‘Spamalot,’ ‘Scoundrels’ Lead BMI Tony Nominees

Posted in News on May 11, 2005

Musical comedies "Monty Python's Spamalot" and "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels" lead the list of BMI-represented Broadway productions nominated for the 59th Annual Tony Awards, announced May 10 from the heart of New York's Theatre District. Both are up for the coveted Best Musical Tony.

Eric Idle	Larry Hochman	Tim Curry

A spoof on the zany 1975 film Monty Python and the Holy Grail, "Spamalot" picked up a total of 14 nominations, including two for BMI composer and show creator Eric Idle (PRS) for Best Book and Best Original Score. He shares the score mention with co-writer John Du Prez (PRS). Also adding to the King Arthur tale's share were BMI composers Larry Hochman, nominated for Best Orchestrations, and Tim Curry, who took home a nomination for Best Performance by a Leading Actor. The show's director, Mike Nichols, also a BMI writer, earned a nod for Best Direction; he picked up an additional nomination for Best Special Theatrical Event as producer of "Whoopi: The 20th Anniversary Show."

Mike Nichols	David Yazbek

"Dirty Rotten Scoundrels," based on the popular 1988 movie of the same name, earned 11 Tony nominations, with BMI composers David Yazbek and Jeffrey Lane receiving nods for Best Original Score and Best Book, respectively. The show stars John Lithgow and Norbert Leo Butz as Lawrence Jameson and Freddy Benson, two con artists working the French Rivera trying to swindle money from rich women.

In addition, BMI-affiliated comedian/actor Billy Crystal's solo show, "700 Sundays," earned its producer a Best Special Theatrical Event nomination, while BMI writer David Mamet's "Glengarry Glen Ross" received a nomination for Best Revival of a Play.

The 59th Annual Tony Awards will take place on Sunday, June 5 at Radio City Music Hall and will be broadcast live on CBS starting at 8:00pm.

SOURCENews TAGS Musical Theatre Artists Billy Crystal David Mamet Mike Nichols David Yazbek