New York, NY (October 14, 2016) – The Tony Awards Administration Committee met yesterday for the first time this season and confirmed the eligibility of two Broadway productions, Paramour and Cats, for the 2017 American Theatre Wing’s Tony Awards®. The two productions are consistent with opening night billing.

Additionally, the Committee determined that the newly renovated Hudson Theatre will be deemed a Tony eligible theatre, beginning in the 2016-2017 season. The theatre, located on West 44th Street, will have a minimum of 970 seats without the use of the orchestra pit and 948 seats when the orchestra pit is utilized by a production.

The American Theatre Wing’s 71st Annual Tony Awards will air on the CBS Television Network on Sunday, June 11, 2017 (8:00-11:00 PM, ET/delayed PT). The Tony Awards, which honors theatre professionals for distinguished achievement on Broadway, has been broadcast on CBS since 1978. The Tony Awards are presented by The Broadway League and the American Theatre Wing.

The official eligibility cut-off date will be April 27, 2017, for all Broadway productions opening in the 2016-2017 season. Productions which meet all other eligibility requirements and open on or before the eligibility date are considered eligible for 2017 Tony Award nominations. The Tony Award Nominations will be announced live on May 2, 2017.

The Tony Awards Administration Committee meets a total of four times throughout the 2016-2017 season to decide the eligibility for the 71st Annual Tony Awards.

For more information on the Tony Awards, visit TonyAwards.com and Facebook.com/TheTonyAwards and follow @TheTonyAwards on Instagram, Twitter and Snapchat.

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About the Tony Awards The American Theatre Wing’s Tony Awards are presented by The Broadway League and the American Theatre Wing.

At The Broadway League, Robert E. Wankel is Chairman and Charlotte St. Martin is President. At the American Theater Wing, David Henry Hwang is Chairman and Heather A. Hitchens is President.

Sponsors for the 2016 Tony Awards included: IBM - developed, designed, and hosts the official Tony Awards digital experience anchored by TonyAwards.com; Carnegie Mellon University – the first-ever, exclusive higher education partner; Grant Thornton LLP – official professional services partner ; Nordstrom - official sponsor of Tony Awards Red Carpet and “Live on the Tony Awards Red Carpet Show”; City National – official bank of the Tony Awards and presenting sponsor of the Creative Arts Awards; Porsche Cars North America, Inc., - presenting sponsor of the 2016 Tony Awards Gala; United Airlines – the official airline of the Tony Awards for the last 17 years; Coach – presenting sponsor of the Tony Awards Green Room; BroadwayHD – official partner of the Tony Awards and the first-ever Behind the Scenes Livestream; FIJI Water - official water partner of the Tony Awards; La Crema - official wine partner of the Tony Awards; Paramount Hotel - official hotel partner of the Tony Awards; People/Entertainment Weekly – the official magazine partners of the Tony Awards; and additional support provided by Passion Roses.