Tag: Ostranders

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Intermission Impossible Theater

We Were There: Ostrander Awards

Lindsay Roberts, Brent Davis, and some photobombing reporter from the Memphis Flyer. (Photo by Brent Davis).

Don’t tell a performer to not perform. Silence the singer, still the dancer, hide the actor, shut down the crew — but sooner or later they’ll be back on stage putting heart and soul into it. The Covid-19 pandemic was successful for a while, lousing up plans and performances, but it would not last. 

The local theater community put up with what had to be done, closing doors and keeping stages quiet for as long as it took, but after two years of being shut down, Memphis performers got back into it with even more enthusiasm than before.

It was seen as clearly as it could possibly have been at Sunday night’s Ostrander Awards ceremony that celebrated the people and productions in collegiate, community, and professional theaters. 

“Planning for the 38th Ostranders was almost surreal,” said Elizabeth Perkins, director of the usually annual event. “It had been so long since we had been together. I can’t believe it finally happened after three years! The night was full of laughter, tears, hugs, and, most importantly, love for everyone in our community. Being backstage as the award winners and performers exit is the best seat in the entire venue. I get to see the smiles on their faces after they get to do what they love doing the most and I get to be a small part of making that happen.”

The gathering seemed to agree, whether they took home a plaque or not (see the winners here). As one might expect, attendees were dressed to the nines. Here are some of those who came to celebrate. (Photos by Jon Sparks).

Curtis C. Jackson, Courtney Oliver, Ann Marie Hall
Elizabeth Perkins, director of the Ostranders.
Ashley Whitten Kopera and Jaclyn Suffel
Emily Draffen and Stephen Garrett
Mary Buchignani and John Hemphill
Performance at the Ostranders Sunday night
Billy Pullen
Jimmy Hoxie
Categories
Intermission Impossible Theater

Ostrander Awards are Back

Stephen Hancock (Credit: Michael Gravois)

The 2022 Ostrander Awards are back.

The celebration of live theater in Memphis was put off for two years (thanks, pandemic) but returned to the stage Sunday night with awards in dozens of categories and much conviviality at the Halloran Centre. 

The 38th Memphis theater awards recognized excellence in collegiate, community, and professional theater. 

Winning 11 awards was the musical Urinetown staged at Theatre Memphis. And it was a very good evening overall for Theatre Memphis, which took 28 of the 32 awards in the Community and Professional category.

There were 14 college division awards, all going to the University of Memphis. In past years, Rhodes College was a frequent winner, but in 2021 the school decided to phase out its theater major, effectively taking it out of Ostrander consideration.

The Eugart Yerian Lifetime Achievement Award was given 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 were also 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.

Andy Saunders (Credit: Alan Howell).

Ann Marie Hall, winner of the Eugart Yerian Lifetime Achievement Award in 2020, won an Ostrander Sunday evening for direction of a musical (Urinetown). She was as delighted as anyone to be back with a cheery crowd of theater people. “It’s been remarked many times that this is a community,” she said. “It’s wonderful how they share going to different shows in different places.”

Here’s the list:

Community and Professional Division

Excellence in Scenic Design for a Play: Jack Netzel-Yates, The Secret Garden, Next Stage, Theatre Memphis

Excellence in Scenic Design for a Musical: Jack Netzel-Yates, Urinetown, Theatre Memphis

Costume Design for a Play: Ashley Selberg, The Secret Garden, Next Stage, Theatre Memphis

Costume Design for a Musical: Amie Eoff, Ragtime, Theatre Memphis

Hair/Wig/Makeup Design for a Play: Ashley Selberg, The Secret Garden, Next Stage, Theatre Memphis

Hair/Wig/Makeup Design for a Musical: Amie Eoff, Urinetown, Theatre Memphis

Props Design for a Play: Jack Netzel-Yates, You Can’t Take It With You, Theatre Memphis

Props Design for a Musical: Jack Netzel-Yates, Urinetown, Theatre Memphis

Special Award: Aliza Moran & Julia Hinson, Puppetry, Shockheaded Peter, New Moon Theatre

Lighting Design for a Play: Mandy Kay Heath, American Son, Next Stage, Theatre Memphis

Lighting Design for a Musical: Mandy Kay Heath, Urinetown, Theatre Memphis

Sound Design for a Play: David Newsome, Cicada, Next Stage, Theatre Memphis

Sound Design for a Musical: Jason Eschhofen, Urinetown, Theatre Memphis

Music Direction for a Musical: Jeff Brewer, Ragtime, Theatre Memphis

Choreography for a Musical: Daniel Stuart Nelson, Smokey Joe’s Cafe, Playhouse on the Square

