The Pulitzer Prize-winning play ‘Fat Ham’ by Villanova University theater professor James iJames has now earned a Tony Award nomination, Writes Alicia Vitarelli for 6abc.

iJames, who is also co-artistic director for the Wilma Theater, said he is “over the moon.”

“It’s just really lovely, and whirlwind. It feels like it’s been very fast, but I also feel like I’ve been like living with this play for a really long time.”

“Fat Ham” won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama last year. Its Tony nomination is for Best Play.

“Fat Ham” was a product of the pandemic, iJames’ comedic riff of Hamlet. 

It is set at a southern BBQ with a Black family and a queer-focused narrative.

The show debuted virtually at the Wilma Theater in 2021.  It had its first in-person production Off-Broadway in New York City in 2022.

It opened on Broadway March 21.

Ijames appreciates being able to test the play in front of Philadelphia audiences, whom he describes as one of his most discerning audiences.

“If you know it works in front of this local audience, then you know it can meet any audience,” Ijames says.

The 76th annual Tony Awards are on June 11.

Read more about “Fat Ham’s” Tony nomination at 6abc.