Long-Lost 'Lost Boys' and Mysterious 'Schmigadoon!' Astound Tony Voters with 12 Nominations Each

In a surprising twist during this year’s Tony Award announcements, two productions, 'The Lost Boys' and 'Schmigadoon!', have emerged as the frontrunners, each garnering an astonishing 12 nominations. This commendable feat has theater critics grappling with a profound sense of bewilderment and deja vu.

'Lost Boys,' a theatrical reenactment of teenagers trying to find themselves while actually getting lost in the wilderness, introduces groundbreaking advancements such as a rotating stage that simulates a real forest and authentic wilderness guides as consultants. The production is reportedly so immersive that several audience members were reported missing after a matinee performance, only to be found days later living off concession stand popcorn.

On the other hand, 'Schmigadoon!' is being hailed as a musical miracle of mismatched melodies and untamed choreography. This show uniquely combines the charm of a 1940s movie musical with the angst of modern existential crises. The plot, which seems purposefully tangled, leaves audiences in delightful confusion, as attendees exit the theater humming various tunes that they can never quite remember.

Industry insiders are reacting with varying degrees of alarm and intrigue. “It’s a bold statement,” commented an anonymous Tony voter. “Normally, we like shows that make sense. But these productions have really captured what makes Broadway great: unpredictability and befuddlement.”

The nominations reflect Broadway's current embrace of both tradition and non-traditional zaniness. Critics suspect a post-modern twist in the nomination process, akin to choosing names out of a hat. However, Tony officials maintain the integrity of the process, insisting it all makes perfect sense if one stops trying to understand.

These nominations underscore the ever-evolving landscape of Broadway, as it shifts from storytelling to a more participatory form of artistic disorientation. As theatergoers eagerly await the award ceremony, attendees are advised to enter with an open heart and a very open mind.

In an era where theatrical boundaries are being poked with a very whimsical stick, 'The Lost Boys' and 'Schmigadoon!' are leading the charge—not forward, but certainly somewhere unexpected.