Featured Performer in a Play: Susan Brindley, You Can’t Take It With You, Theatre Memphis

Featured Performer in a Musical: Atam Woodruff, Urinetown, Theatre Memphis

Supporting Actor in a Play: Marcus Cox, American Son, Next Stage, Theatre Memphis

Supporting Actor in a Musical: JD Willis, Ragtime, Theatre Memphis

Supporting Actress in a Play: Cecelia Wingate, Cicada, Next Stage, Theatre Memphis

Supporting Actress in a Musical: Cassie Thompson, Urinetown, Theatre Memphis

Ensemble in a Play: American Son, Next Stage, Theatre Memphis

Ensemble in a Musical: Urinetown, Theatre Memphis

Leading Actor in a Play: Kevar Maffitt, Torch Song, Circuit Playhouse

Leading Actor in a Musical: Bruce Huffman, Urinetown, Theatre Memphis

Leading Actress in a Play: Jessica “Jai” Johnson, American Son, Next Stage, Theatre Memphis

Leading Actress in a Musical: Lauren Duckworth, Ragtime, Theatre Memphis

Best Original Script: Tumbling Down, Hattiloo

Direction of a Play: Jared Thomas Johnson, American Son,  Next Stage, Theatre Memphis

Direction of a Musical: Ann Marie Hall, Urinetown, Theatre Memphis

Best Production of a Play: American Son, Next Stage, Theatre Memphis

Best Production of a Musical: Urinetown, Theatre Memphis

College Division

Excellence in Scenic Design for College: Brian Ruggaber, A Bright Room Called Day, University of Memphis

Costume Design for College: Ali Filipovich, A Bright Room Called Day, University of Memphis

Lighting Design for College: Corinne Fann, A Bright Room Called Day, University of Memphis

Sound Design for College: Micki McCormick, A Bright Room Called Day, University of Memphis

Music Direction for College: Tracy Thomas, Ordinary Days, University of Memphis

Choreography for College: Michael Medcalf, The Wolves, University of Memphis

Featured Performer in a College Production: Zy Palmer, A Bright Room Called Day, University of Memphis

Supporting Actor in a College Production: Jasper Lane Pippin, A Bright Room Called Day, University of Memphis

Supporting Actress in a College Production: Aly Milan, The Wolves, The University of Memphis

Ensemble in a College Production: Ordinary Days, The University of Memphis

Leading Actor in a College Production: Will Draper, R & J & Z, The University of Memphis

Leading Actress in a College Production: Raina Williams, A Bright Room Called Day, The University of Memphis

Direction of a College Production: Holly Derr, The Wolves, University of Memphis

Best College Production: The Wolves, University of Memphis

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.

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We Recommend We Recommend

Ostrander Theatre Awards Go Virtual

CREDIT: Courtesy of Playhouse on the Square

Here we are at the usual time, all dressed up and ready to celebrate theater with the coveted Ostrander Awards. Yet this year, we’ll be celebrating at home — together.

Elizabeth Perkins, Memphis Ostrander Theatre Awards program director, says that she hopes theater enthusiasts and nominees will get dressed up with her to celebrate the winners. Though, she says, a few things will change with the switch to a virtual format.

“We won’t be selling tickets but asking for donations to cover expenses,” says Perkins. “Any funds raised over expenses will be donated back to the participating theaters as they sit out the rest of this intermission.”

Courtesy of Playhouse on the Square

Playhouse on the Square’s Book of Will among nominees

While the shortened theater season offered a little more than half the usual performances for the judges to consider, the show must go on. No one understands that more than Ann Marie Hall, who will be awarded the Eugart Yerian award for lifetime achievement honoring her many years of artistic contribution to the Memphis theater community.

All nominees in every category were announced on YouTube in July. Book of Will (Playhouse on the Square), Detroit 67 (Hattiloo Theatre), Eclipsed (Hattiloo Theatre), and Indecent (Circuit Playhouse) made the cut for Best Production of a Drama.

The nominees for Best Production in the collegiate division are A Raisin in the Sun (Southwest Tennessee Community College), Hissifit (McCoy Theatre at Rhodes College), and Inherit the Wind (University of Memphis).

Did your favorites get nominated? Join in virtually on Sunday to find out and celebrate excellence in collegiate, community, and professional theater in the Memphis area.

Sunday, August 30, 7 p.m., memphisostranders.com, join the award ceremony on the Ostrander Awards Facebook page and YouTube channel, donation-based.

