NEW YORK – It’s shaping up as a battle between “The Drowsy Chaperone,” a frothy celebration of a faux 1920s musical, and “Jersey Boys,” showcasing the story and pop sounds of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons.
“Chaperone” received 13 Tony nominations Tuesday – more than any other show – while “Jersey Boys” grabbed eight nods in what has been a busy Broadway season. They were the two best-reviewed musicals of the season, with “Chaperone” already winning the New York Drama Critics’ Circle Award and “Jersey Boys” the Outer Critics Circle prize.
But also showing surprising Tony strength was “The Color Purple,” the Oprah Winfrey-produced musical based on Alice Walker’s novel about a determined woman’s triumph over adversity. It placed second with 11 nominations.
All three will compete in the best musical category along with “The Wedding Singer,” based on the 1998 Adam Sandler film.
“The History Boys,” Alan Bennett’s London success about a group of boisterous students trying to get into Oxford or Cambridge, dominated the play categories, receiving seven nominations, including one for best play.
Although “The History Boys” is an ensemble piece, Richard Griffiths, who portrays a beloved teacher, was nominated for best actor.
“It’s incredibly gratifying,” Griffiths said Tuesday. “And I am very surprised and delighted. I’m pushing 60 myself, so having to jump about is very hard work.”
The play’s competition for the top drama prize will be “The Lieutenant of Inishmore,” Martin McDonagh’s comic splatterfest about a crazed Irish terrorist; “Shining City,” Conor McPherson’s ghost story set in present-day Dublin; and “Rabbit Hole,” David Lindsay-Abaire’s look at a suburban couple attempting to deal with the death of their young son.
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