This league’s fancy & hip
MORE humans filled the Drama League Awards luncheon than whatshisname Hamilton ever saw in real life.
First arrival: “Noises Off ’s” Megan Hilty in a gorgeous borrowed fullskirt dress: “My husband learned of my nomination.” How? “He read it online.” I mean, speak of excitement! Last arrival: “Blackbird’s”
Jeff Daniels in a shirt hanging out of his jeans. If he’s late, why so schlumpy? “Hey, I got a show tonight.” OK, but this was 11 a.m. Palace Theatre co-owner
Stewart Lane on how much is its renovation. “Don’t know.” How long will it take? “Not sure.” The man’s a great interview. Ev- eryone was told: “Don’t miss your turn to speak. Go to the bathroom now.”
Before hitting the can, “School of Rock’s” Alex
Brightman. “My blue suit’s off the rack. The pants were too long so I made cuffs. Listen, let’s face it, I’m a born schlub who’s usually opulent in sweats and Banana Republic.”
Famous dog trainer Bill Berloni: “There’s only about 100 of the type I trained to be a wolf in ‘Crucible.’ It was tough. I did it with little bits of hot dog.” Lupita Nyong’o for “Eclipsed”: “Onstage forgetting a line is scary. I found that breathing a minute is the only way it comes back. Once I was chok- ing, and my co-stars got me water, which we secrete in different spots.” How did she celebrate her Tony nomination? “Having stayed out longer than I should, I was asleep. Emails told me. I celebrated with a long bath.” Michelle “Blackbird” Williams: “I heard when I was home cleaning up the breakfast dishes.” Laura Benanti of “She Loves Me”: “I watched the nominations — my fifth — in pajamas. But it’s my first in the leading role category. Now I feel I’ve arrived. Everyone’s touched my ‘Gypsy’ award. Too many fingerprints on it.”