Tag: Elizabeth Perkins

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Intermission Impossible Theater

Ostrander Nominees Announced

Michael Detroit, executive producer at Playhouse on the Square (Photo: Carla McDonald)

Nominees for the 40th Memphis Ostrander Awards were announced Sunday setting the stage for the annual gala honoring excellence in local theatrical productions. The event will happen Monday, August 26th, at the Orpheum.

In making the announcement, Ostranders executive director Elizabeth Perkins said, “The goal of the Ostrander Awards is to create an unforgettable evening that both applauds this vibrant cornerstone of our arts community and allows theater lovers and newcomers alike equitable access to the best of the best of local theater at all levels.”

Awards are given in a range of categories including acting, directing, and backstage contributions in the college, community, and professional divisions. The awards ceremony includes live performances of musical numbers from eight nominees for Outstanding Overall Production. 

It was previously announced that Michael Detroit, executive producer of Playhouse on the Square, would receive the Eugart Yerian Lifetime Achievement Award. Read the Memphis Flyer story here.

Tickets go on sale August 1st and are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. The show begins at 6:30 p.m. For more information or ticket info, go here.

Ruby O’Gray, recipient of the Eugart Yerian Award at the 2023 Ostranders (Photo: Jon W. Sparks)

2024 OSTRANDER AWARD NOMINEES

Props Design, Div II

  • Clare Kelly, Into the Woods, University of Memphis
  • Jane Parks, Out in the Woods: FOG Fairy Tales, Friends of George’s
  • Mary Thomas Hattier, 9 to 5, Harrell Theatre
  • Molly O’Connor, Amelie, Rhodes Theatre Guild
  • Til Death, Three Diamonds Productions

Props Design, Div I Play          

  • Iza Bateman, The Hot Wing King, Circuit Playhouse
  • Iza Bateman, The Lehman Trilogy, Circuit Playhouse
  • Iza Bateman, Fat Ham, Circuit Playhouse
  • Jack Netzel-Yates, Blithe Spirit, Theatre Memphis
  • Jack Netzel-Yates, Steel Magnolias, Theatre Memphis

Props Design, Div I Musical                    

  • Iza Bateman, Catch Me If You Can, Playhouse on the Square
  • Jack Netzel-Yates, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, Theatre Memphis
  • Jack Netzel-Yates, Cinderella, Theatre Memphis
  • Jack Netzel-Yates, Sister Act, Theatre Memphis
  • The Color Purple, Hattiloo Theatre

Scenic Design, Div II                   

  • Abbie Seale, Amelie, Rhodes Theatre Guild
  • Chris Luter & Richard Logston, 9 to 5, Harrell Theatre
  • Clare Kelly, Into the Woods, University of Memphis
  • Sandy Kozik, Out in the Woods: FOG Fairy Tales, Friends of George’s
  • The Wasp, Quark Theatre

Scenic Design, Div I Play         

  • Andrew Mannion, The Hot Wing King, Circuit Playhouse
  • J. David Galloway, The Lehman Trilogy, Circuit Playhouse
  • Jack Netzel-Yates, Silent Sky, Next Stage, Theatre Memphis
  • Jack Netzel-Yates, Steel Magnolias, Theatre Memphis
  • Jack Netzel-Yates, The Crucible, Next Stage, Theatre Memphis

Scenic Design, Div I Musical                   

  • Jack Netzel-Yates, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, Theatre Memphis
  • Jack Netzel-Yates, Cinderella, Theatre Memphis
  • Jack Netzel-Yates, Sister Act, Theatre Memphis
  • Melanie Mulder, The Color Purple, Hattiloo Theatre
  • Tim McMath, Your Arms Too Short to Box With God, Playhouse on the Square

Lighting Design, Div II              

  • Becky Caspersen, 9 to 5, Harrell Theatre
  • Chris Hanian, Into the Woods, University of Memphis
  • Joshua Williams, Silent Sky, University of Memphis
  • Melissa Andrews, Amelie, Rhodes Theatre Guild
  • Olivia Johnson, Out in the Woods: FOG Fairy Tales, Friends of George’s

Lighting Design, Div I Play    

  • Jeremy Fisher, A Monster Calls, New Moon
  • Megan Christoferson, The Hot Wing King, Circuit Playhouse
  • Nicole Northington, Silent Sky, Next Stage, Theatre Memphis
  • Nicole Northington, The Crucible, Next Stage, Theatre Memphis
  • Rachel Lauren, The Lehman Trilogy, Circuit Playhouse

Lighting Design, Div I Musical              

  • Fallon Williams, The Color Purple, Hattiloo Theatre
  • Nicole Northington, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, Theatre Memphis
  • Nicole Northington, Cinderella, Theatre Memphis
  • Nicole Northington, Sister Act, Theatre Memphis
  • Terry Eikleberry, Your Arms Too Short to Box With God, Playhouse on the Square

Sound Design, Div II                   

  • Rowan Sullivan, Into the Woods, University of Memphis
  • Ty Phillips, Drag Boat, Friends of George’s
  • Ty Phillips, Out in the Woods: FOG Fairy Tales, Friends of George’s
  • Walker Higgins, 9 to 5, Harrell Theatre
  • The Wasp, Quark Theatre

Sound Design, Div I Play         

  • Jason Eschhofen, The Crucible, Next Stage, Theatre Memphis
  • Jason Eschhofen and Jenny Giering, Silent Sky, Next Stage, Theatre Memphis
  • Joe Johnson, A Monster Calls, New Moon Theatre
  • Josh Crawford, The Lehman Trilogy, Circuit Playhouse
  • Marques W. Brown, Matthew “MB” Russell & Dylan Wheeler, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, Germantown Community Theatre

Sound Design, Div I Musical                   

  • Cydnie Trice, The Color Purple, Hattiloo Theatre
  • Gene Elliott, Reefer Madness, New Moon Theatre
  • Jason Eschhofen, Cinderella, Theatre Memphis
  • Joshua Crawford, Your Arms Too Short to Box With God, Playhouse on the Square
  • Reyn Lehman, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, Theatre Memphis

