The nominees for the 77th annual Tony Awards were announced on April 30, but the American Theatre Wing and the Broadway League have a few special Tony Awards that they have announced.
Alex Edelman is being honured for the “exemplary debut” of his one performer show “Just for Us”. The show was filmed during its 2023 run and is now available to stream on Max.
Abe Jacob is being recognized for his work in establishing a “modern theatrical sound design”.
The play “Jaja’s African Hair Braiding” earned several nominations for a Tony Award, but the Tony’s do not have category to pay tribute to the hair and makup artists. As a result, Nikiya Mathis is being presented with a Special Tony Award for her hair and wig work for Jaja.
Interim Broadway League President Jason Laks spoke on the special honours via statement saying, “we are honoured to present these three extraordinary individuals with Special Tony Awards.”
The Broadway League also presented Tony Honours for Excellence in the Theatre to scenic projection designer Wendell K. Harrington, ASU Gammage Executive Director and Broadway League member Colleen Jennings-Roggensack, outgoing Playwrights Horizons Board Chair Judith O. Rubin, the Dramatists Guild Foundation, and the Samuel J. Friedman Health Center for the Performing Arts.
American Theatre Wing President and CEO Heather Hitchens spoke on the choicdes saying, “it is a pleasure to present the 2024 Tony Honours for Excellence in Theatre to these five unsung heroes doing invaluable work behind the scenes in the theatre community.
The Tony Award ceremonies will be held on June 16 at Lincoln Center.