Tony Nominee Reactions with Jackson McHenry

In this episode of All of It, host Alison Stewart and Vulture critic Jackson McHenry break down the 2026 Tony nominations, highlighting major surprises and standout performances. The season saw Schmigadoon and The Lost Boys tie for the most nominations with 12 each, driven by their spectacle and nostalgic appeal, while Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman led plays with nine nominations, praised for its bold revival and stellar cast including Nathan Lane and Laurie Metcalf. A major talking point was Lea Michele’s omission despite her high-profile role in Chess, sparking debate over the nominating committee’s taste and the challenges faced by performers with public personas. McHenry also celebrated Nicholas Christopher’s long-overdue nod and the groundbreaking revival of Oedipus, reimagined by Robert Icke with a modern political twist. The episode features listener calls praising shows like Ragtime, Becky Shaw, and The Monsters, while questioning the exclusion of big-name debuts like Adrian Brody and Jon Bernthal. A sensitive discussion arises around Scott Rudin’s continued nominations despite past abuse allegations, raising ethical questions about artistic recognition and accountability in theater. Key takeaways include: 1) The Tony nominations reflect a season of revival and reimagining, favoring bold interpretations over star power; 2) Performers like Nicholas Christopher and Alden Ehrenreich prove that fresh talent can shine even without fame; 3) The absence of major film stars in the nominations underscores the nominating committee’s preference for theatrical excellence over celebrity; 4) The revival of Oedipus and Chess shows that cult classics can find new life with innovative staging; 5) The controversy around Scott Rudin highlights ongoing tensions in the theater community about rehabilitation and accountability; 6) Ensemble work—especially in shows like Cats and Liberation—deserves greater recognition; 7) The lack of a Best Musical award from the New York Drama Critics Circle signals a season of uncertainty and artistic rebuilding; 8) Audience engagement, as seen in listener calls, remains vital to the cultural conversation around theater.