Categories
Intermission Impossible Theater

Dramatis Personae: Observations from the Ostranders

CREDIT: Jon W. Sparks

The 2019 Ostrander Awards ceremony held Sunday at the Orpheum was, as one has come to expect, packed with soigné theatre lovers in character and out, in their heads and out, cheering or consoling as needed.
Jon W. Sparks

Debbie Litch, executive producer at Theatre Memphis. TM won 10 of the Ostrander trophies this year.

The event alternated musical numbers and clusters of awards, keeping things going at a good clip. Among the highlights were Debbie Litch, executive producer at Theatre Memphis, giving the Behind the Scenes Award posthumously to Mike Lupfer. Lupfer died last year at age 81 and is remembered as a worldly man with diverse interests.

As described by Chris Davis recently in Memphis magazine, he was “a teacher, a world traveler, a family man, a theater lover, a friend to many, a past chair of the psychology department at the University of Memphis, a sometimes scoutmaster, and a paragon of local leadership and volunteerism.”

Jon W. Sparks

Kenneth Neill, publisher at Ostrander sponsor Contemporary Media, Inc., and Elizabeth Perkins, Ostrander director.

The estimable Chris Ellis transported himself from Hollywood to introduce Christina Wellford Scott, the recipient of this year’s Eugart Yerian Lifetime Achievement Award. Scott and Ellis are longtime friends from back in the Pleistocene era of Memphis theater. Ellis departed the local theater scene and ended up in Hollywood where he books films and television shows with some frequency. Among his credits: Armageddon, Apollo 13, My Cousin Vinny, The Dark Knight Rises, Godzilla, Catch Me If You Can … you get the idea. He is also an illustrator who does work for Memphis magazine as well as posting death anniversary drawings on his Facebook site, occasionally serious, frequently funny, and typically offensive.
Jon W. Sparks

From left: Chris Ellis, Kenneth Neill, and Christina Wellford Scott arguing over how to pronounce Ms. Scott’s first name.

Ellis’ intro of Scott was, by the way, occasionally serious, frequently funny, and typically offensive. He insisted on pronouncing the award winner’s first name as “ChrisTYNE-a,” causing occasional moments of apoplexy in the audience, members of which would holler “ChrisTEEN-a” to no avail.

Jon W. Sparks

Kell Christie directed the all-woman Lizzie: The Musical at New Moon Theatre, which won Best Ensemble in a Musical, and earned awards for Annie Freres as Best Supporting Actress, and for Gene Elliott for Best Sound Design for a Musical.

The director Dennis Whitehead Darling got the gold of the evening, winning Best Direction of a Drama in the community and professional division for The Parchman Hour: Songs and Stories of the ‘61 Freedom Riders at Hattiloo Theatre, and Best Direction in the collegiate division for Intimate Apparel at the University of Memphis. Parchman also won Best Production of a Drama and Intimate Apparel won Best Overall Production. Yes, but what has he done lately you ask? Go to Hattiloo this weekend and see Jelly’s Last Jam through September 1st.

Jon W. Sparks

Veteran actor Curtis C. Jackson (left) with Karl Robinson, winner of this year’s Larry Riley Rising Star Award.

It was also a splendid evening for Jason Spitzer who picked up two awards for Little Women: Best Original Script and Best Production of an Original Script. Spitzer is somewhat of a fearless genius who adapts and directs stories that he loves. A few years ago he revamped a turgid version of A Christmas Carol at TM and, well, God bless us every one for that improvement.
Jon W. Sparks

Jason Spitzer (left) nabbed two awards for Little Women at Theatre Memphis’ Next Stage: Best Original Script and Best Production of an Original Script. The play also got a Best Costume Design for a Drama award for Heather Steward. At right is Jim Palmer, who won the Eugart Yerian Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016 along with his wife, Jo Lynne Palmer.

Jason Gerhard was on both sides of the awards ceremonies, first getting his own plaque as Best Featured Performer in a Drama for his work in Junk at Circuit Playhouse, and then introducing the winner of the Larry Riley Rising Star Award, Karl Robinson.
Jon W. Sparks

Jason Gerhard, winner of Best Featured Performer in a Drama for his work in Junk at Circuit Playhouse.

First time winners are predictably excited, but few were as over the moon as Ariona Campbell, who won Best Supporting Actress in a Drama in the collegiate division for Crumbs from the Table of Joy at Southwest Tennessee Community College. She attended the ceremonies with daughter London.
Jon W. Sparks

Ariona Campbell won Best Supporting Actress in a Drama in the collegiate division for Crumbs from the Table of Joy at Southwest Tennessee Community College. With her at the Orpheum ceremonies is her daughter London.

