Ragtime’s Christiane Noll on How a Tony Nomination is Like a Medical Degree

The morning the Tony nominations are announced, phones start ringing off the hook for the happy few who get nods. As usual, Broadway.com is among the callers offering congratulations and getting responses. Here are the first reactions from 2010 Tony nominees. Congrats to all!

Christiane Noll
Nominated for Best Actress in a Musical, Ragtime
"I was in a closet packing when my phone started going 'Cling cling! Cling cling!' I’m going to miss all the fun this week because I'm getting on a plane to London tonight to sing in a concert with Julie Andrews. I was surprised. Totally! I knew Bobby Steggert was going to get one, but because we closed so long ago, I was fully prepared not to get a nomination. This show was a gift from beginning to end, so I'm thrilled we’re getting to remember it a little longer. [A Tony nomination is] like having 'M.D.' behind your name. From now on, whenever I’m introduced at any kind of event, it will always be 'Tony-nominated actress.' I do not take that for granted. It’s a big honor. There are thousands of people who set out to be a part of this business every year and strive to be where I am sitting at this very moment, so I plan to enjoy this month, even though I'll miss the luncheons and the brunches. I finally get the recognition, and now I don’t even get to bask in the spotlight!"

For reactions from more of this year's Tony nominees, click here!