Lighting designer Robert Wierzel, nominated for a Tony Award for his outstanding lighting of the hit musical, FELA!—directed and choreographed by Bill T. Jones—provides some thoughts on how it feels to garner his first Tony nomination:

1. It does feel good to know your peers appreciate your work. Very humbling.

2. I have learned from Bill T. Jones that a great emotional response requires a great intellectual response.

3. It feels good to know that years of hard work can pay off.

4. If feels good to be part of something bigger than yourself.

5. It feels good to know even the smallest gestures can have a profound impact on others.

6. It was a gift having the time to develop a show like this- including the financial support from our producers who believed in, had faith in, the piece and the collaborative team.

7. Most importantly, it feels good to have so many friends, family, colleagues, people I have know in my professional life, grace me with such love and support. This honor I share with my associate Paul Hackenmueller, my assistant G. Ben Swope, our programmer Tim Rogers, and our production electricians Todd Aiuto and Bob Hale. Without their dedication and professionalism my work and this nomination would not have been possible. That is the best thing.

At Sardi's on May 27, Wierzel speaks on his designs for FELA! and on a collaboration panel also including set/costume designer Marina Draghici, and writer (book and additional lyrics) Jim Lewis.

Those interested in attending should call Kim Romano at +1-203-358-4257 to reserve a ticket.

The lighting for FELA! won a Tony nomination for Robert Wierzel