Exploring the 2024 Tony Nominated Musicals

Hey Broadway lovers! I'm super excited to share my latest episode of The Music in Me with you all. This time, I'm diving into the magical world of the 2024 Tony Awards! If you're like me and can't get enough of Broadway but can't always make it to New York, this episode is for you. We'll explore the new musicals nominated for Best Musical and see what makes them so special.

I'm especially thrilled to see who takes home the Tony this year and can't wait to watch Ariana DeBose host again. She's phenomenal and brings so much energy to the show. Join me as I break down the nominees: Hell's Kitchen, The Outsiders, Illinoise, Suffs, and my personal favorite, Water for Elephants.

Tune in to hear all about the spectacular performances, stunning visuals, and the incredible stories that make these shows a must-see. Don't forget to share this episode with your friends and fellow theater enthusiasts!

2024 TONY NOMINATED MUSICALS:

HELL'S KITCHEN
ILLINOISE
THE OUTSIDERS
SUFFS
WATER FOR ELEPHANTS

Transcript

Speaker A: 0:21

Hey there, music lovers. It's your host Terri back with another exciting episode of the music in me. I took a week off because the last episode I did was the Mother's Day episode and I don't know, I just put so much of my heart into that episode. I needed a week to recover. But I think in my opinion, that was one of my best episodes that I did. And my mom said it was her favorite. Of course it was her favorite. It was about mothers. But that was my love letter to mothers everywhere. And I'm super proud of that episode. So if you haven't listened to it, please go back and listen to it because it's my love letter to mothers everywhere. Not just my own mother, but my friends and sister and sister in law, grandmas, aunts, anyone who is a motherly figure. That was my love letter to them because they do so much for us. Today, though, were diving into the magical world of the 2024 Tony Awards. Now I have a confession to make. I absolutely love watching the Tonys because its my only chance to see these incredible performances. Since I dont live close to New York this year, I thought why not share my excitement and discoveries with all of you. So in this episode, well be exploring the new musicals that have been nominated for the 2024 Tony Awards. I find that learning about these shows through the nominees is the best way to stay updated and its always a thrill to see which ones capture the hearts of audiences and critics alike. Plus, focusing on just the new musicals keeps our episode from turning into a Broadway marathon. Now, of course, there's revivals and there's plays and the actors, actresses, all that, but we're just going to focus on the five musicals nominated for the Tony. Before we get to the nominees, let's learn a little bit about the Tony Awards. The Tony Awards, often referred to as the Oscars of the theater world, are an annual celebration honoring the best and brightest in Broadway. I love that they're called the Oscars of the theater world because if you didn't know already, the Oscars are like my holiday. The Tonys are also like my holiday. The Oscars honors movies. The Tony Awards honors Broadway, which I am a big fan of both, and I go all out to celebrate each one. The Tony Awards were named after Antoinette Perry, a beloved actress, director and producer, and the Tonys have been dazzling theater fans since 1947. From show stopping performances to heartfelt acceptance speeches, the Tony Awards bring the magic of Broadway right into our living rooms, showcasing the incredible talent and creativity that define the New York theater scene. And I love the performances most of all in the Tony Awards because like I said, that's my only chance usually to see these new musicals since I don't live in York. Now, let's talk about the five musicals nominated for a Tony award this year. And like I said, we're just talking about the new musicals, not the revivals or the plays. The first one I want to talk about is Hell's Kitchen. It's one of the standout nominees for best musical at the 2024 Tony Awards. This jukebox musical, featuring the soulful and electrifying music of Alicia Keys takes us on our journey through the mid nineties Manhattan's Hell's Kitchen. Set against the vibrant backdrop of New York City, the musical captures the energy, freedom and possibility of love in a way that's both nostalgic and refreshingly new. Hell's Kitchen is set in an apartment high above the streets of Manhattan, where the bustling life below serves as both a challenge and an inspiration for the characters. The story follows a young woman's quest for self discovery among the chaos and opportunities of city life. It's a narrative rich with themes of resilience, ambition and the transformative power of music. Alicia Keys music is the beating heart of this production, so who wouldn't be excited about this? I know I am. I am a big fan of Alicia Keys. I love her. Her songs, from classics like Fallen and if I aint got you to anthems like Empire State of mind, are woven seamlessly into the fabric of the story. Each song amplifies the emotional stakes and deepens our connection to the characters. The way Qi's soulful lyrics and