‘The Lost Boys’ and ‘Schmigadoon!’ topped this year’s Tony Award nominations with 12 nods each, while June Squibb, at 96, became the oldest performer ever nominated. Danny Burstein also made history, becoming the most-nominated male actor at the Tonys.
‘The Lost Boys’, adapted from the 1987 vampire film, and ‘Schmigadoon!’, based on a Apple TV+ musical parody series, were followed by a revival of ‘Ragtime’ with 11 nominations and Death of a Salesman with nine, starring Nathan Lane.
In total, 24 productions received at least one nomination across 26 categories. These included revivals like ‘Chess’, set against the Cold War, and ‘Cats: The Jellicle Ball’, a fresh take on Andrew Lloyd Webber’s classic musical, reimagined through queer ballroom culture.
Director Bill Rauch celebrated his first nomination for co-directing ‘Cats’, calling it a meaningful milestone in his career of reinterpreting classics. The best new musical category features ‘The Lost Boys’, ‘Schmigadoon!’, ‘Titanique’—a campy spin on the film ‘Titanic’—and ‘Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York)’, a romantic comedy set over a weekend in New York City.
Also read: Lee Byung-hun to star in Joseon-era martial arts film
Ali Louis Bourzgui, nominated for his supporting role as a vampire in ‘The Lost Boys’, said audiences are drawn to complex villains they can empathize with, noting that layered characters are often the most compelling.
For best new play, nominees include ‘Giant’, led by John Lithgow, which explores allegations of antisemitism involving author Roald Dahl; ‘Liberation’, about a women’s group in 1970s Ohio; ‘The Balusters’, a satirical look at neighbourhood disputes; and ‘Little Bear Ridge Road’, about a writer returning home after his father’s death.
Playwright Mark Rosenblatt said ‘Giant’, conceived in 2018, feels especially relevant today amid rising discussions about antisemitism. Meanwhile, ‘The Fear of 13’, starring Adrien Brody and Tessa Thompson, failed to secure acting nominations. Lea Michele also missed out for her performance in ‘Chess’.
Squibb earned her first Tony nomination for Marjorie Prime, where she plays a widow interacting with an AI replica of her late husband. Originally staged in 2014, the play resonates strongly in 2026 amid growing interest in artificial intelligence. Squibb reflected that while she now better understands AI’s implications, she focuses more on whether roles meet her physical abilities.
She surpassed the previous record held by Lois Smith, who was nominated at 89. Squibb’s Broadway career dates back to 1960’s ‘Gypsy’ alongside Ethel Merman. Burstein’s ninth nomination, also for ‘Marjorie Prime’, breaks the record previously held by Jason Robards. Meanwhile, Kelli O'Hara earned her ninth nomination for ‘Fallen Angels’, tying Rosemary Harris for third place on the all-time acting nominations list.
Follow us
