The new Music Man Eric McCormack of "Will and Grace" and country music diva Reba McEntire, currently starring in Annie Get Your Gun, announced the 2001 Tony Award nominations May 7 at Sardi's. The Producers dominated the 2001 Tony Award nominations, collecting 15 nominations, including nods for best musical, score, book, direction and choreography. Stars Nathan Lane and Matthew Broderick received nods, as did featured actors Gary Beach, Roger Bart, Brad Oscar and Cady Huffman.

Coming closest to The Producers 15 was The Full Monty, which earned nods in 10 divisions, including best musical, score, for David Yazbek, and direction, for Jack O'Brien. O'Brien was also cited for his work on The Invention of Love. The double nomination is an echo of last year's two-fold recognition of director Michael Blakemore, who was nominated for both Kiss Me, Kate and Copenhagen (he won both awards).

The best musical category was rounded out by A Class Act and Jane Eyre. The latter did surprisingly well, claiming entries in five areas. Best play nominees also included Proof, King Hedley II and The Tale of the Allergist's Wife.