Hair/Wig/Makeup Design, Div II      

  • Blake Galtelli-Meek, Into the Woods, University of Memphis
  • Eula Ashbee, 9 to 5, Harrell Theatre
  • Friends of George’s, Out in the Woods: FOG Fairy Tales, Friends of George’s
  • Friends of George’s, Drag Boat, Friends of George’s
  • The Wasp, Quark Theatre

Hair, Wig, & Makeup Design, Div I Play         

  • Barbara Sanders, Blithe Spirit, Theatre Memphis
  • Buddy Hart, Steel Magnolias, Theatre Memphis
  • Kaylyn Nichols, Dracula: The Bloody Truth, Germantown Community Theatre
  • Silent Sky, Next Stage, Theatre Memphis
  • The Crucible, Next Stage, Theatre Memphis

Hair, Wig, & Makeup Design, Div I Musical                   

  • Buddy Hart, Cinderella, Theatre Memphis
  • Ellen Ring & Rence Phillips, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, Theatre Memphis
  • Blues in the Night, Hattiloo Theatre
  • The Color Purple, Hattiloo Theatre

Costume Design, Div II             

  • Eula Ashbee, 9 to 5, Harrell Theatre
  • Friends of George’s, Out in the Woods: FOG Fairy Tales, Friends of George’s
  • Friends of George’s, Drag Boat, Friends of George’s
  • Randall Newman Jones, Into the Woods, University of Memphis
  • The Wasp, Quark Theatre

Costume Design, Div I Play   

  • Allison White, Blithe Spirit, Theatre Memphis
  • Amie Eoff, Silent Sky, Next Stage, Theatre Memphis
  • Amie Eoff, The Crucible, Next Stage, Theatre Memphis
  • Ashley Whitten Kopera, The Squirrels, New Moon Theatre
  • Marsena Sellers, Father Comes Home From the Wars, Hattiloo Theatre

Costume Design, Div I Musical             

  • Amie Eoff, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, Theatre Memphis
  • Amie Eoff, Cinderella, Theatre Memphis
  • J. Faye Manselle, Your Arms Too Short to Box With God, Playhouse on the Square
  • Marsena Sellers, Blues in the Night, Hattiloo Theatre
  • Marsena Sellers, The Color Purple, Hattiloo Theatre

Music Direction, Div II              

  • Matthew Morrison, 9 to 5, Harrell Theatre
  • Nathan Thomas, Into the Woods, University of Memphis
  • Tamatha Holt, Amelie, Rhodes Theatre Guild

Music Direction, Div I Play    

  • Ashley K. Davis, Father Comes Home from the Wars, Hattiloo Theatre
  • Ashley K. Davis, Take the Soul Train to Christmas, Hattiloo Theatre
  • Gary Beard, Master Class, Next Stage, Theatre Memphis

Music Direction, Div I Musical             

  • Ashley Davis, Blues in the Night, Hattiloo Theatre
  • Jason Eschhofen, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, Theatre Memphis
  • Jeffery Brewer, Cinderella, Theatre Memphis
  • Tamatha Holt, The Color Purple, Hattiloo Theatre
  • Tammy Holt, Your Arms Too Short to Box With God, Playhouse on the Square

Choreography, Div II                  

  • Austin Wall, Into the Woods, University of Memphis
  • Joy Fairfield, Amelie, Rhodes Theatre Guild
  • Kathy Thiele, 9 to 5, Harrell Theatre
  • Kathy Thiele, Elf: The Musical, Harrell Theatre

Choreography, Div I Play       

  • Hunter Steel and Austin Wall, Dracula: The Bloody Truth, Germantown Community Theatre
  • Max Robinson, The Crucible, Next Stage, Theatre Memphis
  • Terran Gary, Take the Soul Train to Christmas, Hattiloo Theatre
  • Whitney Branan and Courtney Oliver, A Monster Calls, New Moon Theatre

Choreography, Div I Musical                 

  • Christi Gray Hall, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, Theatre Memphis
  • Courtney Oliver, Sister Act, Theatre Memphis
  • Emma Crystal and Noelia Warnette-Jones, Your Arms Too Short to Box With God, Playhouse on the Square
  • Patdro Harris, The Color Purple, Hattiloo Theatre
  • Travis Bradley and Jordan Nichols, Cinderella, Theatre Memphis

Featured Performer, Div II  Play        

  • Cary Vaughn, The Western Park Album, Emerald Theatre Company
  • Dabrell Thompson, Til Death, Three Diamonds Productions
  • Hal Harmon, 6th Annual I0 Minute Play Festival, Emerald Theatre Company
  • Jeffery Taylor, Things Lost in the Fire, True Believers Productions
  • Marisa Schultz, Fools, Rhodes Theatre Guild

Featured Performer, Div I Play           

  • Fatima L. Gray, A Raisin in the Sun, Theatre Memphis
  • Hiawartha Jackson, The Crucible, Next Stage, Theatre Memphis
  • Marianne Orendorff, Blithe Spirit, Theatre Memphis
  • Patrick Ashbee, A Raisin in the Sun, Theatre Memphis
  • Robrecus Parker, Father Comes Home From the Wars, Hattiloo Theatre

Featured Performer, Div II Musical                  

  • Allen Osoinach, Amelie, Rhodes Theatre Guild
  • Hayden Hooper, Elf: The Musical, Harrell Theatre
  • Holly Ferguson, Into the Woods, University of Memphis
  • Jasmine Gillenwaters, Erin McKee, and Madilyn Mobbs, Into the Woods, University of Memphis
  • Lesley Tooley, 9 to 5, Harrell Theatre

Featured Performer, Div I Musical                    

  • DuValle Henry, Jr., Cinderella, Theatre Memphis
  • Haley Wilson, Your Arms Too Short to Box With God, Playhouse on the Square
  • Justin Asher and Stephen Garrett, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, Theatre Memphis
  • Lorraine Cotten, Catch Me If You Can, Playhouse on the Square
  • Mac White, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, Theatre Memphis

Featured Dancer, Div I Musical           

  • CJ Hampton and Cade Forbes, Cinderella, Theatre Memphis
  • Karl Robinson, Your Arms Too Short to Box With God, Playhouse on the Square
  • Lydia Jones, Your Arms Too Short to Box With God, Playhouse on the Square
  • Zurick M. Thomas, Your Arms Too Short to Box With God, Playhouse on the Square