melodies are used to drive the narrative is nothing short of masterful, adding layers of emotional depth and authenticity to the production. The performances in Hells Kitchen are truly something to behold. Malaya Joy Moon and Shoshana Bean lead the cast with dynamic and powerful portrayals that bring their characters to life. Moon's nuanced performance as the protagonist, navigating her dreams and love life is both compelling and relatable. Meanwhile, Bean's powerhouse vocals and emotional depth add another layer of intensity to the show. Their onstage chemistry is palpable, drawing the audience into their world and making their journey all the more engaging. I love Shoshana Bean and I've been a fan of hers for quite a while. She is a very good singer, very powerful, and those are my favorite kind of singers. And Malaya Joy Moon is kind of a newcomer to the Broadway scene, so but I've seen videos and she is awesome, too. Hell's Kitchen is leading the pack with an impressive 13 nominations at this year's Tony Awards. I believe I read that they have the most nominations. This includes nods for best musical, best leading actress for Malaya Joy Moon, and best featured actress for Shoshana Bean, among others. The show has been recognized for its exceptional direction, choreography and musical arrangements, highlighting its technical excellence and broad appeal. These nominations underscore the shows artistic achievements and its potential to dominate at this year's awards. So if you're a fan of Alicia Keys like I am, love a heartfelt, urban love story, or simply appreciate high energy musical theater, Hell's Kitchen is definitely a show to watch. It's a celebration of music, love and the indomitable spirit of New York City, all brought to life in a dazzling production that captures the essence of what makes Broadway magical. Now, I've watched several videos on this musical and I'm getting more excited for as I watch each video. For one, I am a huge Alicia Keys fan. I love her and the story is loosely based on her life. It's not about her, but she said it's about like, the way she grew up in New York City because I heard her say in an interview that there weren't a lot of stories that represented the way she grew up. And so the character of Allie, which is played by Malaya Joy Moon, is kind of, kind of, um, Alicia Keys. And then Shoshana Bean plays her mother. It's about, um, mother and daughter love story, but also, you know, her just growing up with the challenges of New York City. So I'm very excited for this cast album to come out because the only song that's available right now is a song called kaleidoscope, which is a new song written for the musical, which is a really good song. But I love to listen to the cast album. I believe that one comes out June 7. It'll be before the Tony awards, but not before this episode. Alright, now let's talk about the Outsiders. Another standout nominee for best musical at the 2024 Tony Awards, this stage adaptation brings the beloved story from Se Hinton's novel and the iconic film to life. With a powerful score by Jamestown Revival and Justin Levine. It's a compelling story of bonds and brotherhood among a group of teens. Exploring themes of loyalty, conflict and the search for identity, the outsiders centers on the lives of the greasers, a group of working class teens, as they navigate their struggles against the rival socias in 1960s Oklahoma. The musical stays true to the spirit of the original novel and film capturing the raw emotions and intense camaraderie that define the characters. The story follows Pony boy Curtis and his friends as they face the challenges of their turbulent world, forging deep connections and enduring hardships together. The score by Jamestown Revival and Justin Levine infuses the production with a mix of rock, folk and country influences, creating a soundscape that resonates with the gritty, heartfelt nature of the story. The music not only enhances the emotional depth of the narrative, but also brings a fresh and contemporary feel to the classic tale. Songs like Stay Gold and Nothing stays the same beautifully encapsulate the themes of hope and resilience, making the musical experience even more impactful. The cast of the Outsiders delivers standout performances that bring the characters to life in a deeply authentic way. Brody Grant's portrayal of Pony Boy Curtis captures the character's sensitivity and inner turmoil, while Joshua Boone's performance as Johnny Cade is both poignant and powerful. Their onstage chemistry and emotional range add a layer of authenticity to the story, drawing the audience into their world. The ensemble cast, including notable performances by Skye Lakota lynch and Ranni Anthony McGhee, also play a crucial role in creating the intense, dynamic atmosphere of the show. The Outsiders has garnered significant recognition at this year's Tony Awards with nominations for best book of a musical, best Original score, and several acting categories. These nominations highlight the show's excellence in storytelling, musical composition, and performance. The nominations for Brody Grant and Joshua Boone in particular underscore the powerful impact of their portrayals, while the nods for