The rules are here:
https://www.tonyawards.com/en_US/about/rules.html
From 2(a)vi
"the production must invite, in a timely manner and free of charge, each of the eligible Tony voters, as well as the members (including those designated on an ex officio basis) and alternate designees of the Tony Awards Administration Committee, to attend a performance of the production. .... For this purpose, the producer must make available to eligible Tony voters at least eight “paid performances” of the production (i.e. previews, opening and/or regular performances in an eligible Broadway theatre)"
so they get to choose at least 8 performances with Andy to which they invite the voters.
The ... language talks about the timing:
"for performances occurring no later than the earlier of 16 weeks after the production officially opens or the day before the annual Tony Nominating Meeting"
Since nominations are announced on May the 2nd, the meeting must be before that (and after the 27th, which is the deadline). I presume that productions opening late (e.g., A Doll's House pt 2, which opens on the deadline) are using preview performances as part or all of the 8.
Updated On: 4/18/17 at 09:26 PM