Supporting Actor, Div II Play                

  • Adrian Kinnard, A Stubborn Holiday, Actors Renaissance Theatre
  • Chad Rhodes Sr., JS Tate, and Prince Djae, Til Death, Three Diamonds Productions
  • Gerardo Rivillas, Drag Boat, Friends of George’s
  • Micah Winter-Cole aka “Goldie Dee Collins,” Out in the Woods: FOG Fairy Tales, Friends of George’s
  • Sydney Allure, Drag Boat, Friends of George’s

Supporting Actress, Div II Play           

  • Katy Cotten, Elektra, University of Memphis
  • Nichole Tate-Jackson, Baby Daddy Drama, Actors Renaissance Theatre
  • Sheryl Jones, Til Death, Three Diamonds Productions
  • Taylor Edwards, Silent Sky, University of Memphis
  • Trenia Lawson, Things Lost in the Fire, True Believers Productions

Supporting Actor, Div I Play                  

  • Charles Hunter, The Hot Wing King, Circuit Playhouse
  • Claiborne “CJ” Thomas Jr., The Hot Wing King, Circuit Playhouse
  • Eric Schultz, Silent Sky, Next Stage, Theatre Memphis
  • John Reynolds, A Monster Calls, New Moon Theatre
  • Marc Gill, The Hot Wing King, Circuit Playhouse

Supporting Actress, Div I Play                

  • Brooke Papritz, POTUS (Or, Behind Every Great Dumbass are Seven Women Trying to Keep Him Alive), Circuit Playhouse
  • Emily F. Chateau, Silent Sky, Next Stage, Theatre Memphis
  • Haley Wilson, POTUS (Or, Behind Every Great Dumbass are Seven Women Trying to Keep Him Alive), Circuit Playhouse
  • Kim Justis, Silent Sky, Next Stage, Theatre Memphis
  • Sally Stover, Steel Magnolias, Theatre Memphis

Supporting Actor, Div II Musical        

  • Aidan Saunders, Into the Woods, University of Memphis
  • Aidan Saunders, Twelfth Night: The Musical, Harrell Theatre
  • Javier Pena, Amelie, Rhodes Theatre Guild
  • Marvin Holt, Into the Woods, University of Memphis
  • Tim Brown, 9 to 5, Harrell Theatre

Supporting Actress, Div II Musical   

  • Ashleigh Williams, Elf: The Musical, Harrell Theatre
  • Cassie Thompson, Zanna, Don’t, Emerald Theatre Company
  • Kathryn Dressel, Amelie, Rhodes Theatre Guild
  • Marianne Orendorff, 9 to 5, Harrell Theatre
  • Tracy Thomas, Twelfth Night: The Musical, Harrell Theatre

Supporting Actor, Div I Musical          

  • Bentley Black, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, Theatre Memphis
  • Camden Douglas, Cinderella, Theatre Memphis
  • Jonathan Christian, The Prom, Playhouse on the Square
  • Kent Fleshman, Catch Me If You Can, Playhouse on the Square
  • Kinon Keplinger, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, Theatre Memphis

Supporting Actress, Div I Musical     

  • Emily F. Chateau, Cinderella, Theatre Memphis
  • Emily Garrett Cook, Legally Blonde, Germantown Community Theatre
  • Jaclyn Suffel, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, Theatre Memphis
  • Jaclyn Suffel, Cinderella, Theatre Memphis
  • Whitney Branan, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, Theatre Memphis

Leading Actor, Div II Play      

  • Clayton McKinney, Things Lost in the Fire, True Believers Productions
  • Joshua T. Horton, Til Death, Three Diamonds Productions
  • Nathan McHenry, Constellations, Quark Theatre
  • Taylor Roberts, The Sound Inside, Quark Theatre
  • Tramaine Morgan, Baby Daddy Drama, Actors Renaissance Theatre

Leading Actress, Div II Play                    

  • Ariel Ari Leira, Til Death, Three Diamonds Productions
  • Carly Crawford, Constellations, Quark Theatre
  • Kim Justis, The Sound Inside, Quark Theatre
  • Mary Hollis Inboden, The Wasp, Quark Theatre
  • Meghan L. Lewis, The Wasp, Quark Theatre

Leading Actor, Div I Play        

  • Emmanuel McKinney, A Raisin in the Sun, Hattiloo Theatre
  • Jari Latrell Head, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, Germantown Community Theatre
  • John Maness, Kevar Maffitt, and Michael Gravois, The Lehman Trilogy, Circuit Playhouse
  • J.S. Tate, Succession, Hattiloo Theatre
  • J.S. Tate, The Crucible, Next Stage, Theatre Memphis

Leading Actress, Div I Play    

  • Flo Roach, A Raisin in the Sun, Hattiloo Theatre
  • Jordan-Danyel Payne, Confederates, Hattiloo Theatre
  • Lindsey Roberts, Steel Magnolias, Theatre Memphis
  • Natalie Jones, Silent Sky, Next Stage, Theatre Memphis
  • Susan Brindley, Master Class, Next Stage, Theatre Memphis

Leading Actor, Div II Musical                

  • Anthony T. James, Zanna, Don’t, Emerald Theatre Company
  • Jacob Mohler, Elf: The Musical, Harrell Theatre
  • Kevin Lechner, Amelie, Rhodes Theatre Guild
  • Mara Rus, Into the Woods, University of Memphis
  • Steele Bowers, Murder Ballad, University of Memphis

Leading Actress, Div II Musical           

  • Abby Rooks, 9 to 5, Harrell Theatre
  • Ashleigh Williams, 9 to 5, Harrell Theatre
  • Axyl Langford, Murder Ballad, University of Memphis
  • Campbell Williams, 9 to 5, Harrell Theatre
  • Eliza Fleming, Amelie, Rhodes Theatre Guild

Leading Actor, Div I Musical                  

  • Aden Pettet, Cinderella, Theatre Memphis
  • Bentley Black, Catch Me If You Can, Playhouse on the Square
  • Jared Thomas Johnson, The Color Purple, Hattiloo Theatre
  • John Maness, Catch Me If You Can, Playhouse on the Square
  • Nathan McHenry, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, Theatre Memphis

