Broadway experienced a robust season marked by star-studded performances, increased attendance, and rising ticket prices, signaling a strong recovery following the pandemic. The Tony Award nominations, with 29 out of 42 eligible productions recognized, offer insight into current trends in commercial theater, highlighting both celebrated surprises and notable absences.
Examining this year’s plays suggests that male actors continue to dominate dramatic leading roles, with many nonmusical productions lacking leading actresses entirely. Only nine women qualified for the five standard nomination slots, excluding the multiple roles played by Sarah Snook in “The Picture of Dorian Gray,” who received just one nomination. In contrast, women led the musical theater category with numerous standout performances, resulting in some high-profile omissions. Despite strong showings, Adrienne Warren in “The Last Five Years,” Sutton Foster in “Once Upon a Mattress,” and Idina Menzel in “Redwood” were all passed over. Menzel’s demanding role involved singing a dozen songs while performing aerial stunts, underscoring the physical challenges of her performance.
The Broadway revival of Shakespeare’s “Othello” was notably shut out of all Tony nominations, including lead actor nods for Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal, even as the category expanded to six nominees. Meanwhile, the season’s other Shakespearean production, “Romeo + Juliet,” secured a nomination for best revival of a play. Despite the snubs, the “Othello” production, which has been generating over $3 million weekly during its limited run, quickly announced it had recouped its investment.
“Good Night, and Good Luck,” another spring box office success, faced uncertainty for best new play due to its close resemblance to the original 2005 film screenplay. Nevertheless, George Clooney was recognized with a best lead actor nomination for his portrayal of journalist Edward R. Murrow. The play benefited from timely subject matter and Clooney’s commitment, including his decision to dye his hair black for his Broadway debut.
Branden Jacobs-Jenkins’s latest play “Purpose,” exploring a prominent Black political family, earned six nominations, five of which were in acting categories—a notable achievement for an ensemble-driven drama with balanced character focus. However, Alana Arenas, who delivered a powerful performance as the daughter-in-law Morgan, was not nominated. Other ensemble-led dramas, such as Sanaz Toossi’s “English” and Kimberly Belflower’s “John Proctor Is the Villain,” each received three acting nominations.
The physical demands of Tony-nominated performances this year were striking. Jennifer Simard and Megan Hilty received leading actress nominations for their roles as combative frenemies in “Death Becomes Her,” a darkly comedic musical. Similarly, actors portraying complex family dynamics in “Purpose” and “Yellow Face” were honored, including Daniel Dae Kim and Francis Jue. Cole Escola and Conrad Ricamora garnered attention for their portrayals in “Oh, Mary!,” while Audra McDonald, a perennial favorite for “Gypsy,” will be joined by Joy Woods, who plays her character’s disapproving daughter.
