The Tony Award nominations were announced moments ago — and a trio of former Staples Players standouts work on shows that could win.
Justin Paul
Justin Paul (Staples Class of 2003) and his writing partner, Benj Pasek, were nominated for Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre, for their work on “A Christmas Story, The Musical.” Their competition is “Hands on a Hardbody, “Kinky Boots” and “Matilda the Musical.”
Gina Rattan ’04 is associate director of “Rogers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella.” It’s up for Best Revival of a Musical, going against “Annie,” “The Mystery of Edwin Drood” and “Pippin.”
Michael Altbaum (Staples ’02) is assistant company manager for “Matilda the Musical.” It vies for “Best Musical,” with “Bring It On: The Musical,” “A Christmas Story, The Musical” and “Kinky Boots.”
Gina Rattan
The winners will be announced on Sunday, June 9 at Radio City Music Hall (and televised live on CBS).
Justin, Gina and Michael should have a great time — and will greet each other warmly.
All 3 were together for a year at Staples. In addition, Justin and Gina had wonderful theater careers just a year apart at the University of Michigan.
PS: This just in! Kate Bosch (Staples ’05) is a set painter for the Huntington Theatre Company of Boston — which will receive the Regional Theatre Tony at the June 9 awards ceremony.