Olivier Nominates Canadian Shows

Last night nominations were announced for the Laurence Olivier Awards, which celebrate the best in theatre, opera, and dance in London, England.

Canadian content this year accounts for a total of ten nominations, with five each for two shows.

For The Drowsy Chaperone (2007, London), the fantastic musical within a comedy:

-- Best New Musical (book by Bob Martin and Don McKellar; music and lyrics by Lisa Lambert and Greg Morrison);
-- Best Actor in a Musical (Bob Martin);
-- Best Actress in a Musical (Summer Strallen);
-- Best Theatre Choreographer (Casey Nicholaw);
-- Best Costume Design (Gregg Barnes).

For The Lord of the Rings: The Musical (2007, London), the highly technical financial disappointment that has found a better audience overseas:

-- Best New Musical (book and lyrics by Shaun McKenna and Matthew Warchus; music by AR Rahman, Varttina, and Christopher Nightingale);
-- Best Set Design (Rob Howell);
-- Best Costume Design (Rob Howell);
-- Best Lighting Design (Paul Pyant);
-- Best Sound Design (Simon Baker).

Winners will be announced March 9 in the West End, London.