"American in Paris", "Fun Home" lead Tony nominations

The musicals "An American in Paris" and "Fun Home" each earned leading 12 Tony Awards nominations on Tuesday.

An American in Paris is the romantic story of a young American soldier, a beautiful French girl and an indomitable European city, each yearning for a new beginning in the aftermath of war.

The musical features a score by George Gershwin and Ira Gershwin and is based on the Academy Award-winning 1951 film that starred Gene Kelly and Leslie Caron.

It premiered at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris in November 2014 and made its debut on Broadway on April 12.

Fun Home introduces audiences to Alison at three different ages, revealing memories of her uniquely dysfunctional family -- her mother, brothers and volatile, brilliant, enigmatic father -- that connect with her in surprising new ways.

The intimate and emotional theatrical experience is performed entirely in the round, bringing audiences closer to Alison's story than ever before.

Top shows with six or more nods also included "Something Rotten!," "Wolf Hall: Parts One and Two," "The King and I," "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time," and "Skylight."

The Antoinette Perry Award for Excellence in Theatre, more commonly known informally as the Tony Award, recognizes achievement in live Broadway theatre.

The awards are presented by the American Theatre Wing and The Broadway League at an annual ceremony in New York City.

The awards are given for Broadway productions and performances, and an award is given for regional theater.

The nominations were announced Tuesday in a televised event co-hosted by Mary-Louise Parker and Bruce Willis. The Awards will be handed out on June 7 and this year's hosts will be Alan Cumming and Kristin Chenoweth. Endi