Broadway is jam-packed with amazing talent this season, giving the Tony Awards’ Administration Committee a plethora of top-notch options for this summer’s star-studded production.
Last week (January 7), the committee met in the Big Apple for its second round of the American Theatre Wing’s Tony Awards’ eligibility determinations. Six of the 2016 Broadway productions, King Charles III, On Your Feet! The Story of Emilio and Gloria Estefan, Allegiance, A View from the Bridge, Misery and China Doll., were on the table for discussion.
The committee is slated to meet two more times during the 2015-1016 to decide on the nominees for the 70th Annual Tony Awards.
In addition to impressing theatre-goers with fabulous performances, a number of these productions take strides to improve the world through activism and monetary donations.
Check out the Tony Awards’ Committee’s determinations and our charitable discoveries for the six shows below:
Starring Bruce Willis and Laurie Metcalf, Misery is based on the famed Stephen King novel and follows a successful romance novelist after he wakes up in a secluded home of a mysterious woman.
The entire cast and crew signed a Playbill from the production and is currently auctioning it off for charity on eBay in collaboration with Broadway Cares. The bid is currently up to $76.
Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids teamed up with eBay in 2001 to auction unsold merchandise and show collectibles. The proceeds benefit HIV and Aids awareness, while also supporting efforts in the entertainment industry to address other critical health issues.
Ana Villafañe and Josh Segarra are eligible in the Best Performance by an Actress/Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical categories for their respective performances in the musical following the lives of Emilio and Gloria Estefan.
The famous couple received a very special honor from President Barack Obama in November 2015 for work on their successful musical.
Emilio and Gloria received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, which recognizes “extraordinary people” who influence their politics, entertainment, athletics and the United States.
According to USA Today, the pair received the recognition for pioneering the Latin-flavored fusion sound in music, while composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim “re-invented the American musical” with complex and challenging themes.
Starring George Takei, this influential musical is based on the Star Trek actor’s real life experience during World War II. It touches on the domestic imprisonment of 110,000 Japanese-Americans during the war and how it affected Takei when he was a five-year-old internee with his family.
Telly Leung and Lea Salonga are eligible in the Best Performance by an Actor/Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical categories for their respective performances in the show. Also, Donyale Werle and Darrel Maloney are eligible in the Best Scenic Design of a Musical category for their work on the set.
In addition, Takei partnered with Omaze to give students an opportunity to see this groundbreaking performance. Anyone who donates to the cause is entered into a contest for a chance to hang out with the actor and receive VIP seats to Allegiance.
Help us bring students to Allegiance, and you could be on your way to NYC as we join forces with @omaze! https://t.co/IJFr2ofEMF
— Allegiance Broadway (@allegiancebway) January 8, 2016
Starring acting legend Al Pacino, China Doll is David Mamet’s latest creation about life’s objects of desire. The Scarface star proved that he is a good celebrity by taking time after performances to sign autographs and visit with his dedicated fanbase.
#AlPacino is the nicest actor, cheerfully signing autographs,doing selfies, shaking hands @ChinaDollBway last night. pic.twitter.com/tRhzkwXon9 — Ron (@roninnewyork) January 2, 2016
Starring Tim Pigott-Smith and Anthony Calf, this show follows Prince Charles’ rise to the throne after the Queen passes away. It features performances from actors portraying Prince Harry, Prince William and Kate Middleton. Pigott-Smith is eligible for a Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play prize.
Arthur Miller comes back to Broadway with this play starring Mark Strong. Tony hopefuls include Phoebe Fox, Russell Tovey, Michael Zegen, Michael Gould and Richard Hansell, who are all eligible for a win in the Best Performance by an Actor/Actress in a Featured Role in a Play categories for their respective performances.
The 70th Annual Tony Awards air live on CBS on Sunday, June 12 at 8 pm. The full list of 2016 Tony nominees is slated to release on May 3.