NEW YORK, May 5, 2009
"Billy Elliot" Earns Record 15 Tony Nods
Live Announcement On "The Early Show"
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Early Show co-anchor, Maggie Rodriguez what it feels like to be nominated for 15 Tony awards."/> The boys of "Billy Elliot, The Musical" tell Early Show co-anchor, Maggie Rodriguez what it feels like to be nominated for 15 Tony awards. (CBS)
The Early Show's Harry Smith introduced hosts Cynthia Nixon and Tony Award-winner Lin-Manuel Miranda, who revealed the nominees at The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts -- and there were more suprises.
The anticipated front-runner, "Billy Elliot," which is based on the popular British movie about a coal miner's son who dreams of becoming a dancer, will compete for best musical against "Next to Normal," "Rock of Ages" and "Shrek The Musical."
"It's been an amazing experience," Elton John, nominated for the show's original score, said on The Early Show. "It's made an incredible impact on my life."
Best-play nominations went to "God of Carnage," "Dividing the Estate," "Reasons to Be Pretty" and "33 Variations."
"Next to Normal," a heartfelt musical about a woman battling mental illness, received 11 nominations, while "Shrek" and the revival of "Hair" tied with eight each.
The 63rd Annual Tony Awards will air from Radio City Music Hall on Sunday, June 7th at 8/7 Central, on CBS.
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