To say Hamilton is enjoying a good run is an understatement. It's already a highly talked-about production on Broadway for its refreshing take on American history but it's got even more people talking with its latest achievement: 16 Tony Awards nominations.
That's a lot of nominations, and what's even more remarkable is that number is the highest ever achieved by a show on Broadway.
"It's unbelievable - it's absolutely humbling and incredible," said Lin-Manuel Miranda, who wrote the book, scored the musical and performs in Hamilton as the titular character Alexander Hamilton, the first Treasury secretary of the United States.
Hamilton got nods in directing, acting, writing, music, dance and design. Seven of the production's performers were recognized, with actors even competing against each other in two categories. Miranda got nominated for his book, music and performance for Hamilton.
The 16 nominations that Hamilton received broke the record previously held by 2009's Billy Elliot and 2001's The Producers, which received 15 nominations each. It's unlikely Hamilton will top The Producer's 12 Tony wins, however, because of the multiple nominations it got in two categories.
The nominees for 2016 were picked out by a panel of 39 from various theater fields. To cast a ballot, a panel member must have watched every eligible show for the season.
Now that the nominations are in, however, all Tony voters, a group of 846 theater professionals, will be able to make their choice. Of course, they'd want to catch the nominated shows before making their vote but will a blockbuster like Hamilton be able to accommodate them all? The awards ceremony IS coming up.
To accommodate voters, the production is offering a pair of complimentary tickets but has reiterated that additional seats for purchase will not be available. Voters may also only attend a performance scheduled between May 2 and June 5.
Where's the production getting all these additional seats if shows have been sold out for months? Apparently, company members are giving up their very own house seats.
The awards ceremony will be held on June 12 and will be hosted by James Corden.
