiences has been immensely gratifying. They know their stuff, Broadway audiences!”

Janet McTeer
Best Actress in a Play for Mary Stuart
“One of our cast has a house in the country, and we had come away for the weekend. There’s about five of us here, and we were all out skinny-dipping in her pool. We came back in, and all the phones were ringing. I’m not telling you [who was skinny-dipping]! Half our cast, that’s all I’m saying. I didn’t really have any expectations at all, to be honest. I just thought, “Oh God, I hope it all works out.” I would have been so upset if [director] Phyllida [Lloyd] hadn’t gotten one, and [co-star] Harriet [Walter] obviously, so it’s really exciting. The great thing is, now that we’ve got the seven Tony nominations, that’s all we need. Anything else, anyone who wins, is just a bonus. Now we get to hang out with all the other Tony nominees, and they’re all brilliantly cool. That’s the fun bit.”

Marc Kudisch
Best Featured Actor in a Musical for 9 to 5
“My girlfriend and I were watching the television this morning, so that’s how I got the news. You know, I’ve been through this before [for Thoroughly Modern Millie and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang]. It always feels sort of the same way—great, now my girlfriend’s making faces at me! But it’s true. The first time is always the coolest because it’s the first time. The second time it’s like, ‘OK, it wasn’t a fluke that I was nominated.’ And this time it was sort of that thing where you wake up and go, ‘Well, I will be or I won’t be.’ There’s the personal side to a nomination like this where you feel privileged, and I do—I feel privileged every time I get a job offer! This is icing on an already very big cake. But if I’m honest, on the other side, I have friends in the show who did not get nominated whose work I feel is magnificent. So I always find it a challenge, because we’re all in this together. I’m not out onstage alone, I’m with those starring women every night, and I owe much of my performance to [director] Joe Mantello as well. So it almost feels like just my right arm and right leg got nominated. My right arm and right leg are doing half a cartwheel though!”

Haydn Gwynne
Best Featured Actress in a Musical for Billy Elliot
"I am very happy this morning! I blew it though—I turned on the wrong channel! I was up early to get the kids off to school and everything, and still managed to blow my one chance. Luckily my lovely manager, Miller, phoned me up and said, 'Congratulations, nominee!' I was like, 'What, wait—what?!' That [the show] has gotten so many nominations is such a privilege. If it’s all right for me to name-drop, the first call I got was from Sir Elton John himself, which was so sweet of him. He and [partner and show producer] David Furnish were my champions from very early on in wanting me to come to Broadway, and believed in me long before I ever thought it would happen. I’m so happy for all of us [at the show]. You’ll never believe it, but I’m actually off to go to Verdura, the jewelry designer, who lent me my gems for opening night, today. Harry, my eight year old, is mad about rocks, and I’d promised him I’d take him to go see real diamonds. So while we’re there, I may just have to keep an eye out for something to borrow for one of these big nights coming up!"

J. Robert Spencer
Best Actor in a Musical for Next to Normal
“What a blessing! My wife and son and daughter just got back from Oregon yesterday and everybody has jet lag, so they were all in bed with me this morning. My wife and I woke up at seven and watched the clock tick down to 8:30. When we heard, we just screamed; my wife grabbed me and didn’t let go. And then the cell phone started going crazy with calls and texts: my sisters, my mom and dad, my in-laws, my friends and colleagues. In fact, the first phone call I got was from [former Jersey Boys castmate] Donnie Kehr. said, ‘Oh my God, man! Congratulations!’ Donnie’s in Billy Elliot, and I was like, ‘Well, congratulations to you too!’ It was such a classy move for Donnie. I wasn’t surprised [to be nominated] because the show is so wonderful and the role is so pivotal and powerful, but I was definitely relieved. Mommy and Daddy explained it to [three-year-old son Geddy], and he just said, ‘Yeah, I wanna play Play Doh.’ OK, great!”

Sutton Foster
Best Actress in a Musical for Shrek the Musical
"I went out to walk my dog and then I got coffee at the same time, so I missed the nominations. I actually found out from a friend who texted me, 'Congratulations! Yay!' And then I talked to my agent who told me that the show got nominated, too. I’m really happy. It’s pretty exciting. This time especially—I feel very close and passionate about this show in particular. This was a very exciting morning! When I got nominated for Millie, I rode the Ferris wheel at Toy ‘R’ Us! This is sort of up there with Millie—it’s a very exciting role, and I feel so proud. It’s sort of surreal. There’s a lot of anticipation leading up to the Tony nominations, and now there’ll be a month of anticipation leading up to the Tony Awards. It’s like this isolated month of extreme excitement and anticipation, and I want to try and enjoy it as much as I can."