After the ceremonies, attendees adjourned to the Halloran Center next door to further schmooze, emote, pose, crack wise, and try to impress potential directors. After all, these are theater people, people.

Jon W. Sparks

John Maness was one of two winners for Best Leading Actor in a Musical for his work in TM’s 1776. The other awardee was Michael ‘Quick Change Artist’ Gravois in A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder at Playhouse on the Square.

Categories
Intermission Impossible Theater

Theater Honors Its Own at the Annual Ostrander Awards

CREDIT: New Moon

Jon W. Sparks

A stellar Ostranders: Dennis Whitehead Darling won two awards for best direction.

It was a brilliant evening at the Ostranders for busy director Dennis Whitehead Darling. The annual theater award event sponsored by Memphis magazine and ArtsMemphis was held at the Orpheum Sunday honoring people and productions around the city, and he earned two nods for best direction, one for The Parchman Hour: Songs and Stories of the ‘61 Freedom Riders at Hattiloo Theatre and the other for Intimate Apparel at the University of Memphis.

The former was in the community and professional category and the latter in the collegiate division. Transcending categories is what Whitehead Darling does — he was the first Opera Memphis McCleave Fellow in Directing, named a year ago, and will be directing at Opera Birmingham next year. And for good measure, he directed Jelly’s Last Jam now showing at Hattiloo.

The Parchman Hour racked up five Ossies for Hattiloo, for Best Production of a Drama, Sound Design for a Drama, Choreography/Fight Choreography for a Drama, Ensemble in a Drama, as well as for Whitehead Darling’s direction.

Awards.

In the College category, Intimate Apparel took 12 of the awards. U of M’s Be More Chill won 6.

The community/professional side was dominated by Theatre Memphis with awards for Hairspray, 1776, Little Women, and Newsies.

The Ostranders ceremonies often include special awards, the most distinguished of which is the Eugart Yerian Lifetime Achievement honor that went to stage veteran Christina Wellford Scott. Other distinctions included the Larry Riley Rising Star Award to Karl Robinson, the Gypsy Award to Brittany Church, and the Behind the Scenes Award given posthumously to Michael Lupfer.

As in the past, financial support for the awards event was provided by Michael McLaren and Judge Diane Vescovo.

If you’re keeping score of multiple winners in the community/professional division, Theatre Memphis walked away with 10 awards, Playhouse on the Square 6, Next Theatre at TM 5, Hattiloo Theatre 5, New Moon Theatre 5, and Circuit Playhouse 3.

New Moon

New Moon’s Lizzie: The Musical won three Ostranders.

Hattiloo’s The Parchman Hour earned 5 and TM’s Hairspray 4. Winning 3 each were POTS’ The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time, New Moon’s Lizzie: The Musical, TM’s Little Women, Newsies, and 1776. TM’s Clean House and POTS’ Tuck Everlasting got two apiece.

In the college division, U of M ran away with 19, 12 of which were for Intimate Apparel and 6 for Be More Chill.
Theatre Memphis

Timothy Marsh and Erica Peninger in the Theatre Memphis production of Hairspray, which won four Ossies, including one for Peninger as Best Leading Actress in a Musical.

Here is the complete list of winners:

