Among the nominated productions were the two best-reviewed musicals of the season, the new musical The Book of Mormon and the Sutton Foster revival of Anything Goes, which received 12 and 10 nominations, respectively, the most of any shows of the season.

Here is a look at the gala:

View the Entire Photo Gallery Laura Benanti Photo by Joseph Marzullo/WENN

Other productions that fared well include the Al Pacino revival of The Merchant of Venice (seven nominations); Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo, Catch Me if You Can, See Rock City & Other Destinations and Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown (six nominations each); and Hello Again, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, Peter and the Starcatcher, Sister Act and The Kid (five nominations apiece).

The 56th Annual Drama Desk Awards, which will feature musical numbers from the nominated New York stage productions, will be held May 23 at 8 PM at the Hammerstein Ballroom at the Manhattan Center, located at 34th Street and 8th Avenue.

For more information visit www.dramadeskawards.com.