Although the committee had previously decided that Sarah Jones' one-woman show Bridge and Tunnel would be considered in the category of Special Theatrical Event, the latest announcement confirmed that the committee has eliminated the category entirely for 2006. Instead, Jones will be awarded a Special Tony.
Other billing decisions are as follows:
-- Bradley Cooper will be consiered in the Featured Actor in a Play Category for his performance in Three Days of Rain, avoiding a showdown with his co-star, Paul Rudd. The play itself will be considered in the Revival of a Play category.
-- Jim Dale, Ana Gasteyer and Cyndi Lauper will be considered in the Featured Actor and Actress in a Musical categories for their performances in The Threepenny Opera.
-- Richard Griffiths will be considered in the Lead Actor in a Play category for his performance in The History Boys.
-- For Lestat, Hugh Panaro will be considered in the Lead Actor in a Musical category.
-- For The Wedding Singer, Laura Benanti and Stephen Lynch will be considered in the Lead Actress and Actor in a Musical categories.
-- For The Drowsy Chaperone, Sutton Foster and Bob Martin will be considered in the Lead Actress and Actor in a Musical categories.
-- David Wilmot will be considered in the Lead Actor in a Play category for his performance in The Lieutenant of Inishmore.
-- For Faith Healer, Cherry Jones and Ian McDiarmid will be considered in the Featured Actress and Actor in a Play categories. This decision means that McDiarmid, a previous Best Actor winner for his performance in the Almeida Theatre's London production, will not have to compete with Ralph Fiennes, who plays the title role.
-- Tim Daly will be considered in the Featured Actor in a Play category for his performance in The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial.
-- For Shining City, Brían F. O'Byrne and Oliver Platt will both be considered in the Lead Actor in a Play category.
-- For Tarzan, Josh Strickland and Jenn Gambatese as Tarzan and Jane will be considered in the Lead Actress and Actor in a Musical categories.
All other decisions were consistent with the opening night credits.
Nominations will be announced by Tony winners Phylicia Rashad, Natasha Richardson and Liev Schreiber on May 16, at the Library for the Performing Arts at Lincoln Center. The 60th annual Tony Awards will be presented on June 11 at Radio City Music Hall.