The Washington Heights-based musical "In The Heights" dominated the Tony nominations this morning, picking up 13 nominations, including the coveted Best Musical nod.
The 2008 Tony nominations were announced by former Tony winners David Hyde Pierce and Sara Ramirez at the New York Library for Performing Arts on the Upper West Side.
Broadway newcomer Lin-Manuel Miranda not only wrote the score of "In the Heights" but also was nominated for Best Leading Actor and Best Score.
Also in the Best Musical category, the rock musical "Passing Strange" is likely to be a strong contender for the prize.
Two musicals based on movies clinched the other two slots, as John Waters' "Cry-Baby" and "Xanadu" got nominations.
The acclaimed new production of "Gypsy" received a Musical Revival nomination, as well as nods for its cast, including lead actress Patti Lupone.
That show will fight it out with the Lincoln Center Theater's production of "South Pacific", the Roundabout Theater's "Sunday in the Park with George," which received nine nominations, and "Grease."
"South Pacific" was honored with 11 nominations, including a nod for Paulo Szot for Leading Actor in a Musical.
Other nominees for Leading Actor in a Musical are Daniel Evans for "Sunday in the Park with George," Stew for "Passing Strange" and Tom Wopat for "A Catered Affair."
Leading Actress in a Musical nominations went to Kerry Butler for "Xanadu," Kelli O'Hara for "South Pacific," Faith Prince for "A Catered Affair" and Jenna Russell for "Sunday in the Park with George."
In the Best Play category, the show to beat will be Tracy Letts' "August: Osage County," which won the Pulitzer Prize earlier this year. Also nominated in that category are "Rock 'n' Roll", "The Seafarer", and "The 39 Steps."
Two actresses from "August: Osage County" were also nominated for their performances. Other Leading Actress in a Play nominees are Eve Best for "The Homecoming," Kate Fleetwood for "Macbeth," and S. Epatha Merkerson for "Come Back Little Sheba."
Leading Actor in a Play nominees are Ben Daniels for "Les Liasions Dangereuses," Laurence Fishburne for "Thurgood," Mark Rylance for "Boeing-Boeing," Rufus Sewell for "Rock 'n' Roll" and Patrick Stewart for "Macbeth."
The Tony Awards will be held at Radio City Music Hall on Sunday, June 15 and will be hosted by actress Whoopi Goldberg.
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