Leading Actress, Div I Musical             

  • Cameron Crawford, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, Theatre Memphis
  • Jasmine Gillenwaters, Cinderella, Theatre Memphis
  • Mary Helen McCord, Legally Blonde, Germantown Community Theatre
  • Xea Goolsby, The Color Purple, Hattiloo Theatre
  • Zan Edwards, Blues in the Night, Hattiloo Theatre

Ensemble, Div II Play                 

  • Baby Daddy Drama, Actors Renaissance Theatre
  • Out in the Woods: FOG Fairy Tales, Friends of George’s
  • The Wasp, Quark Theatre
  • The Western Park Album, Emerald Theatre Company
  • Til Death, Three Diamonds Productions

Ensemble, Div I Play                   

  • A Monster Calls, New Moon Theatre
  • Dracula: The Bloody Truth, Germantown Community Theatre
  • Silent Sky, Next Stage, Theatre Memphis
  • Steel Magnolias, Theatre Memphis
  • The Hot Wing King, Circuit Playhouse

Ensemble, Div II Musical        

  • 9 to 5, Harrell Theatre
  • Amelie, Rhodes Theatre Guild
  • Elf: The Musical, Harrell Theatre
  • Into the Woods, University of Memphis
  • Murder Ballad, University of Memphis

Ensemble, Div I Musical          

  • Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, Theatre Memphis
  • Blues in the Night, Hattiloo Theatre
  • Cinderella, Theatre Memphis
  • The Color Purple, Hattiloo Theatre
  • Your Arms Too Short to Box With God, Playhouse on the Square

Original Script               

  • Baby Daddy Drama, Mary Ann Washington, Actors Renaissance Theatre
  • Everyone and Their Mother, Emily Draffen, Germantown Community Theatre
  • Out in the Woods, Friends of George’s, Friends of George’s
  • Things Lost in the Fire, Bishop Tony Lawson, True Believers Productions
  • Western Park Album, Howell Pearre, Emerald Theatre Company

Direction, Div II            

  • Aliza Moran, Amelie, Rhodes Theatre Guild
  • Chris Luter, 9 to 5, Harrell Theatre
  • Irene Crist, Out in the Woods: FOG Fairy Tales, Friends of George’s
  • Patrick Polsin, Into the Woods, University of Memphis
  • Tony Isbell, The Wasp, Quark Theatre

Direction, Div I Play                    

  • Aliza Moran, A Monster Calls, New Moon Theatre
  • Cecelia Wingate, Silent Sky, Next Stage, Theatre Memphis
  • John Maness, The Crucible, Next Stage, Theatre Memphis
  • Kell Christie, Master Class, Next Stage, Theatre Memphis
  • Warner Crocker, The Lehman Trilogy, Circuit Playhouse

Direction, Div I Musical           

  • Angel Clark, Blues in the Night, Hattiloo Theatre
  • Cecelia Wingate, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, Theatre Memphis
  • Claire D. Kolheim, Your Arms Too Short to Box With God, Playhouse on the Square
  • Patdro Harris, The Color Purple, Hattiloo Theatre
  • Travis Bradley and Jordan Nichols, Cinderella, Theatre Memphis

Production, Div II       

  • 9 to 5, Harrell Theatre; Director: Chris Luter; Stage Manager: Elizabeth Perkins
  • Amelie, Rhodes Theatre Guild; Director: Aliza Moran; Stage Manager: Teresa Lowry
  • Into the Woods, University of Memphis; Director: Patrick Polsin; Stage Manager: Olivia Mittag
  • Out in the Woods: FOG Fairy Tales, Friends of George’s; Director: Irene Crist; Stage Manager: J-Lavender
  • The Wasp, Quark Theatre; Director: Tony Isbell; Stage Manager: Leslie Lee

Production, Div I Play               

  • A Monster Calls, New Moon Theatre; Director: Aliza Moran; Stage Manager: Marya Paolillo
  • Master Class, Next Stage, Theatre Memphis; Director: Kell Christie; Stage Manager: Julia Truelove
  • Silent Sky, Next Stage, Theatre Memphis; Director: Cecelia Wingate; Stage Manager: Jennifer Townsend
  • The Crucible, Next Stage, Theatre Memphis; Director: John Maness; Stage Manager: Marya Paolillo
  • The Lehman Trilogy, Circuit Playhouse; Director: Warner Crocker; Stage Manager: Emma White

Production, Div I Musical       

  • Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, Theatre Memphis; Director: Cecelia Wingate; Stage Manager: Chelsea Robinson
  • Blues in the Night, Hattiloo Theatre; Director: Angel Clark; Stage Manager: Bronzjuan Worthy
  • Cinderella, Theatre Memphis; Director: Travis Bradley and Jordan Nichols; Stage Manager: Julia Truelove
  • The Color Purple, Hattiloo Theatre; Director: Patdro Harris; Stage Manager; Sherronda Johnson
  • Your Arms Too Short to Box With God, Playhouse on the Square; Director: Claire D. Kolheim; Stage Manager: Maria Scott
Categories
Intermission Impossible Theater

Ostranders are Back

Stephen Hancock (photo by Michael Gravois)

The Ostrander Awards are back.

After two years of pandemic mandated caution, the celebration of the local theater community is returning in person on August 28th at 6:30 p.m. at the Halloran Centre. 

The 38th Memphis theater awards will recognize and celebrate excellence in collegiate, community, and professional theater. 

The winners will be revealed at the event, but as always, the one prize announced early is the Eugart Yerian Lifetime Achievement Award, this year going to Stephen Hancock, a playwright, Ostrander-winning director, and longtime professor at the University of Memphis.

Because last year’s event was postponed, winners from 2021 will also be honored.  

Last year’s Eugart Yerian Award went to Andy Saunders. Others include the 2021 Janie McCrary Putting it Together Award, Michael Compton; the 2021 Otis Smith Legacy Dance Award, Whitney Branan; the Behind the Scenes Award, Lena Wallace Black; and the Larry Riley Rising Star Award, Donald Sutton and Abby Teel.

Tickets will be available at memphisostranders.com and will be limited to 350 guests. Tickets will be $15 in advance or $20 at the door.

Elizabeth Perkins, Ostrander director, said, “So many theatres had to postpone shows, rearrange seasons, or select different titles this year. It has been a difficult year, but also a year that has shown how supportive the theatre community is — we saw a season of actors filling in for others at the last minute all over the city.”

