The Fabulous 2009 Tony Awards Nominees: A Blast from the Past

Hey there, theater buffs! Let's take a stroll down memory lane and revisit the 2009 Tony Awards nominees, a year that was absolutely bursting with Broadway brilliance. So, grab a snack, get comfy, and let's dive into this star-studded lineup, shall we? Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and 2009 tony awards nominees.

The Big Guns: Best Play and Best Musical

Alright, guys, let's kick things off with the heavy hitters. In the Best Play category, we had an incredibly talented bunch:

- God of Carnage by Yasmina Reza, a hilarious and tense battle of wits between two couples. - 33 Variations by Moisés Kaufman, a captivating exploration of Beethoven's life and his obsession with a single musical piece. - Dividing the Estate by Horton Foote, a heartwarming family drama set in Texas. - Reasons to Be Pretty by Neil LaBute, a raw and honest look at love, relationships, and self-image in the 21st century.

And the Best Musical nominees? Well, they were nothing short of spectacular:

- Billy Elliot, the heartwarming tale of a young boy's journey through ballet, set against the backdrop of the UK's miners' strike. - Next to Normal, a groundbreaking musical that tackled mental illness, grief, and the complexities of family dynamics. - Shrek The Musical, the beloved fairy tale turned into a hilarious and heartfelt Broadway show. - 9 to 5: The Musical, the fabulous story of three secretaries who turn the tables on their sexist boss, based on the hit movie.

The Leading Ladies and Gents: Best Performance by an Actress/Actor in a Leading Role

Now, let's talk about the incredible actors and actresses who brought these amazing shows to life. For Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play, we had:

- Marcia Gay Harden for her portrayal of the formidable Margaret in "God of Carnage". - Valerie Harper as the matriarch Stella in "Dividing the Estate". - Jan Maxwell as the passionate and determined Louise in "33 Variations". - Amy Ryan for her raw and emotional performance as the struggling mother in "Reasons to Be Pretty".

And the Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play nominees were:

- Jeff Daniels for his portrayal of the troubled and enigmatic Jack in "God of Carnage". - Brian F. O'Byrne as the passionate and obsessive Beethoven in "33 Variations". - David Hyde Pierce as the charming and cunning Osmond in "A Man for All Seasons". - Mark Rylance for his incredible performance as the king in "Boeing-Boeing".

For the musicals, the nominees for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical were:

- Kathy Bates as the hilarious and fabulous Dragon Lady in "9 to 5: The Musical". - Sutton Foster as the charming and witty Cinderella in "Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella". - Alice Ripley for her heart-wrenching and powerful performance as Diana in "Next to Normal". - Cristin Milioti as the spirited and determined Billy in "Billy Elliot".

And the Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical nominees were:

- Gavin Creel as the charming and handsome Prince Charming in "Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella". - David Hunter as the titular character in "Billy Elliot". - Allan Harris as the smooth and suave Curtis in "Thoroughly Modern Millie". - Shuler Hensley as the lovable and hilarious Big Daddy in "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof".

The Supporting Cast: Best Performance by an Actress/Actor in a Featured Role

Now, let's not forget about the amazing actors and actresses who stole the show in their supporting roles. For Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play, we had:

- Angela Lansbury as the cunning and manipulative Mrs. Fox in "Blithe Spirit". - Monique Barbee as the fierce and determined Mary in "Reasons to Be Pretty". - Jan Maxwell for her incredible performance as the passionate and determined Louise in "33 Variations". - Jayne Houdyshell as the matriarching and formidable Lucille in "Well".

And the Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Play nominees were:

- Roger Robinson as the wise and insightful Dr. Fine in "33 Variations". - Eddie Izzard for his hilarious and unforgettable performance as Louis in "A Day in the Death of Joe Egg". - Christian Borle as the charming and cunning Prince Charming in "Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella". - Bob Hoskins as the lovable and hilarious Big Daddy in "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof".

For the musicals, the nominees for Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical were:

- Mary Louise Wilson as the fabulous and feisty Muzzy Van Hossmere in "Thoroughly Modern Millie". - Dee Hoty as the lovable and hilarious Mrs. Meers in "Thoroughly Modern Millie". - Jennifer Damiano as the spirited and determined Ivy in "Next to Normal". - Karen Olivo as the passionate and powerful Nabulungi in "The Book of Mormon".

And the Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical nominees were:

- Gregory Jbara as the charming and smooth-voiced Harry in "Billy Elliot". - John Larroquette as the lovable and hilarious J.B. Biggley in "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying". - Rory O'Malley as the charming and witty Harry in "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee". - Nick Adams as the dashing and handsome Princeton in "Avenue Q".

The Creative Minds Behind the Magic: Best Direction, Best Choreography, and Best Original Score

Now, let's give a round of applause to the incredibly talented directors, choreographers, and composers who brought these amazing shows to life. For Best Direction of a Play, we had:

- Matthew Warchus for his brilliant and hilarious direction of "God of Carnage". - David Grindley for his passionate and insightful direction of "33 Variations". - Joe Mantello for his raw and honest direction of "Reasons to Be Pretty". - John Tiffany for his innovative and captivating direction of "A Man for All Seasons".

And the Best Direction of a Musical nominees were:

- Stephen Daldry for his heartwarming and powerful direction of "Billy Elliot". - Kathleen Marshall for her fabulous and feel-good direction of "Thoroughly Modern Millie". - Michael Greif for his groundbreaking and emotional direction of "Next to Normal". - Des McAnuff for his hilarious and heartfelt direction of "Jersey Boys".

For Best Choreography, we had:

- Peter Darling for his incredible and innovative choreography in "Billy Elliot". - Rob Ashford for his fabulous and feel-good choreography in "Thoroughly Modern Millie". - Twyla Tharp for her unique and captivating choreography in "Come Fly Away". - Casey Nicholaw for his hilarious and heartfelt choreography in "The Book of Mormon".

And finally, for Best Original Score, we had:

- Music by Tom Kitt and Book and Lyrics by Brian Yorkey for the groundbreaking and emotional "Next to Normal". - Music by Elton John and Book and Lyrics by Lee Hall for the heartwarming and hilarious "Billy Elliot". - Music by Trey Parker, Robert Lopez, and Book by Trey Parker, Robert Lopez, and Matt Stone for the hilarious and heartfelt "The Book of Mormon". - Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Book by Don Black and Christopher Hampton for the captivating and emotional "Sunset Boulevard".

The Winners Take It All

And there you have it, folks! The amazing 2009 Tony Awards nominees. But who took home the coveted trophies? Well, here are some of the big winners:

- Best Play: "God of Carnage" - Best Musical: "Billy Elliot" - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play: Marcia Gay Harden for "God of Carnage" - Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play: Geoffrey Rush for "A Behanding in Spokane" - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical: Alice Ripley for "Next to Normal" - Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical: David Hunter for "Billy Elliot" - Best Direction of a Play: Matthew Warchus for "God of Carnage" - Best Direction of a Musical: Stephen Daldry for "Billy Elliot" - Best Choreography: Peter Darling for "Billy Elliot" - Best Original Score: Music by Tom Kitt and Book and Lyrics by Brian Yorkey for "Next to Normal"

And that's a wrap, folks! The incredible 2009 Tony Awards nominees and winners. It was a year filled with amazing performances, captivating stories, and unforgettable moments. So, which of these fantastic shows and performers was your favorite? Let us know in the comments below. Until next time, theater lovers!