best book and best original score reflect the creative team's success in adapting this beloved story for the stage. In summary, the Outsiders is a must see for fans of the original novel and film, as well as anyone who appreciates powerful storytelling and evocative music. It's a testament to the enduring appeal of Se Hinton's classic and a shining example of how timeless stories can be reinvented for new audiences on the Broadway stage. To prepare for this episode and the Tony Awards, I went back and rewatched the Outsiders movie, which I hadn't seen in a long, long time. I've listened to the songs that are available, which I think it was only three for that one. Like I said, the cast albums don't come out as quickly as I'd want them to come out, but I can't wait to hear the rest of the songs. But the songs that I've heard are excellent, and I'm really excited about this one too, because I've always loved the outsiders as a movie. I believe I've read the book, so I love that they're making like my favorite books and movies into musicals. In my opinion, they should make everything into a musical, but that's just my opinion. All right, now let's dive into Illinois. A unique and captivating nominee for best musical at the 2024 Tony Awards. This dance musical, set to the evocative music of Suffgen Stevens, explores the deep themes of friendship, first love, grief and growing up. With live music and choreography by Justin Peck, Illinois brings a fresh and innovative approach to storytelling on stage. Illinois draws its narrative from the emotional and introspective themes found in Stevens acclaimed album, Illinois. The musical takes us on a journey through the lives of several characters, each grappling with their own personal struggles and triumphs as they navigate the complexities of growing up. Their stories intertwine in poignant and sometimes unexpected ways, creating a tapestry of experiences that resonate with audiences on a deeply emotional level. Self Joan Stevens music, known for its intricate melodies and heartfelt lyrics, serves as the backbone of the production. The transition of his music to a theatrical setting is seamless, with each song amplifying the narratives emotional depth. Stephens compositions are brought to life through Justin Pecks dynamic choreography, which blends contemporary dance with theatrical storytelling. The use of live music adds an additional layer of intimacy and immediacy, making the audience feel as if theyre part of the unfolding story. The cast of Illinois delivers performances that are both technically impressive and emotionally compelling. The dancers under Peck's expert direction move with precision and grace, embodying the characters emotions and experience through their movements. The integration of dance and live music creates a powerful synergy, elevating the storytelling and immersing the audience in the characters journeys. Illinois has been recognized with several nominations at this year's Tony Awards, particularly in the technical categories. Its nomination for best choreography is a testament to Justin Pecks innovative and impactful work. Additionally, the music has received nods for its lighting, set design and orchestration, highlighting its overall artistic achievements. These nominations underscore the show's success in blending music, dance and visual elements to create a cohesive and compelling theatrical experience. In summary, Illinois stands out for its innovative use of dance and live music to tell a deeply emotional story. It's a must see for fans of suffgent Stevens and anyone who appreciates cutting edge choreography and heartfelt storytelling. This musical exemplifies how Broadway continues to push the boundaries of traditional theater, offering fresh and engaging experiences for audiences. Now, I don't know a lot about this musical. There is only a few songs available, maybe one. I've listened to it. I liked that song, but I haven't learned a whole lot about this musical. But once the cast album comes out, I will definitely give it a listen and I will watch more videos about it to learn all I can. Welcome to my interesting fact when it comes to prestigious awards, the Tony Awards statuette is truly in a league of its own. Not only is it a symbol of excellence in theater, but it also has a unique feature that sets it apart from other major awards. It spins. Yes, you heard that right. The Tony Awards silver medallion is mounted on a black base in such a way that it can rotate. This delightful quirk adds a playful touch to the otherwise serious business of celebrating theatrical achievements. Winners often find themselves giving it a spin, perhaps as a way to reflect on their journey to the top of the Broadway world. The design of the Tony Award is a piece of art in itself. The medallion features the comedy and tragedy masks on one side, a nod to the dual nature of theater, where joy and sorrow often coexist. The other side is inscribed with the awards official name Antoinette Perry Award for excellence in theatre, honoring the actress, director, producer and co founder of the american theatre wing, Antoinette Perry, after whom the awards are named. But why does it spin? The answer is as charming