The nominees are:

Scenic Design for College

  • Brian Ruggaber, A Bright Room Called Day, University of Memphis
  • Brian Ruggaber, The Wolves, University of Memphis
  • Mollie West and Brian Ruggaber, R & J & Z, University of Memphis

Scenic Design for a Play

  • Jack Netzel-Yates, American Son, Next Stage, Theatre Memphis
  • Jack Netzel-Yates, Cicada, Next Stage, Theatre Memphis
  • Jack Netzel-Yates, The Secret Garden, Next Stage, Theatre Memphis
  • Jack Netzel-Yates, You Can’t Take It With You, Theatre Memphis
  • Justin Asher, The Foreigner, Harrell Theatre
  • Tim McMath, Torch Song, Circuit Playhouse

Scenic Design for a Musical

  • Chris Sterling & Andrew Chandler, Shockheaded Peter, New Moon Theatre
  • Jack Netzel-Yates, La Cage aux Folles, Theatre Memphis
  • Jack Netzel-Yates, Ragtime, Theatre Memphis
  • Jack Netzel-Yates, Urinetown, Theatre Memphis
  • Ryan Howell, Smokey Joe’s Cafe, Playhouse on the Square

Costume Design for College

  • Ali Flipovich, A Bright Room Called Day, University of Memphis
  • Hattie Fann, R & J & Z, University of Memphis
  • Heather Duzan, The Wolves, University of Memphis

Costume Design for a Play

  • Allison White, You Can’t Take It With You, Theatre Memphis
  • Ashley Selberg, The Secret Garden, Next Stage, Theatre Memphis
  • J. Faye Manselle, Mississippi Goddamn, Circuit Playhouse
  • Lindsay Schmeling, A Doll’s House, Parts 1 & 2, Circuit Playhouse
  • Lindsay Schmeling, Torch Song, Circuit Playhouse

Costume Design for a Musical

  • Amie Eoff, Hello, Dolly!, Theatre Memphis
  • Amie Eoff, La Cage aux Folles, Theatre Memphis
  • Amie Eoff, Ragtime, Theatre Memphis
  • Amie Eoff, Urinetown, Theatre Memphis
  • Lindsay Schmeling, Smokey Joe’s Cafe, Playhouse on the Square
  • Shockheaded Peter, New Moon Theatre

Hair/Wig/Makeup Design for a Play

  • The Secret Garden, Next Stage, Theatre Memphis
  • Torch Song, Circuit Playhouse
  • Buddy Hart and Rence Phillips, Our Town, Theatre Memphis
  • Mississippi Goddamn, Circuit Playhouse

Hair/Wig/Makeup Design for a Musical

  • Amie Eoff, Ragtime, Theatre Memphis
  • Amie Eoff, Urinetown, Theatre Memphis
  • Buddy Hart and Rence Phillips, Hello, Dolly!, Theatre Memphis
  • Buddy Hart and Rence Phillips, La Cage aux Folles, Theatre Memphis
  • Shockheaded Peter, New Moon Theatre

Props Design for a Play

  • Andrew Chandler, The Complete History of America, Abridged, Germantown Community Theatre
  • Jack Netzel-Yates, Cicada, Next Stage, Theatre Memphis
  • Jack Netzel-Yates, The Secret Garden, Next Stage, Theatre Memphis
  • Jack Netzel-Yates, You Can’t Take It With You, Theatre Memphis
  • Reiley Duffy, Torch Song, Circuit Playhouse

Props Design for a Musical

  • Bill Short & Andrew Chandler, Shockheaded Peter, New Moon Theatre
  • Jack Netzel-Yates, Hello, Dolly!, Theatre Memphis
  • Jack Netzel-Yates, La Cage aux Folles, Theatre Memphis
  • Jack Netzel-Yates, Ragtime, Theatre Memphis
  • Jack Netzel-Yates, Urinetown, Theatre Memphis

Lighting Design for College

  • Corinne Fann, A Bright Room Called Day, University of Memphis
  • Hayes Wolfe, Ordinary Days, University of Memphis
  • Jenni Propst, R & J & Z, University of Memphis

Lighting Design for a Play

  • Haley Northington, Torch Song, Circuit Playhouse
  • Mandy Kay Heath, American Son, Next Stage, Theatre Memphis
  • Mandy Kay Heath, Cicada, Next Stage, Theatre Memphis
  • Mandy Kay Heath, The Secret Garden, Next Stage, Theatre Memphis
  • Mandy Kay Heath, You Can’t Take It With You, Theatre Memphis

Lighting Design for a Musical

  • Justin Gibson, Smokey Joe’s Cafe, Playhouse on the Square
  • Mandy Kay Heath, La Cage aux Folles, Theatre Memphis
  • Mandy Kay Heath, Ragtime, Theatre Memphis
  • Mandy Kay Heath, Urinetown, Theatre Memphis
  • Melissa Andrews, Shockheaded Peter, New Moon Theatre

Sound Design for College

  • Andrew Boone, The Wolves, University of Memphis
  • Anna Johnson, R & J & Z,  University of Memphis
  • Micki McCormick, A Bright Room Called Day, University of Memphis

Sound Design for a Play

  • David Newsome, Cicada, Next Stage, Theatre Memphis
  • Jason Eschhofen, The Secret Garden, Next Stage, Theatre Memphis
  • Jason Eschhofen, Torch Song, Circuit Playhouse
  • Joe Johnson, American Son, Next Stage, Theatre Memphis
  • Marques Brown, Clue: Onstage, Germantown Community Theatre

Sound Design for a Musical

  • Eileen Kuo, Bright Star, Germantown Community Theatre
  • Gene Elliott, Shockheaded Peter, New Moon Theatre
  • Jason Eschhofen, Urinetown, Theatre Memphis
  • Nathan Greene, Ragtime, Theatre Memphis
  • Nathan Greene, La Cage aux Folles, Theatre Memphis

Music Direction for College

  • Angelo Rapan, Pippin, University of Memphis
  • Tracy Thomas, Ordinary Days, University of Memphis