COMMUNITY AND PROFESSIONAL

Best Set Design of a Drama: Bryce Cutler, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time, POTS
Best Set Design of a Musical: Jack Yates, Hairspray, TM
Best Costume Design for a Drama: Heather Steward, Little Women, Next Stage, TM
Best Costume Design for a Musical: Amie Eoff, 1776, TM
Best Hair/Wig/Makeup for a Drama: Lindsay Schmeling, The Legend of Georgia McBride, CP
Best Hair/Wig/Makeup for a Musical: Barbara Sanders, 1776, TM
Best Props Design for a Drama: Jack Yates, The Clean House, Next Stage, TM
Best Props Design for a Musical: Brandyn Nordlof, Tuck Everlasting, POTS
Best Lighting Design for a Drama: Justin Gibson, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time, POTS
Best Lighting Design for a Musical: Justin Gibson, Tuck Everlasting, POTS
Best Sound Design for a Drama: Ashley Davis, The Parchman Hour: Songs and Stories of the ‘61 Freedom Riders, Hattiloo
Best Sound Design for a Musical: Gene Elliott, Lizzie: The Musical, New Moon
Best Music Direction: Jeff Brewer, Newsies, TM
Best Choreography/Fight Choreography for a Drama: Naivell Steib, The Parchman Hour: Songs and Stories of the ‘61 Freedom Riders, Hattiloo
Best Choreography for a Musical: Jordan Nichols & Travis Bradley, Newsies, TM
Best Supporting Actress in a Drama: Aliza Moran, The Clean House, Next Stage, TM
Best Supporting Actress in a Musical: Annie Freres, Lizzie: The Musical, New Moon
Best Leading Actress in a Drama: Kim Sanders, Sweat, CP
Best Leading Actress in a Musical: Erica Peninger, Hairspray, TM
Best Supporting Actor in a Drama: Oliver Jacob Pierce, Twelfth Night, New Moon
Best Supporting Actor in a Musical: Luke Conner, Newsies, TM
Best Leading Actor in a Drama: Ryan Duda, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time, POTS
Best Leading Actor in a Musical (2 winners): John Maness, 1776, TM and Michael Gravois, A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder, POTS
Best Featured Performer in a Drama: Jason Gerhard, Junk, CP
Best Featured Performer in a Musical: Daniel Kopera, Jesus Christ Superstar, Harrell
Best Ensemble in a Drama: The Parchman Hour: Songs and Stories of the ‘61 Freedom Riders, Hattiloo
Best Ensemble in a Musical: Lizzie: The Musical, New Moon
Best Direction of a Drama: Dennis Whitehead Darling, The Parchman Hour: Songs and Stories of the ‘61 Freedom Riders, Hattiloo
Best Direction of a Musical: Jordan Nichols & Travis Bradley, Hairspray, TM
Best Production of a Drama: The Parchman Hour: Songs and Stories of the ‘61 Freedom Riders, Hattiloo
Best Production of a Musical: Hairspray, TM
Carla McDonald

Playhouse on the Square’s Tuck Everlasting won two Ostrander Awards.

COLLEGE

Best Set Design: Kenton Jones, Intimate Apparel, U of M
Best Costume Design: Jen Gillette, Intimate Apparel, U of M
Best Hair/Wig/Makeup: Jen Gilette, Intimate Apparel, U of M
Best Props Design: Karen Arredondo, Intimate Apparel, U of M
Best Lighting Design: Zoey Smith, Intimate Apparel, U of M
Best Sound Design: Anthony Pellecchia, Intimate Apparel, U of M
Best Music Direction: Jacob Allen, Be More Chill, U of M
Best Choreography: Jill Guyton Nee, Be More Chill, U of M
Special Award: Intimacy Choreography: Roberta Inscho-Cox, Intimate Apparel, U of M
Best Supporting Actress in a Drama: Ariona Campbell, Crumbs from the Table of Joy, Southwest Tennessee Community College
Best Supporting Actress in a Musical: Lea Mae Aldridge, Be More Chill, U of M
Best Leading Actress in a Drama: Simmery Branch, Intimate Apparel, U of M
Best Leading Actress in a Musical: Aly Milan, Be More Chill, U of M
Best Supporting Actor in a Drama: Toby Davis, Intimate Apparel, U of M
Best Supporting Actor in a Musical – College: Landon Ricker, Be More Chill, U of M
Best Leading Actor in a Drama: Christian Hinton, Shaming JANE DOE, U of M
Best Leading Actor in a Musical: Toby Davis, Be More Chill, U of M
Best Featured Performer: Jasmine Roberts, Intimate Apparel, U of M
Best Ensemble: I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change (2018 version), Rhodes College
Best Direction: Dennis Whitehead Darling, Intimate Apparel, U of M
Best Overall Production: Intimate Apparel, U of M

OTHER AWARDS

Best Original Script: Little Women, Next Stage, TM
Best Production of an Original Script: Little Women, Next Stage, TM
Larry Riley Rising Star: Karl Robinson
Gypsy: Brittany Church
Behind the Scenes: Mike Lupfer (posthumously)
Eugart Yerian Lifetime Achievement: Christina Wellford Scott

Categories
Intermission Impossible Theater

Ostrander Nominations Announced for 2019

CREDIT: Carla McDonald

Carla McDonald

Tuck Everlasting at Playhouse on the Square

The 36th annual Ostrander Awards comes together on August 25th at the Orpheum, honoring the best of most of Memphis theater for the 2018-2019 season. The judges have conferred and come up with the nominees listed here.

The one winner we know for certain this year is veteran actor Christina Wellford Scott, who will receive the Eugart Yerian Award for Lifetime Achievement. That honor is given to those who have distinguished themselves for years of contributions to the local performance community.

More information on the Ostranders is here. Tickets are available in advance for $15 plus fees, and at the door for $20. A ticket includes the post-event reception at the Halloran Centre. They’re available here.

