2011 Tony Award Nominees React

Douglas Carter Beane: Best Book of a Musical, Sister Act
“There aren’t many moments when a bookwriter is treated like a celebrity, but today is one of them. I only worked on the show for four months, and the first third of the process was a little difficult — I really had to convince the English and Dutch producers that I knew what I was doing — but the rest of the journey was pure heaven.”

Brian Bedford: Best Leading Actor in a Play, The Importance of Being Earnest
“The Tonys are the pinnacle of theater recognition in this country, and even in the world. I’m thrilled we got the Best Revival nomination, and I am over the moon about being recognized for Lady Bracknell — especially as I love the show so much. It really has been a labor of love.”

Laura Benanti: Best Featured Actress in a Musical, Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown
This nomination is especially gratifying, because the show closed in January and it means my character is etched in people’s memories. I love Candela so much; she was really special and I miss playing her. It was freeing to be so silly all that time — and it was a great workout. I never needed to go to the gym. And I am so honored to be in the same category with that living legend and my pal, Patti LuPone. I feel sad that we don’t get to celebrate our nominations with the audiences like we did with Gypsy. but I do think this has given our show a life extension.”

Norbert Leo Butz: Best Leading Actor in a Musical, Catch Me If You Can
“I am more excited about this nomination than anything before. This show is the hardest thing I’ve ever done personally and professionally and I had to overcome some unspeakably hard things in my life to act again; at times, I didn’t know if I’d ever be able to do this again. But I first saw a draft of the script over five years ago and I fell l in love with the character and the score, and my instinct said to stick with it no matter what. And this nomination means a lot to me and my family. And the Best Musical nomination, which is for Aaron Tveit, and Tom Wopat, and Kerry Butler, and Jack O’Brien, and Jerry Mitchell, is really what we’ll be celebrating tonight. The fact that this show has been recognized with that honor is so important.”

Victoria Clark: Best Featured Actress in a Musical, Sister Act
“I’m thrilled. This is a totally different script and production than the one in London, which I wasn’t a part of, and I am so grateful to Jerry Zaks, Glenn Slater, Alan Menken, and Douglas Cater Beane who really crafted this new second act, and made my character’s story richer. I think now we have the Yin to go with the Yang of Deloris. It’s great to be in such a smart show with smart lyrics — and without any profanity — that truly appeals to everybody.”

Paule Constable: Best Lighting Design of a Play, War Horse
“It was fabulous to hear the news that so many of us have been nominated in this year’s awards. War Horse is a huge team effort and the nominations reflect this. It was an amazing experience making the show in New York; the company are wonderful and their hard work makes us all look good. The fact that New York has welcomed us is thrilling. Thank you.”