Music Direction for a Musical

  • Gary Beard, La Cage aux Folles, Theatre Memphis
  • Jason Eschhofen, Smokey Joe’s Cafe, Playhouse on the Square
  • Jeff Brewer, Hello, Dolly!, Theatre Memphis
  • Jeff Brewer, Ragtime, Theatre Memphis
  • Tammy Holt, Urinetown, Theatre Memphis

Choreography for College

  • Michael Medcalf, The Wolves, University of Memphis
  • Sean Carter, R & J & Z, University of Memphis

Choreography for a Musical

  • Courtney Oliver, Urinetown, Theatre Memphis
  • Daniel Stuart Nelson, Smokey Joe’s Cafe, Playhouse on the Square
  • Kathy Thiele, The Addams Family, Harrell Theatre
  • Travis Bradley and Jordan Nichols, Ragtime, Theatre Memphis
  • Whitney Branan, La Cage aux Folles, Theatre Memphis
  • Whitney Branan, Shockheaded Peter, New Moon Theatre

Featured Performer in a College Production

  • One nominee

Featured Performer in a Play

  • Anne Marie Caskey, Cicada, Theatre Memphis
  • Eileen Peterson, The Secret Garden, Next Stage, Theatre Memphis
  • Hiawartha Jackson, Our Town, Theatre Memphis
  • Lance Raikes, Torch Song, Circuit Playhouse
  • Susan Brindley, You Can’t Take It With You, Theatre Memphis

Featured Performer in a Musical

  • Atam Woodruff, Ragtime, Theatre Memphis
  • Atam Woodruff, Urinetown, Theatre Memphis
  • Cassie Thompson, Ragtime, Theatre Memphis
  • Jimmie Hoxie, Bright Star, Germantown Community Theatre
  • John Brenton Strauss, Ragtime, Theatre Memphis
  • Susan Brindley, La Cage aux Folles, Theatre Memphis

Supporting Actor in a College Production 

  • Austin Wall, R & J & Z, University of Memphis
  • Jasper Lane Pippin, A Bright Room Called Day, University of Memphis
  • Lance Raikes, R & J & Z, University of Memphis
  • Oscar Garcia, Pippin, University of Memphis

Supporting Actor in a Play

  • Gregory Boller, The Lifespan of a Fact, Circuit Playhouse
  • Marcus Cox, American Son, Next Stage, Theatre Memphis
  • Mark Pergolizzi, A Doll’s House, Part 1, Circuit Playhouse
  • Steve Swift, Cicada, Theatre Memphis
  • Tony Isbell, Outside Mullingar, Germantown Community Theatre

Supporting Actor in a Musical

  • JD Willis, Ragtime, Theatre Memphis
  • JD Willis, La Cage aux Folles, Theatre Memphis
  • Kevar Maffitt, Ragtime, Theatre Memphis
  • Marcus King, Porgy and Bess, Hattiloo Theatre
  • Mateo Rueda Calvo, La Cage aux Folles, Theatre Memphis

Supporting Actress in a College Production

  • Ali Milan, The Wolves, The University of Memphis
  • Axum Langford, A Bright Room Called Day, The University of Memphis
  • Camille Long, R & J & Z, The University of Memphis
  • Jada Farmer, The Wolves, The University of Memphis

Supporting Actress in a Play

  • Ann Marie Hall, Torch Song, Circuit Playhouse
  • Ann Marie Hall, The Lifespan of a Fact, Circuit Playhouse
  • Cecelia Wingate, Cicada, Theatre Memphis
  • Daneka Norfleet, Mississippi Goddamn, Circuit Playhouse
  • Patsy Detroit, A Doll’s House, Part 2, Circuit Playhouse

Supporting Actress in a Musical

  • Cassie Thompson, Urinetown, Theatre Memphis
  • Carly Crawford, Urinetown, Theatre Memphis
  • Dawn Bradley, Ragtime, Theatre Memphis
  • Emily Garrett, Bright Star, Germantown Community Theatre
  • Tracy Thomas, Ragtime, Theatre Memphis

Ensemble in a College Production

  • Ordinary Days, The University of Memphis
  • Pippin, The University of Memphis
  • The Wolves, The University of Memphis

Ensemble in a Play

  • American Son, Next Stage, Theatre Memphis
  • Cicada, Next Stage, Theatre Memphis
  • Mississippi Goddamn, Circuit Playhouse
  • The Complete History of America, Abridged, Germantown Community Theatre
  • Torch Song, Circuit Playhouse

Ensemble in a Musical

  • Porgy & Bess, Hattiloo Theatre
  • Ragtime, Theatre Memphis
  • Shockheaded Peter, New Moon Theatre
  • Smokey Joe’s Cafe, Playhouse on the Square
  • Urinetown, Theatre Memphis

Leading Actor in a College Production

  • Lance Raikes, Pippin, The University of Memphis
  • Will Draper, R & J & Z, The University of Memphis

Leading Actor in a Play

  • Emmanuel McKinney, The Mountaintop, Hattiloo Theatre
  • JS Tate, Mississippi Goddamn, Circuit Playhouse
  • Kevar Maffitt, Torch Song, Circuit Playhouse
  • Kinon Keplinger, American Son, Theatre Memphis
  • Luke Conner, Cicada, Theatre Memphis

Leading Actor in a Musical

  • Andrew Chandler, Shockheaded Peter, New Moon Theatre
  • Bruce Huffman, Urinetown, Theatre Memphis
  • John Maness, Ragtime, Theatre Memphis
  • Jonathan Christian, La Cage aux Folles, Theatre Memphis
  • Justin Allen Tate, Ragtime, Theatre Memphis
  • Randall Hartzog, La Cage aux Folles, Theatre Memphis
  • Ryan Scott, Shockheaded Peter, New Moon Theatre

Leading Actress in a College Production

  • Aly Milan, R & J & Z, The University of Memphis
  • Raina Williams, A Bright Room Called Day, The University of Memphis

Leading Actress in a Play

  • Alice Rainey Berry, Cicada, Next Stage, Theatre Memphis
  • Anne Marie Caskey, The Goodbye Levee, POTS@TheWorks
  • Eileen Peterson, A Doll’s House, Parts 1 & 2, Circuit Playhouse
  • Jessica “Jai” Johnson, American Son, Next Stage, Theatre Memphis
  • Jessica “Jai” Johnson, Mississippi Goddamn, Circuit Playhouse

