The 2022 Tony Award nominations were dominated by two Broadway shows: “Hell’s Kitchen,” featuring Alicia Keys songs, and “Stereophonic,” a play about a ’70s rock band, each earning 13 nominations. A total of 28 shows received Tony nods, with “The Outsiders,” “Cabaret,” and “Appropriate” also garnering multiple nominations. This season saw a record number of women nominated for best director, with seven total nominations across the musical and play categories.
Actresses such as Rachel McAdams, Jessica Lange, and Sarah Paulson were recognized for their performances in plays, while actors like Jim Parsons, Jeremy Strong, and Daniel Radcliffe received nominations for their work. Eddie Redmayne earned his second Tony nomination for “Cabaret,” while Brian d’Arcy James, Brody Grant, and Jonathan Groff were also nominated for best lead actor in a musical. Additionally, female performers like Gayle Rankin, Eden Espinosa, and Kelli O’Hara received nods for best actress in a musical.
The best new musical category will be a competition between “Hell’s Kitchen,” “The Outsiders,” “Suffs,” “Water for Elephants,” and a stage adaptation of Sufjan Stevens’s album “Illinois.” “Stereophonic” is up against “Mother Play,” “Mary Jane,” “Prayer for the French Republic,” and “Jaja’s African Hair Braiding” for best new play. Producers of the nominated shows, including Alicia Keys, Angelina Jolie, and Hillary Rodham Clinton, were also acknowledged for their work.
Broadway producer Lamar Richardson expressed joy at the diversity of shows nominated this season, noting that there is something for everyone in the lineup. The theatre community remains vibrant, with a variety of productions catering to different tastes and interests. The abundance of new shows opening this season reflects the industry’s resilience and commitment to providing fresh, engaging experiences for audiences.
The Tony Awards ceremony will take place on June 16 at the David H. Koch Theater and will be broadcast on CBS and Paramount+. Host and producer Ariana DeBose, along with several autistic actors in “How to Dance in Ohio,” are among the individuals contributing to the success and diversity of this Broadway season. Despite slight declines in grosses and ticket sales compared to the previous season, Broadway continues to thrive as a vital part of the arts and entertainment landscape.