In the collegiate division, dramas and musicals are in one category for the majority of awards. In the community and professional division, awards are split by drama or musical.

If you’re counting, Theatre Memphis (Lohrey Stage) has 43 nominations, TM’s Next Stage 30, Playhouse on the Square 37, Circuit Playhouse 22, New Moon Theatre 13, Hattiloo Theatre 8, Harrell Theatre 4, and POTS@TheWorks 3.

Thanks as always to Memphis magazine, ArtsMemphis, and the Orpheum Theatre Group for making it possible.

Community & Professional Division

Best Set Design of a Drama
• Andrew Mannion, Sweat, Circuit Playhouse
• Brian Ruggaber & Melanie Mulder, The Parchman Hour: Songs and Stories of the ‘61 Freedom Riders, Hattiloo Theatre
• Bryce Cutler, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time, Playhouse on the Square
• Jack Yates, Heisenberg, Next Stage, Theatre Memphis
• Jack Yates, The Clean House, Next Stage, Theatre Memphis

Best Set Design of a Musical
• Jack Yates, 1776, Theatre Memphis
• Jack Yates, 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Next Stage, Theatre Memphis
• Jack Yates, Hairspray, Theatre Memphis
• Jack Yates, Newsies, Theatre Memphis
• Tim McMath, Tuck Everlasting, Playhouse on the Square

Best Costume Design for a Drama 
• Amie Eoff, The Man Who Came to Dinner, Theatre Memphis
• Ashley Kopera, Twelfth Night, New Moon
• Heather Steward, Little Women, Next Stage, Theatre Memphis
• Lindsay Schmeling, The Legend of Georgia McBride, Circuit Playhouse
• Waverly Strickland, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time, Playhouse on the Square

Best Costume Design for a Musical
• Amie Eoff, 1776, Theatre Memphis
• Amie Eoff, Hairspray, Theatre Memphis
• Amie Eoff, Newsies, Theatre Memphis
• Kathleen R. Kovarik, A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder, Playhouse on the Square
• Kathleen R. Kovarik, Tuck Everlasting, Playhouse on the Square

Best Hair/Wig/Makeup for a Drama
• Lindsay Schmeling, The Legend of Georgia McBride, Circuit Playhouse
• Barbara Sanders, Little Women, Next Stage, Theatre Memphis
• Heather Steward and Lindsay Taylor, Dracula, Next Stage, Theatre Memphis
• Buddy Hart & Rence Phillips, Steel Magnolias, Harrell Theatre
• Alexandria Perel-Sams, The Man Who Came to Dinner, Theatre Memphis

Best Hair/Wig/Makeup for a Musical
• A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder, Playhouse on the Square
• Barbara Sanders, 1776, Theatre Memphis
• Buddy Hart & Rence Phillips, Hairspray, Theatre Memphis
• Kathleen R. Kovarik, Cabaret, Playhouse on the Square
• Waverly Strickland, Madagascar, Circuit Playhouse

Best Props Design for a Drama
• Betty Dilley, Steel Magnolias, Harrell Theatre
• Brandyn Nordlof, Sweat, Circuit Playhouse
• Brandyn Nordlof, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time, Playhouse on the Square
• Jack Yates, Heisenberg, Next Stage, Theatre Memphis
• Jack Yates, The Clean House, Next Stage, Theatre Memphis

Best Props Design for a Musical
• Brandyn Nordlof & Abby Teel, A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder, Playhouse on the Square
• Brandyn Nordlof, Cabaret, Playhouse on the Square
• Brandyn Nordlof, Tuck Everlasting, Playhouse on the Square
• Jack Yates, Hairspray, Theatre Memphis
• Jack Yates, Newsies, Theatre Memphis

Best Lighting Design for a Drama
• Alyssandra Docherty, The Parchman Hour: Songs and Stories of the ‘61 Freedom Riders, Hattiloo Theatre
• Justin Gibson, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time, Playhouse on the Square
• Mandy Kay Heath, The Clean House, Next Stage, Theatre Memphis
• Trey Eikleberry and Justin Gibson, Junk, Circuit Playhouse
• Trey Eikleberry, Sweat, Circuit Playhouse

Best Lighting Design for a Musical
• Justin Gibson, Tuck Everlasting, Playhouse on the Square
• Mandy Kay Heath, 1776, Theatre Memphis
• Mandy Kay Heath, Hairspray, Theatre Memphis
• Mandy Kay Heath, Newsies, Theatre Memphis
• Melissa Andrews & Thomas Halfacre, Lizzie: The Musical, New Moon Theatre

