CCM alumni in Tony Award-nominated productions

University of Cincinnati's College-Conservatory of Music is consistently recognized by Playbill for being in the top ten most represented colleges on Broadway. Although the curtains are temporarily closed and the stage lights are dark, the annual Tony Awards is moving forward to recognize the excellent work performing artists have shared in Broadway productions during the 2019-20 season.

This year's nominations include productions featuring the work of CCM Musical Theatre alumni. Nominations were announced by past Tony-winner James Monroe Iglehart on Oct. 15, and the awards will be presented digitally at a later date. Are you an alum with news to share? Submit your tip to us online.

Karen Olivo (BFA Musical Theatre, '97) was nominated for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical for her work as Satine in Moulin Rouge!, which also features Kyle Brown (BFA Musical Theatre, '08) and Max Clayton (BFA Musical Theatre, '14) in the ensemble. Based on Baz Luhrmann's 2001 film, the Broadway production received 14 Tony nominations, including Best Musical. Learn more about the production online. Watch Olivo and fellow Tony nominee Aaron Tveit sing "Come What May" from Moulin Rouge! in the video above, recently shared by Playbill.

Julius Chase (BFA Musical Theatre, '10) made his Broadway debut in Tina: The Tina Turner Musical, which was nominated for 12 Tony Awards, including Best Musical. Learn more about the production online.

Stay up to date on the latest news about the Tony Awards.

The Musical Theatre program at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) is the oldest in the country and was the first of its kind. A four-year bachelor of fine arts (BFA) program, it was used by the National Association of Schools of Theatre in formulating the guidelines for the accreditation of Musical Theatre programs nationwide.

The program provides professional conservatory training designed to help singers, dancers and actors become accomplished musical theatre performers. Students participate in a number of productions while in residence and create a freshman and a senior showcase, the latter functioning as their New York debut for agents and casting directors. In addition, students undertake courses in English, history, psychology, dramatic literature, social and ethical issues and the humanities.

CCM Musical Theatre is widely recognized for its "triple-threat" approach to training and many of its graduates are following careers as performers and creative artists in every facet of the entertainment industry. CCM Musical Theatre graduates are working on Broadway and throughout the nation in such productions as Anastasia, Hamilton, Waitress, Moulin Rouge, The Phantom of the Opera, The Book of Mormon, Pippin, Wicked, Jersey Boys, Les Misérables, Kinky Boots, Big Fish, Newsies and The Lion King. Students represent CCM in national and international touring productions, in dinner theatres and theme parks, on cruise ships, on television, in talent agencies, as producers and in many of the related entertainment fields.

The Musical Theatre program is part of a larger academic division known as TAPAA: Theatre Arts, Production and Arts Administration. At the time of its establishment in 1991, the Patricia A. Corbett Distinguished Chair of Musical Theatre at CCM was the only academic chair of its kind in the United States, the American equivalent of the Chair in Musical Theatre endowed by Cameron Macintosh in honor of Stephen Sondheim at Oxford one year later.

Learn more about CCM's BFA Musical Theatre program.

Featured image at the top: Karen Olivo and Aaron Tviet in Broadway's Moulin Rouge! Photo/Moulin Rouge The Musical.