Washginton, D.C. area’s Helen Hayes Award nominations, recognizing theatrical excellence in 47 categories, have been announced. The awards will be presented May 13 at the Anthem.
The Ford’s Theatre production of The Wiz leads with 13 nominations, the most of any production this year, including Outstanding Production in a Musical. Following is 1st Stage’s Fly By Night (with nine nominations), Arena Stage’s Anything Goes (with eight nominations), Keegan Theatre’s Chicago (with eight nominations), the Signature Theatre’s Girlfriend (with eight nominations), and Arena Stage’s Dave and Indecent (both with seven nominations).
Dave, written by Tom Kitt, Nell Benjamin, and the late Thomas Meehan, premiered at Arena Stage last year. The production also earned nominations for Best Direction (Tina Landau), Outstanding Ensemble, Outstanding Lead Actor (Drew Gehling), Outstanding Lead Actress (Byronha Marie Parham), Outstanding Original Play or Musial Adaptation, and Outstanding Production in a Musical.