May 11, 2000

BMI Composers Lead Tony Award Nominees

BMI composers topped the nominees' list of the American Theater Wing's 54th Annual Tony Awards, which were recently announced at Sardi's restaurant in New York City by actors Kelsey Grammer and Bebe Neuwirth. The Awards presentation will take place on June 4 at Radio City Music Hall.

Best Score:

• "Marie Christine" - book and score by Michael John LaChiusa
• "The Wild Party" - book and score by Michael John LaChiusa (LaChiusa received his theater training in the BMI Lehman Engel Musical Theatre Workshop)
  
• "Aida" - score by Sir Elton John (PRS) and Tim Rice (PRS)

Best Play:

• Arthur Miller's "The Ride Down Mt. Morgan"

Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Play:

• John C. Reilly for his performance in "True West"