Best Sound Design for a Drama
• Ashley Davis, The Parchman Hour: Songs and Stories of the ‘61 Freedom Riders, Hattiloo Theatre
• Carter McHann, Sweat, Circuit Playhouse
• Joe Johnson, Heisenberg, Next Stage, Theatre Memphis
• Joe Johnson, The Clean House, Next Stage, Theatre Memphis
• Travis Bradley, Carter McHann, & Jordan Nichols, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time, Playhouse on the Square

Best Sound Design for a Musical
• Carter McHann, Tuck Everlasting, Playhouse on the Square
• Gene Elliott, Lizzie: The Musical, New Moon Theatre
• Jason Eschhofen & Reyn Lehman, 1776, Theatre Memphis
• Joshua Crawford, Hairspray, Theatre Memphis
• Joshua Crawford, Newsies, Theatre Memphis

Best Music Direction
• Eileen Kuo, Lizzie: The Musical, New Moon Theatre
• Gary Beard, 1776, Theatre Memphis
• Jeff Brewer, Hairspray, Theatre Memphis
• Jeff Brewer, Newsies, Theatre Memphis
• Nathan McHenry, A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder, Playhouse on the Square

Best Choreography/Fight Choreography for a Drama
• Brittany Church, The Clean House, Next Stage, Theatre Memphis
• Courtney Oliver & Donald Sutton, Sweat, Circuit Playhouse
• Daniel Stuart Nelson, The Legend of Georgia McBride, Circuit Playhouse
• Jordan Nichols & Travis Bradley, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time, Playhouse on the Square
• Naivell Steib, The Parchman Hour: Songs and Stories of the ‘61 Freedom Riders, Hattiloo Theatre

Best Choreography for a Musical
• Daniel Stuart Nelson, Tuck Everlasting, Playhouse on the Square
• Jordan Nichols & Travis Bradley, Newsies, Theatre Memphis
• Jordan Nichols & Travis Bradley, Hairspray, Theatre Memphis
• Travis Bradley, Cabaret, Playhouse on the Square
• Whitney Branan, Madagascar, Circuit Playhouse

Best Supporting Actress in a Drama
• Aliza Moran, The Clean House, Next Stage, Theatre Memphis
• Annie Freres, Twelfth Night, New Moon Theatre
• Danika Norfleet, A Song for Coretta, Hattiloo Theatre
• Susan Brindley, Agnes of God, New Moon Theatre
• Tamara Wright, The Clean House, Next Stage, Theatre Memphis

Best Supporting Actress in a Musical
• Annie Freres, Lizzie: The Musical, New Moon Theatre
• Edna Dinwiddie, 1776, Theatre Memphis
• Jaclyn Suffel, Lizzie: The Musical, New Moon Theatre
• Rebecca Johnson, Cabaret, Playhouse on the Square
• Whitney Branan, Hairspray, Theatre Memphis

Best Leading Actress in a Drama
• Jaclyn Suffel, The Clean House, Next Stage, Theatre Memphis
• Jessica Jai Johnson, Sweat, Circuit Playhouse
• Kim Sanders, Sweat, Circuit Playhouse
• Natalie Jones, Heisenberg, Next Stage, Theatre Memphis
• Sarah Jo Biggs, Little Women, Next Stage, Theatre Memphis

Best Leading Actress in a Musical
• Christina Hernandez, Lizzie: The Musical, New Moon Theatre
• Erica Peninger, Hairspray, Theatre Memphis
• Jenny Wilson, 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Next Stage, Theatre Memphis
• Kelly McCarty, Tuck Everlasting, Playhouse on the Square
• Whitney Branan, Cabaret, Playhouse on the Square

Best Supporting Actor in a Drama
• Andrew Chandler, Dracula, Theatre Memphis
• JS Tate, Sweat, Circuit Playhouse
• Justin Allen Tate, The Legend of Georgia McBride, Circuit Playhouse
• Michael Gravois, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time, Playhouse on the Square
• Oliver Jacob Pierce, Twelfth Night, New Moon Theatre

Best Supporting Actor in a Musical
• Donald Sutton, Tuck Everlasting, Playhouse on the Square
• Javier Pena, 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Next Stage, Theatre Memphis
• Luke Conner, Newsies, Theatre Memphis
• Michael Gravois, Tuck Everlasting, Playhouse on the Square
• Talen Piner, Madagascar, Circuit Playhouse

