Tony Administrators Deem Bridge & Tunnel "Special Theatrical Event"

The Tony Awards Administrative Committee announced its third eligibility rulings of the 2005-2006 season on April 20. The biggest decision made was that Bridge & Tunnel will indeed be considered a Special Theatrical Event.

The producers of Bridge & Tunnel petitioned the Tony Awards Administrative Committee asking for the placement of the piece in the Special Theatrical Event category. Because it is not a contender for Best Play, the show's design team and director will not be eligible for Tony gold and writer/star Sarah Jones cannot be nominated for her acting performance. The only other potential contender in the Special Theatrical Event Tony race is Suzanne Somers' The Blond in the Thunderbird.

The Tony Awards Administrative Committee also made many decisions involving placement of actors in individual acting categories. The typical rule of thumb for acting nominations is above-the-title billing means an actor is considered in the leading category, while below-the-title billing equals consideration for awards as a featured performer. Each year, however, producers petition for certain people to be considered in categories that may not jibe with billing or the size of the role.

With that in mind, the committee has deemed that Rabbit Hole stars Cynthia Nixon and John Slattery, both billed below the title, will be considered in the Best Lead Actress/Actor in a Play categories. Lisa Kron will be considered for Best Lead Actress in a Play, and Festen's Larry Bryggman and Michael Hayden are eligible for the Best Lead Actor in a Play category. On the flip side, The Pajama Game's Michael McKean, billed above the title, will be considered in the Best Featured Actor in a Musical category. Additionally Barefoot in the Park's Jill Clayburgh and Tony Roberts are eligible in the Best Featured Actress/Actor in a Play categories.

All other decisions were consistent with the opening night credits. Even though Awake and Sing! and Three Days of Rain had opened by the April 20 session, they will be assessed at the next meeting.

The Tony Awards nominations will be announced on May 16. The awards ceremony will take place at Radio City Music Hall on June 11.