Leading Actress in a Musical

  • Caroline Simpson, Urinetown, Theatre Memphis
  • Debbie Litch, Hello, Dolly!, Theatre Memphis
  • Deborah Manning Thomas, Marie & Rosetta, Hattiloo Theatre
  • Emily Draffen, Bright Star, Germantown Community Theatre
  • Haley Wilson, A Closer Walk With Patsy Cline, Playhouse on the Square
  • Jazmin Snowden, Porgy and Bess, Hattiloo Theatre
  • Lauren Duckworth, Ragtime, Theatre Memphis

Best Original Script

  • Ivanka vs. Reality, Theatreworks@ the Square
  • May We All, Playhouse on the Square
  • The Goodbye Levee, Theatreworks@ the Square
  • The Secret Garden, Next Stage, Theatre Memphis
  • Tumbling Down, Hattiloo

Direction of a College Production

  • Holly Derr, The Wolves, University of Memphis
  • Jamie Warrow, A Bright Room Called Day, University of Memphis
  • Thomas “TeKay” King, Ordinary Days, University of Memphis

Direction of a Play

  • Dave Landis, Torch Song, Circuit Playhouse
  • Jared Thomas Johnson, American Son,  Next Stage, Theatre Memphis
  • Jason Spitzer, The Secret Garden, Theatre Memphis
  • Jerre Dye, Cicada, Theatre Memphis
  • Lawrence Blackwell, Mississippi Goddamn, Circuit Playhouse

Direction of a Musical

  • Ann Marie Hall, Urinetown, Theatre Memphis
  • Cecelia Wingate, La Cage aux Folles, Theatre Memphis
  • Daniel Stuart Nelson, Smokey Joe’s Cafe, Playhouse on the Square
  • Kevin Cochran, Shockheaded Peter, New Moon Theatre
  • Travis Bradley and Jordan Nichols, Ragtime, Theatre Memphis

Best College Production

  • A Bright Room Called Day, University of Memphis
  • R & J & Z, University of Memphis
  • The Wolves, University of Memphis

Best Production of a Play

  • American Son, Next Stage, Theatre Memphis
  • Cicada, Theatre Memphis
  • Mississippi Goddamn, Circuit Playhouse
  • The Secret Garden, Theatre Memphis
  • Torch Song, Circuit Playhouse

Best Production of a Musical

  • La Cage aux Folles, Theatre Memphis
  • Ragtime, Theatre Memphis
  • Smokey Joe’s Cafe, Playhouse on the Square
  • Shockheaded Peter, New Moon Theatre
  • Urinetown, Theatre Memphis
Categories
Intermission Impossible Theater

The Show Will be Delayed: Ostranders on Hold

It was a tough call in a time when so many are making tough calls.

But the Ostranders — that annual celebration of Memphis theater — has been postponed. It had been scheduled for this coming Sunday but, thanks to a resurgent Covid pandemic, could be set back to October.

“We really, really debated going ahead with it, but we weren’t sure if anybody would want to come,” said Elizabeth Perkins, the event’s program coordinator. “And the whole point this year, since we had not judged any shows last year, was really to see each other and reconnect, and then honor Andy Saunders as our lifetime achievement. And if we couldn’t do that, then what was the point of doing it right now?”

Perkins is hoping to do it in October, but that all depends on availability of a venue and if the pandemic numbers have improved. The Ostranders have long been at the Orpheum, but depending on the situation, they may go for an outdoor location or a smaller celebration.

Whenever and wherever it happens, Saunders, as was announced last month, will be given the 2021 Eugart Yerian Award for Lifetime Achievement, an annual honor for a notable contributor to local theater.

In a typical year, awards are given in numerous categories along with special awards. Since there were far fewer productions in the last year, Perkins said there wouldn’t be the usual voting by judges for best actors or best screenplays or best sound or best design or any of the usual competitive categories.

“The idea was going to be it was a party with no judgment,” Perkins said. “So we had no judgment last year. And if you wanted to wear a ball gown, there would be no judgment. If you wanted to wear your pajamas, no judgment.”

She said that Jason Eschhofen, the resident sound designer at Playhouse on the Square, is putting together production numbers. And the special awards will be given. But Perkins is really hoping to be able to say, “We’re kicking off this next season of theater and Memphis and life is normal and won’t it be so great to go back to the theater!” But, as she ruefully admits, “Of course we can’t say that.”

The Ostranders ceremonies are sponsored by Memphis magazine, ArtsMemphis, and the Orpheum.

Categories
Intermission Impossible Theater

The Envelope Please: The Ostranders Must Go On

CREDIT: Jon W. Sparks

Carla McDonald

Crystal Brothers and Travis Bradley in the musical Cats at Theatre Memphis last year. Brothers won an Ostrander on Sunday for best featured performer and Bradley won along with Jordan Nichols for best choreography in a musical.


The annual celebration of Memphis theater was Indecent several times, had lots of Cats, savored Jelly’s Last Jam, and though it had no direct Shakespeare, it made much ado over the Book of Will.

The 37th Ostrander Awards Sunday evening was like no other. That’s not hype, it’s just fact, thanks to 2020 being, well, 2020. The annual event was virtual, with attendees watching on Facebook or YouTube. Theater people were not crowding into the Orpheum Sunday evening, not thrilling to one energetic musical production number after another, not casting admiring/envious glances at gasp-worthy fashions and not participating in multiple toasts. Presumably some of that went on anyway, but with much diminished clusters and, one prays, appropriate social distancing.

Furthermore, there was not the usual quantity of productions to judge since the coronovirus shut down all stages mid-March, truncating seasons everywhere that would usually have run into the summer.

But the shows that did go on gave much to applaud, and the Ostrander Award judges gave particular love to Cats from Theatre Memphis (TM) with six awards, Indecent from Circuit Playhouse (CP) with five, and Jelly’s Last Jam from Hattiloo with four. Playhouse on the Square (POTS) earned three each for Book of Will and the musical Memphis.

Also winning were TM’s Next Stage (Next) with two awards for A Few Good Men, Germantown Community Theatre’s (GCT) double for Next to Normal, Hattiloo’s two for Eclipse, and single awards for Mamma Mia! at TM and On Golden Pond at POTS.

