`A Strange Loop' earns 11 Tony Award nominations

NEW YORK >> “A Strange Loop,” Michael R. Jackson's critically cheered theater meta-journey earned a leading 11 Tony Award nominations Monday as Broadway joined the national discussion of race by embracing an envelopepushing Black-written and

Black-led musical.

Jackson's 2020 Pulitzer Prize drama winner about a Black gay man writing a show about a Black gay man earned nods for best musical, best leading man in newcomer Jaquel Spivey and best featured actress for L Morgan Lee, who becomes the first openly transgender performer to be nominated for a Tony

Award. The show also was nominated for scenic design, lighting, sound, orchestrations, Stephen Brackett's direction and John-Andrew Morrison for featured actor.

“I hoped my collaborators would be acknowledged. That actually, in a weird way, was much more exciting to me,” Jackson told The Associated

Press. “Even if we hadn't gotten any nominations, I would have been disappointed, but I also would have known how powerful the show has been resonating with people.”

Playwright Lynn Nottage had two reasons to smile Monday morning: Her book for the Michael Jackson musical “MJ” was nominated for best book and her play “Clyde's” got a nod for best play.

“This has been a historic season for a multitude of reasons. There's been a diversity of Black voices on Broadway in unprecedented numbers. Theater came back after being dark for almost two years and we made art while facing down COVID. And so this feels particularly good given all of the circumstances,” Nottage said.

Jesse Tyler Ferguson of “Modern Family” fame got a nomination for “Take Me Out,” as did Jesse Williams, the “Grey's Anatomy” star making his Broadway debut. Williams thanked the audience for coming with him on a complex ride.