‘The Lost Boys’ and ‘Schmigadoon!’ earn 12 Tony nominations each to lead the field – Image for illustrative purposes only (Image credits: Flickr)
New York – Two fresh takes on familiar stories dominated Tuesday’s Tony Award nominations, as “The Lost Boys” and “Schmigadoon!” each secured 12 nods to pace the field. The vampire musical, drawn from the 1987 cult film, and the Apple TV+ spoof of Broadway tropes edged out a revival of “Ragtime” with 11 and Arthur Miller’s “Death of a Salesman” starring Nathan Lane with nine. Nominators spread recognition across 24 productions in the 26 categories, highlighting revivals like “Chess” and a queer-infused “Cats: The Jellicle Ball.”
Front-Runners Set the Stage
The dual leaders captured attention for their bold adaptations. “The Lost Boys” transformed a teen horror flick into a full-scale musical, while “Schmigadoon!” poked fun at musical theater conventions with sly wit. Close behind, “Ragtime” soared with its evocation of early 1900s America, earning praise for its sweeping score and ensemble.
“Death of a Salesman” drew nine nominations, bolstered by Lane’s portrayal of Willy Loman’s decline. The production underscored the play’s enduring examination of shattered aspirations. Revivals of “Chess,” the Cold War romance, and “Cats: The Jellicle Ball,” a vibrant ballroom reimagining, also claimed spots, signaling Broadway’s appetite for reinvention.
Bill Rauch, co-director of “Cats,” expressed delight at the nod. “I’m over the Jellicle moon about this!” he said. Rauch noted the show’s resonance with contemporary culture after decades of bridging classics and current moments.
History Made in the Acting Categories
June Squibb claimed a milestone as the oldest actor ever nominated for a Tony, at age 96. Her role in Jordan Harrison’s “Marjorie Prime,” where a widow interacts with an AI version of her late husband, tapped into ongoing debates about technology. Squibb, whose career began in the 1960 “Gypsy,” reflected on physical limits with pragmatism: “As long as it’s not dancing on concrete floors.”
Danny Burstein reached another peak, becoming the most-nominated male performer with nine career nods from “Marjorie Prime.” Kelli O’Hara tied for third all-time among actors with her ninth nomination in the “Fallen Angels” revival. These achievements highlighted the longevity and depth of Broadway talent.
Best New Musical and Play Battles Shape Up
The best new musical race pits “The Lost Boys” and “Schmigadoon!” against “Titanique,” a comedic spin on the 1997 film, and “Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York),” a rom-com unfolding over one weekend. Ali Louis Bourzgui, up for a featured role as a charismatic vampire, credited the appeal to nuanced villains. “People love a villain that they can care for,” he explained.
In plays, contenders include “Giant,” starring John Lithgow and probing Roald Dahl’s antisemitism controversy; Pulitzer winner “Liberation,” set in a 1970s women’s group; “The Balusters,” a neighborhood farce gone awry; and “Little Bear Ridge Road,” about family reckoning in rural America. Playwright Mark Rosenblatt described “Giant”‘s timeless pain amid recent global tensions.
Snubs and Surprises Mark the Field
Several stars missed out despite buzz. Actors from TV’s “The Bear” – Ayo Edebiri in “Proof,” Jon Bernthal and Ebon Moss-Bachrach in “Dog Day Afternoon” – drew no nods. Bobby Cannavale went unrecognized in “Art” alongside Neil Patrick Harris and James Corden, while Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter’s “Waiting for Godot” reunion yielded just one supporting mention.
Lea Michele, revisiting “Chess,” and the cast of “The Fear of 13” with Adrien Brody and Tessa Thompson also struck out. Revivals crowded the play category, featuring “Every Brilliant Thing” with Daniel Radcliffe, “Oedipus,” “Becky Shaw,” and “Fallen Angels.” Rose Byrne earned a lead actress nod there, joining an elite group with dual Oscar-Tony recognition this year.
What matters now: Veteran returns like producer Scott Rudin’s nods for “Death of a Salesman” and “Little Bear Ridge Road” signal Broadway’s evolving dynamics post-2021 controversies.
Toward a Star-Studded Ceremony
Leading actor hopefuls include Lane, Radcliffe, Mark Strong in “Oedipus,” and Will Harrison from “Punch.” Musical men feature Joshua Henry and Brandon Uranowitz of “Ragtime,” plus Sam Tutty, Nicholas Christopher, and Luke Evans. Women vying for top musical honors are Caissie Levy, Marla Mindelle, Christiani Pitts, Sara Chase, and Stephanie Hsu.
The Tonys air live June 7 from Radio City Music Hall, hosted by Pink on CBS and Paramount+. Last year’s event, led by Cynthia Erivo, attracted 4.85 million viewers – its biggest in six years. As nominees prepare, the field reflects Broadway’s blend of nostalgia, innovation, and raw human stories that continue to draw crowds.