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The world of American theater has announced the nominees for its highest honor, while the Kentucky Derby rides again.
The nominees for this year’s Tony Awards, which celebrates American theater, were recently announced. Leading the pack are three shows each with 10 nominations: Buena Vista Social Club, Death Becomes Her, and Maybe Happy Ending. Some notable nominated names include six-time Tony winner Audra McDonald, for her role in the revival of Gypsy. Meanwhile, three very familiar faces are up for their first Tony: Bob Odenkirk, for his star turn in a new production of Glengarry Glen Ross, George Clooney, for the stage version of Good Night, and Good Luck, and Mia Farrow, nominated for a leading actress award for The Roommate. Additionally, actor and playwright Harvey Fierstein will be honored with a lifetime achievement award.
And they’re offThe Kentucky Derby, the most prestigious American horse race, will be held this weekend. Established in 1875, it has become one of the most popular single-day sporting events in the world, attracting some 150,000 spectators to Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky.
Musical birthdaysWhat do Bing Crosby, James Brown, Pete Seeger, and John Lewis have in common? From a musical standpoint, not much—a quintessential 1930s crooner, the Godfather of Soul, a folk music icon, and the leader of the Modern Jazz Quartet. But each of these musicians share a birth date of May 3: Crosby in 1903, Seeger in 1919, Lewis (pictured below) in 1920 and Brown in 1933.

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