Hamilton breaks Tony Awards nominations record

Lin-Manuel Miranda on stage with the cast of Hamilton (Getty)
Lin-Manuel Miranda on stage with the cast of Hamilton (Getty)

Broadway hit Hamilton has scored a record 16 Tony Award nominations, solidifying its frontrunner position to win the top prize.

It's one more than the previous record, which was held by The Producers and Billy Elliot.

The Tony Awards recognise achievement in live theatre on Broadway.

Hamilton has sparked a ticket-buying frenzy in New York unlike anything seen in years. It's a hip-hop, R&B-inflected musical telling the story of US founding father Alexander Hamilton, who was killed in an 1804 duel with Vice-President Aaron Burr.

Creator Lin-Manuel Miranda recently joined US President Barack Obama for a rap at the White House. The Obamas are big fans of the musical.

"Hamilton has become a phenomenon, a smash-hit, taken Broadway by storm, captivating the entire country, winning tons of awards, turned musical haters into die-hard fans," Mr Obama said in March.

The other shows up for the best musical are Bright Star, School of Rock, Shuffle Along and Waitress.

The winner will be revealed at the 70th Tony Awards on June 12.

Newshub.