August Nominated for 7 Tonys
Posted by Joy Meads on 5/13/2008The Tony Award nominations were announced today, and I’m happy to say that Steppenwolf’s production of August: Osage County was well-represented, garnering nominations in the following categories:
- Best Play (Tracy Letts)
- Best Direction of a Play (Anna Shapiro)
- Best Performance by a Leading Actress (Deanna Dunagan and Amy Morton)
- Best Performance by a Featured Actress (Rondi Reed)
- Best Scenic Design of a Play (Todd Rosenthal)
- Best Lighting Design of a Play (Ann G. Wrightson)
I was thrilled when the awards were announced this morning. Like perhaps many people in the American theater, I’ve got a starry-eyed little teen-aged drama geek hidden away inside of me. I’ve covered her up over the years with layer upon layer of theatrical sophistication, but deep down she’s still there, practicing her Tony Award acceptance speech in the mirror. For that girl, the fact that I’ll see my theater and people I know at the televised Tony Awards Ceremony represents the pinnacle of achievement.
As an adult, however, I recognize that these nominations are actually a (very gratifying) recognition of what we’ve already achieved. They represent a continued celebration of the extraordinary work of this group of Steppenwolf artists. It’s deeply heartening to see that this play - which began its life in internal readings here at the theater, then opened to the warm embrace of our Chicago community, and then transferred to acclaim in New York City - will be introduced to a national audience at the June 15th awards ceremony. Thank you all, again and eternally, for the support which makes our work possible. And cross your fingers for a lucky night for August and Steppenwolf on Sunday, June 15th.
May 13th, 2008 at 6:35 am
Wow! Fantastic you guys!! Congratulations!
May 13th, 2008 at 11:28 am
You guys should also mention the fact that Martha Plimpton and Laura Metcalf are also nominated. That makes 3/5 of the featured actress category Steppenwolf ensemble members. That’s so exciting!!
May 13th, 2008 at 1:27 pm
Congratulations to everyone involved!
Although the reasons I love Steppenwolf are too numerous to mention, it’s the excellence of your superb ensemble that always makes it a pleasure to return.
I’m thrilled to see the rest of the theatre world recognize your stunning achievements, and I’ll be cheering everyone on Tony night!
June 15th, 2008 at 7:25 pm
Congratulations to Rondi Reed! Well-deserved Tony tonight! Saw the show in Chicago last July and LOVED it! More Tonys to come…..Congratulations to all!