Aussie production Moulin Rouge! The Musical receives history making 14 Tony Award nominations
Moulin Rouge! The Musical was a hit on Broadway in New York before COVID-19 forced its shutdown and now, the musical based on Baz Luhrmann’s hit film has received a history-making number of Tony Awards nominations overnight.
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Moulin Rouge! The Musical has made history with 14 nominations for the Tony Awards announced overnight in New York.
And Tina the Musical, has scored 12 Tony nominations — the musical, based on the life and music of Tina Turner, is co-produced by Australian promoter Paul Dainty.
Based on Baz Luhrmann’s 2001 Australian film, Moulin Rouge! is the first Australian-produced musical to originate on Broadway.
“I’m happy, proud and honoured we can be part of this history making moment,’’ said Carmen Pavlovic, CEO of Global Creatures and Producer of Moulin Rouge! The Musical.
“I feel this year’s Tony Awards will be talked about for decades to come and herald a real change on Broadway so I’m grateful to be part of that.
“It’s not the Tony Awards we imagined for sure. Never imagined being able to wear my pyjama pants and sneakers below the screen. At the same time it’s a really important moment to stand as part of the Broadway community.”
The show closed on Broadway in March and is set to re-open in May.
Moulin Rouge! The Musical will arrive at Melbourne’s Regent Theatre and London’s Piccadilly Theatre in 2021.
“Luckily we’ve been able to keep all the balls in the air and we’ve just put our energy into what we can control,’’ Ms Pavlovic said.
“We’re excited to have Moulin Rouge and hopefully that’s a bit of a beacon and something to enjoy.”
This is the fourth musical production by Global Creatures, which was founded by Gerry Ryan OAM and Pavlovic in 2007. Previous works include King Kong, Strictly Ballroom The Musical and Muriel’s Wedding The Musical.
Paul Dainty is basking in the glow of Tina the Musical’s 12 Tony nominations, including Best Musical and Best Choreography.
TEG Dainty are investors and co-producers of the musical which was enjoying major success on Broadway and the West End until COVID shut theatres.
“The Tony Awards are to musicals what the Oscars are to movies, it’s the creme de la creme,” Dainty said.
“We’ve been involved in Mamma Mia, the ABBA musical, which is a great show, but the Tina story is real on every level and goes into what she’s been through in her life, plus all those incredible songs. Adrienne Warren who plays Tina is absolutely amazing in the role.”
Turner and her husband have both signed off on the musical - the superstar watched the performance on Broadway.
Turning 81 in November, Turner has retired from touring.
Dainty said COVID has created a “traffic jam” of theatre productions who have been postponed, meaning Tina the Musical could be 18 months or more away from opening in Australia.
“We’ve got the rights for Australia, we had hoped to have it open next year. The theatres are starting to open up, Hamilton and Frozen are opening in Sydney in December and March respectively, but I think Tina is a few years away now just because of theatre availability.”
Dainty has worked on local theatre productions of Mamma Mia, Hairspray, Jersey Boys, The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Singin’ in the Rain and more.
The Tony Awards will be held as a digital ceremony.
Moulin Rouge! The Musical received 14 nominations across 13 categories:
• Best Musical
• Best Direction of a Musical – Alex Timbers
• Best Book of a Musical – John Logan
• Best Choreography – Sonya Tayeh
• Best Orchestrations – Justin Levine with Matt Stine, Katie Kresek and Charlie Rosen
• Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical – Karen Olivo
• Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical – Aaron Tveit
• Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Musical – Robyn Hurder
• Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Musical – Danny Burstein, Sahr Ngaujah
• Best Scenic Design in a Musical – Derek McLane
• Best Costume Design in a Musical – Catherine Zuber
• Best Lighting Design in a Musical – Justin Townsend
• Best Sound Design of a Musical – Peter Hylenski
Tina the Musical received 12 nominations
• Best Musical
• Best Book of a Musical – Katori Hall, Frank Ketelaar, and Kees Prins
• Best Direction of a Musical - Phyllida Lloyd
• Best Choreography - Anthony Van Laast
• Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical – Adrienne Warren
• Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical – Myra Lucretia Taylor
• Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical – Daniel J. Watts
• Best Orchestrations - Ethan Popp
• Best Scenic Design of a Musical - Mark Thompson and Jeff Sugg
• Best Costume Design of a Musical – Mark Thompson
• Best Lighting Design of a Musical – Bruno Poet
• Best Sound Design of a Musical – Nevin Steinberg
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