History had its eyes on the groundbreaking musical Hamilton when it shattered records with its numerous 2016 Tony Award nominations.
According to Variety, the history-based production made history of its own when it received a record 16 nomination for the 70th annual Tony Awards—which makes sense, given its viral popularity from the moment it hit the stage.
With 16 nominations across 24 categories, Hamilton broke the record of 15 nominations set by The Producers in 2001 and again by Billy Elliot in 2009. Several categories saw multiple nominations for the groundbreaking show, too; three of five nominees in the “Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical” category are taken up by Hamilton actors, while both Lin-Manuel Miranda and co-star Leslie Odom, Jr. are in the running for “Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical.” In addition, Phillipa Soo has been nominated for Best Lead Actress and Renee Elise Goldsberry reps Hamilton for Best Featured Actress.
You may think that would be enough, but the production itself is represented in several categories for creative and design awards such as book, direction, score and choreographer. And of course, Hamilton is also nominated for the esteemed title of best musical. This award, which brings in major box office appeal, is regarded as the most important Tony Award.
The other musicals that are nominated for this award are Shuffle Along, Waitress, School of Rock and Bright Star.
We can’t wait to see how this all pans out on June 12.