The History Boys transferred from London's West End

The 1920s musical The Drowsy Chaperone is leading the field with 13 nominations, followed by Oprah Winfrey's The Color Purple.

Other nominated shows include The Pajama Game and Sweeney Todd.

British actors in the running include Richard Griffiths for The History Boys and Ralph Fiennes for Faith Healer.

Lynn Redgrave and co-star Kate Burton have been nominated for best leading actress in a play for The Constant Wife, while Zoe Wanamaker and Frances de la Tour are also shortlisted.

Other actors in contention include Scot Ian McDiarmid, who found a new generation of fans in the latest Star Wars films, Cagney and Lacey actress Tyne Daly and British actor Jim Dale, best known for his Carry On movies and his role as the voice of the Harry Potter audio books in the US.

Stage hits

Other musicals with Tony hopes are Jersey Boys, about the life of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, and The Wedding Singer, based on the hit movie.

Kelli O'Hara and Harry Connick Jr are nominated for The Pajama Game

In the best revival of a musical category, The Pajama Game - featuring nominee Harry Connick Jr - competes against The Threepenny Opera and Sweeney Todd.

The History Boys is nominated for best play alongside The Lieutenant of Inishmore, Shining City and Rabbit Hole.

British director Nicholas Hytner has been nominated in the best play direction field for The History Boys, which started out at the National Theatre in London where he is artistic director.

The best revival of a play category features Awake and Sing!, starring Wanamaker, The Constant Wife, Faith Healer and Edward Albee's Seascape.

Sir Elton John's much-hyped but poorly reviewed vampire musical Lestat received two nominations - best featured actress for Carolee Carmello and best costume design.

And Julia Roberts's Broadway debut Three Days of Rain gained two nominations - although these were for the technical awards of lighting and scenery.