Broadway In Chicago couldn’t be more thrilled for the announcement of this year’s Tony Award nominations!  Here are a few of the amazing local ties this year:

Lin-Manuel Miranda’s “Hamilton” received a record-setting 16 nominations including Best Musical, which makes us even more thrilled that it will be premiering at The Private Bank Theatre this coming September!  Phillipa Soo, an Illinois native herself from Libertyville, was nominated in Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical for her portrayal of Eliza Hamilton. For more information about the upcoming Chicago production visit: http://broadwayinchicago.com/show/hamilton/

Sara Bareilles’ “Waitress” has been nominated for Best Original Score. She is one of the many artists whose music will be featured in the upcoming world premiere of “The SpongeBob Musical” beginning performances at the Oriental Theatre June 7th!  For more information visit: http://broadwayinchicago.com/show/the-spongebob-musical/

Sergio Trujillo was nominated for Best Choreography in “On Your Feet!” which had its start here in Chicago at the Oriental Theatre on June 2nd – July 5th, 2015 before transferring to Broadway.

David Zinn was nominated for Best Scenic Design for “The Humans,” and is currently working on the design for the world premiere of “The SpongeBob Musical.”  He was also nominated last year for his design of the musical, “Fun Home,” which will also play the Oriental Theatre this fall starting November 2nd.

Chicago native Jessie Mueller was nominated for the second time in the category of Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical for her spectacular work in “Waitress.”  She won this category’s Tony Award in 2014 for her performance as Carole King in “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical” which was last seen at the Oriental Theatre December 1, 2015 – February 21, 2016 and will be returning to Chicago in the 2017 holiday season.

You may remember Carmen Cusack from her performance in “First Wives Club” which premiered here February 17th – March 29th, 2015 at the Oriental Theatre.  She was just nominated for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical in “Bright Star.”

Michael Shannon, whom you might recognize as an ensemble member from A Red Orchid Theatre in Chicago’s Old Town area, was nominated for Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Play in “Long Day’s Journey Into Night.”

Stephen Karam’s “The Humans,” which was nominated for Best Play originated at the American Theater Company and played November 14, 2014 – February 1, 2015 before moving to Broadway.

“Eclipsed” by Danai Gurira, which is also nominated for Best Play, was first seen in Chicago as well at the Northlight Theatre January 13 – February 20, 2011.

Laurie Metcalf who was nominated in the category Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play for “Misery,” is remembered well in Chicago as a Steppenwolf ensemble member.

Be sure to check out Chris Jones’ Chicago Tribune article for the full list of nominations! – See more at: http://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/theater/news/ct-tony-award-nominations-hamilton-2016-20160502-story.html