In the Collegiate Division, seven awards went to Hissifit at the McCoy Theatre at Rhodes College (Rhodes), four plaques to Inherit the Wind at the University of Memphis (U of M), and four awards to Raisin in the Sun at Southwest Tennessee Community College (SWTCC).

Jon W. Sparks

Dennis Whitehead Darling won for best direction the second year in a row.

Dennis Whitehead Darling won the Ostrander for direction of a musical for 2019’s Jelly’s Last Jam, his third directing honor in two years. This time last year, he picked up two awards for directing, one in the community division, one in collegiate. 

Winning for best direction of a drama was Dave Landis for helming Indecent. Supplementing that was a special award given this year for Seamless Integration of Direction, Choreography, and Music Direction. That went to the trio of Dave Landis, Daniel Stuart Nelson, and Tammy Holt for Indecent at Circuit Playhouse. 

Ann Marie Hall, winner of the 2020 Eugart Yerian Lifetime Achievement Award

Ann Marie Hall was this year’s recipient of the Eugart Yerian Lifetime Achievement Award. Hall got her start in theater in grade school when she was a frequent visitor to the principal’s office for talking too much and doing impressions from TV shows. The solution came when she got into a play in the eighth grade. “I realized I could be really silly and people would laugh at me and I wouldn’t get in trouble,” she recently told Memphis magazine. Her devotion to the stage never stopped after that and she’s become, in her words, “the consummate community actor.”

Sunday’s event, despite being forced to be virtual, was pulled off with considerable energy as Elizabeth Perkins, Ostranders program director, determined several weeks ago that the show would go on, pandemic or no. Up until the end of June, the hope was to have it old style at the Orpheum, but when it became evident that was a no-go, it was decided to have it online and celebrate the truncated season with virtual gusto.


Here are the winners of the 2020 Ostrander Awards:

COMMUNITY DIVISION

  • Excellence in Set Design for a Drama: Tim McMath, On Golden Pond, POTS
  • Excellence in Set Design for a Musical: Jack Yates, Cats, TM
  • Excellence in Costume Design for a Drama: Lindsay Schmeling, Indecent, CP
  • Excellence in Costume Design for a Musical: Amie Eoff and André Bruce Ward, Cats, TM
  • Excellence in Hair, Wig, and Makeup Design for a Musical: Karen Reeves and Brooklyn Reeves, Cats, TM
  • Excellence in Props Design for a Drama: Eli Grant, Book of Will, POTS
  • Excellence in Props Design for a Musical: Eli Grant, Memphis, POTS
  • Excellence in Sound Design for a Drama: Carter McHann, Indecent, CP
  • Excellence in Sound Design for a Musical: Carter McHann, Memphis, POTS
  • Excellence in Lighting Design for a Drama: Mandy Kay Heath, A Few Good Men, Next
  • Excellence in Lighting Design for a Musical: Mandy Kay Heath, Mamma Mia!, TM
  • Excellence in Music Direction: Tammy Holt, Jelly’s Last Jam, Hattiloo
  • Excellence in Choreography for a Musical: Travis Bradley and Jordan Nichols, Cats, TM
  • Best Supporting Actress in a Drama: Raven Martin, Eclipsed, Hattiloo
  • Best Supporting Actress in a Musical: Katy Cotten, Next to Normal, GCT
  • Best Leading Actress in a Drama: Donita Johnson, Eclipsed, Hattiloo
  • Best Leading Actress in a Musical: Dawn Bradley, Memphis, POTS
  • Best Supporting Actor in a Drama: John Maness, Book of Will, POTS
  • Best Supporting Actor in a Musical: Willis Green, Jelly’s Last Jam, Hattiloo
  • Best Leading Actor in a Drama: Stephen Garrett, A Few Good Men, Next
  • Best Leading Actor in a Musical: Johann Robert Wood, Jelly’s Last Jam, Hattiloo
  • Best Featured Performer: Crystal Brothers, Cats, TM
  • Best Ensemble in a Drama: Indecent, CP
  • Best Ensemble in a Musical: Next to Normal, GCT
  • Best Production of a Drama: Book of Will, POTS
  • Best Production of a Musical: Cats, TM
  • Excellence in Direction of a Drama: Dave Landis, Indecent, CP
  • Excellence in Direction of a Musical: Dennis Whitehead Darling, Jelly’s Last Jam, Hattiloo
  • Best Original Script: When We Get Good Again, POTS@TheWorks
  • Special Award — Seamless Integration of Direction, Choreography, and Music Direction: Dave Landis, Daniel Stuart Nelson, and Tammy Holt, Indecent, CP
  • Best Original Script: When We Get Good Again, POTS@TheWorks
  • Otis Smith Legacy Dance Award: Jared Johnson
  • Larry Riley Rising Star Award: Jason Eschhofen
  • Behind the Scenes Award: Christina Hendricks
  • Eugart Yerian Lifetime Achievement Award: Ann Marie Hall


COLLEGIATE DIVISION

  • Excellence in Set Design: Brian Ruggaber, Inherit the Wind, U of M
  • Excellence in Costume Design: Bruce Bui, Hissifit, Rhodes
  • Excellence in Hair, Wig, and Makeup Design: Juliet Mace, Hissifit, Rhodes
  • Excellence in Sound Design: John Phillians, Inherit the Wind, U of M
  • Excellence in Lighting Design: Jameson Gresens, Inherit the Wind, U of M
  • Excellence in Music Direction: Eileen Kuo, Hissifit, Rhodes
  • Best Supporting Actress: Raina Williams, Hissifit, Rhodes
  • Best Leading Actress: Mary Ann Washington, A Raisin in the Sun, SWTCC
  • Best Supporting Actor: Joshua Payne, A Raisin in the Sun, SWTCC
  • Best Leading Actor: Toby Davis, Inherit the Wind, U of M
  • Best Featured Performer: Syndei Sutton, A Raisin in the Sun, SWTCC
  • Best Ensemble in a Musical: Hissifit, Rhodes
  • Best Ensemble in a Drama: A Raisin in the Sun, SWTCC
  • Best Production: Hissifit, Rhodes
  • Excellence in Direction: Joy Brooke Fairfield, Hissifit, Rhodes