Hunter Bell
Best Book of a Musical for [title of show]
"[Collaborator] Jeff [Bowen] and I are in L.A. right now, working on some projects. It’s still very early here—not my ideal time of day at all. We woke up at the crack of dawn, and since we don’t have cable, we got on the Internet to see what we could see of the announcements. It’s been a super-surreal morning, with a whole rush of mixed emotions. I grew up watching the Tonys on television. That was my Super Bowl. That was my World Series. [title of show] even has a song in it called 'The Tony Award Song.' So obviously, this is a super-huge deal for me! But I’m the only one in the show who got nominated, so it does feels a little strange. It would’ve been great for Jeff’s score to be nominated. I would’ve loved to see Heidi [Blickenstaff] and Susan [Blackwell] be nominated, too. But they’ve called, and they’re all super-happy and super-excited. So I’m happy to be representing for everyone on team [tos]. Now it’s time for a little room service, then we’ll be on plane back to New York tonight."
 

Brian d’Arcy James
Best Actor in a Musical for Shrek the Musical
"I was sitting here on my couch, watching TV, eating my oatmeal [when I found out]. I was anxiously awaiting, truth be told. I was sitting there hoping for the best for everyone. Just to be clear, it was a surprise! I don’t take these things lightly. I am lucky enough to have been down this road before, having done it seven years ago. I feel like seven years is a long time to reflect on how extraordinary it is to be in this position. It’s nice to be recognized, not only personally—but the show. Theater is a truly collaborative communal effort. I’m not being coy or trying to divert anything here, it’s the truth. There’s a great sense of pride and it means to me that we can all be very proud that what we’ve done is being recognized in some way. It’s not the be all end all in terms of why we do this but it sure is a huge gust of wind in our sails. I take nothing for granted. You can’t sit here and expect anything on the days like this. That’s what makes this all the more sweet, that you get touched by the magic wand. I feel very proud that that happened for the show. There’s no better time to be happy about something like this than sharing it with the people you work with, so that will be a celebration in and of itself, being able to go to work."

John Glover
Best Featured Actor in a Play for Waiting for Godot
“Todd Haimes from Roundabout Theatre Company called me and gave me the news this morning. I was thinking about this today. I actually didn’t know when they were, so I couldn’t sleep too late. I got up and was on the phone with a friend, and we were talking and I still hadn’t heard anything, so I figured it probably wasn’t going to happen. Then Todd called, so glory halleluiah! We all worked very hard and are all very proud of [Godot]. I’m surprised though—I was hoping and thinking we would all be nominated. There’s a certain amount of disappointment personally that I’m the only one. Anthony Page is one of the best directors I’ve ever worked with, and [co-stars] Goody [John Goodman], Bill [Irwin] and Nathan [Lane] all gave brilliant performances. But we got nominated for Best Revival as well, which I’m very excited about. There won’t be much celebrating because I have to get ready for the show tonight. We’re all exhausted, you know! All of this just happened, so I’m sort of in a daze."

Gavin Creel
Best Actor in a Musical for Hair
“I honestly didn’t expect it! I set my alarm and said, ‘I’m going to watch the nominations and then I’ll deal with whatever happens.’ So it was a beautiful surprise. I didn’t get nominated for Outer Critics or Drama Desk—I know one of those things doesn't lead to another, but you start thinking, ‘Oh, it’s probably not that kind of role.’ So it’s really, really an honor to be recognized. I feel honored and respected by it in a weird way. Is 'nod' short for nomination? I guess it seems like for a second the community turned and nodded to me. I feel the exact same way I did when I got nominated for [Thoroughly Modern] Millie—that I already won. On June 7, I’ll just go and have a good time. The best part is I still have a job and I get to go do it tonight! When Will [Swenson] got the [featured actor] nomination, I screamed louder than when I did. I love that guy, and I’m so proud to share the stage with him. Eight nominations? That’s fantastic! I’m really excited to see everybody tonight.”

Christopher Sieber
Best Featured Actor in a Musical for Shrek the Musical
"I’m in my car right now. I had to get up early to drive into the city because we are doing an event for Shrek the Musical. I was out at my country house and I was on my way in, and my agent called me around 8:40. The traffic is terrible because it’s raining, and so I had to pull over to take a breath because I was kind of shaken a little bit. And now I’m on the road again; I’ve stopped shaking, and I am so happy. The greatest thing about it—more than anything—is just to be noticed and recognized. It’s an overwhelming feeling of respect, and it’s a wonderful feeling. I’m not sure how I’ll celebrate—I have to park my car first! It’s rainy and cloudy, but it’s a beautiful, beautiful day."