This year's slate of 24 nominated productions reflects the wide range of stories on stage, from a traveling salesman to two struggling New York City doctors on a strange backpacking trip, and from a family confronting a vampire-overrun town to the chosen family of the underground ballroom scene.
Ahead of the ceremony, the Tony class of 2026 gathered to celebrate and reflect on the recognition.
For Joshua Henry, nominated for "Ragtime," the moment is deeply personal. "I've got people who are loving me, praying for me and supporting me from afar while I get to do my art at the highest level," he said. "This is a dream."
Heading into the awards, "The Lost Boys" and "Schmigadoon" lead the field with 12 nominations each.
"It felt like a real opportunity to make something that was scary, funny, adventurous, silly," said Michael Arden, director of "The Lost Boys."
Sara Chase, a nominee for "Schmigadoon," said she'd happily step into the world of "My Fair Lady." "So I could talk like this," she joked, before breaking into the classic line, "All I want is a room somewhere."
Shoshana Bean of "The Lost Boys" called the experience unmatched. "To be nominated, this experience in particular is head and shoulders above the rest because this whole experience has been head and shoulders above the rest," she said.
Luke Evans, nominated for "The Rocky Horror Show," reflected on the long journey to Broadway. "The fact that a dream of a young kid from South Wales, who all he ever wanted to do was be on a stage, has managed to achieve a Broadway stage and then to be acknowledged by the Tonys, it's a lot to process," he said.
For Christiani Pitts of "Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York)," the reactions at home ranged from emotional to humorous. "My dad was so proud, crying, praying, all the things," she said. "My daughter said, 'I don't like Tony,' and ran to go play with her toys."
One of the most competitive races this year is best actor in a play, featuring Nathan Lane, John Lithgow, Mark Strong, Will Harrison and Daniel Radcliffe.
Radcliffe, nominated for "Every Brilliant Thing," credits his upbringing for his love of theater. "As much as we went and saw movies growing up, my mom and dad took me to the theater a lot," he said. "When you feel like you're really connecting with actors in a room with them, it's a beautiful thing."
Rachel Dratch, also of "The Rocky Horror Show," said being part of the Broadway community fulfills a lifelong goal. "It's special to me because it's a childhood dream," she said.
André De Shields, appearing in "Cats: The Jellicle Ball," said he found unexpected inspiration for his performance. "This is the first time I've used Steven Tyler as inspiration," he said, adding with a laugh that he doesn't think the Aerosmith frontman knows.
The celebratory gathering also showcased the personalities behind the performances, from warm-up routines, "I meow like a cat," one nominee admitted, to playful self-awarded titles. Pitts dubbed herself a "Disney princess mom," noting her daughter only lets her play the mother.
As the night approaches, nominees struggled to sum up what the recognition means.
"The honor of a lifetime."
"Dream come true."
"Unreal."
"The greatest honor."
Others captured the moment in a rush of emotion: "Insanely silly, ridiculous, unworthy, so grateful."
All eyes now turn to Sunday night, when Broadway's brightest stars will take center stage at the Tonys.
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