as the feature itself. The spinning medallion was not initially part of the design. It was added later to make the award more visually interesting and interactive. The rotation capability is achieved by mounting the medallion on a pivot with the base, allowing it to turn smoothly. Over the years, this spinning feature has become a beloved part of the Tony Awards identity. Its a small detail that adds an extra layer of enjoyment for the winners, who often playfully spend their awards while posing for photos or giving interviews. Its a reminder that while theatre is a serious art form, its also about fun, creativity and a touch of whimsy. So next time you watch the Tony Awards, keep an eye out for that subtle spin. Its a small but delightful detail that encapsulates the magic and uniqueness of Broadway. And now back to our episode. Welcome back. Now lets delve into Sophs another powerful nominee for best musical at the 2024 Tony Awards. This musical, penned by the talented Shayna Taub, tells the riveting story of american suffragists who fought tirelessly for womens right to vote. Featuring an all female cast, Suphs not only brings historical figures to life, but also highlights the ongoing relevance of their struggle in todays world. Sufs transports us to the early 20th century, a time when the fight for womens suffrage was gaining momentum in the United States. Through the eyes of key historical figures, the musical chronicles the challenges, triumphs, and unwavering determination of women who dared to demand their right to vote. The narrative weaves together personal stories of sacrifice and solidarity, capturing the spirit of an era that laid the groundwork for future generations. One of the most compelling aspects of selfs is how it breathes life into the historical figures. Like Alice Paul, Ida B. Wells, and Carrie Chapman cattle, these women are portrayed with depth and nuance, emphasizing their diverse backgrounds and the various obstacles they faced. The musical also resonates with contemporary audiences by drawing parallels between the suffragist fight and the ongoing struggles for equality and justice. Today. This connection is reinforced by Shayna Taub's dynamic and modern musical style, which blends historical authenticity with contemporary sensibilities. The all female cast of suffs delivers remarkable performances that are both powerful and inspiring. Each actress brings a unique energy to her role, highlighting the individuality and collective strength of the suffragists. The performances are not only vocally impressive, but also emotionally charged, capturing the intensity of the movement and the personal stakes for each character. Taub, herself known for her expressive and emotive singing, leads the cast with a performance that is both commanding and heartfelt. Sufs has garnered several significant nominations at this year's Tony Awards, reflecting its impact and excellence. It is nominated for best book of a musical and best original score, showcasing Taube's exceptional talent in both storytelling and musical composition. These nominations highlight the show's powerful narrative and its ability to convey complex historical events through engaging and memorable music. Additionally, the musical has received recognition for its performances and technical achievements, underscoring its overall artistic success. Suffs is a must see for anyone interested in history, women's rights and powerful musical theater. It honors the legacy of the suffragists while making a compelling case for the continued relevance of their fight. With its all female cast, innovative music and poignant storytelling, Suffs stands out as a highlight of this year's Broadway season once again. I don't know a lot about softs. I will have to research that more, but from what I've read about it, it sounds interesting. I do like historical musicals and I listen to the one song that's available, can't wait for the cast album. But yeah, I'm excited about this one. I'm excited about all these musicals because, you know, I love musical and my only connection will be through the cast albums until they go on tour and I can go see them in St. Louis. And now for the final musical I'll be discussing and my personal favorite water for elephants. This enchanting show is based on the best selling novel by Sarah Gruen and the 2011 film adaptation. Water for Elephants is my second favorite book of all time. I've read it three or four times. I love it. It's about the circus and I got my mom reading it, so I really, really love this book. The movie was really, really good too. The book is better, of course, and I cannot wait to see this musical because I'm all for circuses anyway. The musical tells the captivating story of a young runaway who finds himself immersed in the extraordinary world of a traveling circus, experiencing adventures beyond his wildest dreams. And you know, I've always wanted to join the circus. I tried to run away with the circus at one point, so of course this musical is my favorite. Water for Elephants follows Jacob Jankowski, a young man who abandons his conventional life after a family tragedy and hops aboard a circus train set against the backdrop of the Great Depression. The