Three Broadway shows are leading the pack in this year's Tony Award nominations, each securing an impressive ten nods. The musicals "Buena Vista Social Club," "Death Becomes Her," and "Maybe Happy Ending" are all vying for top honors in a season characterized by innovative storytelling and genre experimentation.
The nominations were announced on May 1, 2025, ahead of the 78th annual Tony Awards ceremony set to take place on June 8 at Radio City Music Hall. This year's event will be hosted by Oscar-winning actress Cynthia Erivo, known for her role in the hit musical "Wicked." The excitement surrounding the nominations reflects a vibrant Broadway landscape, with a total of twenty-nine shows receiving at least one nomination across the 26 categories.
"Buena Vista Social Club," inspired by Wim Wenders' Oscar-nominated documentary, brings the story of the iconic Cuban musical collective to the stage. Meanwhile, "Death Becomes Her" is based on the dark comedy film of the same name, exploring the lengths to which two frenemies will go for eternal youth. The third contender, "Maybe Happy Ending," tells a futuristic tale about obsolete robots in Seoul, showcasing the diversity of narratives being embraced this season.
Christopher Gattelli, the choreographer and director of "Death Becomes Her," expressed his enthusiasm for the variety of shows nominated this year. "What I think is so cool about this year is that the shows are so widely different and I love that for Broadway," Gattelli remarked. His dual nominations for both choreography and direction highlight his significant contributions to the production.
In the competitive Best Musical category, "Buena Vista Social Club" and "Death Becomes Her" will face off against "Maybe Happy Ending" and "Dead Outlaw," a musical about a real-life alcoholic drifter whose afterlife was stranger than fiction. The latter show, conceived by David Yazbek, is a reunion for the creative team behind the Tony-winning "The Band's Visit." Yazbek noted that they learned valuable lessons from their previous success, which they applied to "Dead Outlaw."
Moving to the Best Play category, the nominations include "John Proctor Is The Villain," which draws on Arthur Miller's "The Crucible" to explore themes of girlhood and feminism in the #MeToo era. Another nominee, "Oh, Mary!" by Cole Escola, presents a raunchy reimagining of Mary Todd Lincoln's life, while Jez Butterworth's "The Hills of California" depicts a family's gathering as they confront the matriarch's impending death.
In a notable twist, Hollywood stars are making their mark on Broadway this season. George Clooney received a nod for his portrayal of legendary journalist Edward R. Murrow in "Good Night and Good Luck," while Sarah Snook was nominated for her role in a one-woman reimagining of "The Picture of Dorian Gray." The nominations have sparked discussions about the blending of Hollywood and Broadway, with audiences eager to see how these stars adapt to the stage.
However, not all high-profile productions received recognition. The much-anticipated revival of "Othello," featuring Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal, was notably absent from the nominations, alongside other big names like Kieran Culkin and Robert Downey Jr., who were overlooked for their performances in "Glengarry Glen Ross" and "McNeal," respectively.
In addition to the competitive categories, special awards were announced ahead of the ceremony. Harvey Fierstein will receive the Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre, recognizing his significant contributions to the performing arts. Celia Keenan-Bolger will also be honored with the Isabelle Stevenson Tony Award for her advocacy work through the arts.
LaChanze, a producer behind "Purpose" and "Buena Vista Social Club," expressed her excitement regarding the nominations. "I am so excited and happy that the Tony voters recognized the great work the performers in our shows are doing," she stated. LaChanze emphasized the importance of new musicals and innovative ideas on stage, reflecting the current trend of pushing boundaries in storytelling.
The Tony Awards, which celebrate excellence in Broadway theater, are determined by a voting body that includes members of The Broadway League, the American Theatre Wing, and various theatrical guilds and unions. The anticipation for this year's awards continues to build as audiences and industry professionals alike look forward to the ceremony.
As the date approaches, the buzz surrounding the nominees and their respective productions is palpable. With a blend of established favorites and fresh narratives, the 2025 Tony Awards promise to showcase the best of Broadway's talent and creativity.
For those eager to catch the action, the Tony Awards will be broadcast live from Radio City Music Hall, allowing fans to witness the celebration of theatrical achievements from the comfort of their homes. As the nominees gear up for the big night, the excitement surrounding this year's Tony Awards is sure to leave a lasting impression on the Broadway community and theatergoers alike.