story is filled with colorful characters, thrilling performances and the magic of the circus. Jacobs journey of self discovery, love and resilience unfolds as he becomes entwined with the lives of the circus performers and their struggles. Bringing water for elephants from page to screen to the stage has been an ambitious and rewarding endeavor. The adaptation process involved translating the rich, detailed descriptions of the circus and its characters into a visually stunning and emotionally resonant theatrical experience. The production captures the essence of the novel and film while adding the immediacy and intimacy of live theater. One of the standout elements of this musical is the breathtaking visual spectacle it presents. The circus setting is brought to life with elaborate sets, vibrant costumes and dazzling special effects. The use of acrobatics, live animals or their clever theatrical representations and grandiose circus acts make for a mesmerizing and immersive experience. The audience is transported into the heart of the circus, filling the excitement and drama of each performance. The cast of Water for elephants delivers exceptional performances that breathe life into the beloved characters. The role of Jacob is portrayed with depth and vulnerability, capturing his transformation from a lost soul to a courageous hero. The performers playing the circus members bring their characters hopes, dreams and hardships to life with authenticity and emotional power. Their chemistry on stage enhances the overall narrative, making it a truly engaging and moving production. Water for Elephants has received several nominations at this year's Tony Awards, including best direction, various creative categories. These nominations highlight the show's strengths in visual storytelling and narrative execution. The recognition for best direction underscores the visionary approach that has brought this intricate and magical world to the stage. Other nominations for set design, costume design and choreography further emphasize the production's artistic achievements and its ability to captivate audiences. I am so excited to see this musical. I am rooting for this one because it's my favorite. I mean, of course I would like the one about the circus the best. It's based on my favorite book. The movie was great. I have listened to this entire cast album probably four times because it came out right before I recorded this. So great, great songs. My favorite song from Water for Elephants right now is the road don't make you young. I mean, that song is so catchy and I just love it. I love it, love it. But anyway, I am so, so excited for water for elephants. It's about the circus. So that is why it's my favorite that I haven't seen. Each of the musicals that I discussed brings something unique to the Broadway scene, from jukebox hits and literary adaptations to historical narratives and innovative dance productions. By discussing the standout elements and achievements of Hells Kitchen, the Outsiders, Illinois suffs and water for elephants, we got a comprehensive and engaging overview of what makes this year's Tony nominated musicals truly special. So whether you're a longtime theater enthusiast or new to the world of Broadway, these shows offer something for everyone to enjoy and be inspired by. I am so excited about this year's Tony Awards, and I'm looking forward to seeing who takes home the awards in all the categories, but I'm especially excited about best musical. What I'm most thrilled about, though, is Ariana Debose hosting again. I am a huge fan of hers and she did such a fantastic job the last two times. I love her so much. Her talent and charisma really shines through and I'm sure she'll bring so much energy and excitement to the event again. It's going to be a night to remember. Ariana DeBose's presence as host will definitely add a special touch to the ceremony like it did the last two. The Tony Awards will be June 16, and I cannot wait. And there you have it. We've journeyed through the spectacular world of the 2024 Tony nominated new musicals from the vibrant streets of mid nineties Manhattan in Hell's Kitchen, to the gritty camaraderie of the greasers and the outsiders, to the emotional dance odyssey of Illinois, the empowering historical narratives of selfs, and the enchanting circus adventures of water for elephants. This year's nominees truly have something for everyone. I hope you enjoyed this deep dive as much as I did. It's always a joy to explore these incredible shows and share my passion for Broadway with you. And remember that the Tony Awards are not just about celebrating the best of theatre. They're a chance for all of us, no matter where we are, to get a taste of the magic happening on stage. I want to thank you so much for listening to this episode of the music and me. And if you loved what you heard, please share this podcast with your friends, family, and anyone who might enjoy a bit of Broadway in their lives or music in general. Don't forget to subscribe on your favorite podcast platform to stay updated on all of my latest episodes. Until next time, keep the music in you alive and I will see you soon on the music in me. Peace out everyone.