Best Leading Actor in a Drama
• Danny Crowe, 1984, Circuit Playhouse
• Gabe Beutel-Gunn, Junk, Circuit Playhouse
• Jason Spitzer, The Man Who Came to Dinner, Theatre Memphis
• Ryan Duda, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time, Playhouse on the Square
• TC Sharpe, The Miraculous and the Mundane, POTS@TheWorks

Best Leading Actor in a Musical 
• Bradley Karel, Newsies, Theatre Memphis
• Donald Sutton, Cabaret, Playhouse on the Square
• John Maness, 1776, Theatre Memphis
• Michael Gravois, A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder, Playhouse on the Square
• Ryan Gilliam, The Producers, Harrell Theatre

Best Featured Performer in a Drama
• Christina Wellford Scott, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time, Playhouse on the Square
• Jason Gerhard, Junk, Circuit Playhouse
• Jimbo Lattimore, The Man Who Came to Dinner, Theatre Memphis
• Lena Wallace Black, Little Women, Next Stage, Theatre Memphis
• Steven Brown, Little Women, Next Stage, Theatre Memphis

Best Featured Performer in a Musical
• Ann Marie Hall, Tuck Everlasting, Playhouse on the Square
• Daniel Kopera, Jesus Christ Superstar, Harrell Theatre
• Jason Eschhofen, 1776, Theatre Memphis
• Jimbo Lattimore, 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Next Stage, Theatre Memphis
• Kirie Walz, Hairspray, Theatre Memphis
• Kristin Doty, A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder, Playhouse on the Square

Best Ensemble in a Drama
• Little Women, Next Stage, Theatre Memphis
• Sweat, Circuit Playhouse
• The Clean House, Next Stage, Theatre Memphis
• The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time, Playhouse on the Square
• The Parchman Hour: Songs and Stories of the ‘61 Freedom Riders, Hattiloo Theatre

Best Ensemble in a Musical
• 1776, Theatre Memphis
• 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Next Stage, Theatre Memphis
• Hairspray, Theatre Memphis
• Lizzie: The Musical, New Moon Theatre
• Newsies, Theatre Memphis

Best Direction of a Drama
• Dennis Whitehead-Darling, The Parchman Hour: Songs and Stories of the ‘61 Freedom Riders, Hattiloo Theatre
• Irene Crist, Sweat, Circuit Playhouse
• Jason Spitzer, Little Women, Next Stage, Theatre Memphis
• John Maness, Twelfth Night, New Moon Theatre
• Jordan Nichols & Travis Bradley, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time, Playhouse on the Square

Best Direction of a Musical
• Cecelia Wingate, 1776, Theatre Memphis
• Dave Landis, Cabaret, Playhouse on the Square
• Dave Landis, Tuck Everlasting, Playhouse on the Square
• Jordan Nichols & Travis Bradley, Hairspray, Theatre Memphis
• Jordan Nichols & Travis Bradley, Newsies, Theatre Memphis

Best Production of a Drama
• Little Women, Next Stage, Theatre Memphis
• Sweat, Circuit Playhouse
• The Clean House, Next Stage, Theatre Memphis
• The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time, Playhouse on the Square
• The Parchman Hour: Songs and Stories of the ‘61 Freedom Riders, Hattiloo Theatre

Best Production of a Musical
• Hairspray, Theatre Memphis
• 1776, Theatre Memphis
• Newsies, Theatre Memphis
• Lizzie: The Musical, New Moon Theatre
• Tuck Everlasting, Playhouse on the Square

College Division

Best Set Design
• Brian Ruggaber, Be More Chill, University of Memphis
• Kenton Jones, Intimate Apparel, University of Memphis
• Nicholas Jackson, Shaming JANE DOE, University of Memphis

Best Costume Design
• Kennon Cliche, Be More Chill, University of Memphis
• Jen Gillette, Intimate Apparel, University of Memphis
• Jen Gillette, Shaming JANE DOE, University of Memphis

Best Hair/Wig/Makeup
• Emily Greene, Be More Chill, University of Memphis
• Jen Gilette, Intimate Apparel, University of Memphis
• Rebecca Koenig & Keyauna Shorter, Shaming JANE DOE, University of Memphis

Best Props Design
• Kenton Jones, Be More Chill, University of Memphis
• Karen Arredondo, Intimate Apparel, University of Memphis
• Hattie Fann, Shaming JANE DOE, University of Memphis

Best Lighting Design
• Anthony Pellecchia, Be More Chill, University of Memphis
• Melissa Andrews, Fabulation or, The Re-Education of Undine, Rhodes College
• Zoey Smith, Intimate Apparel, University of Memphis

Best Sound Design
• John Phillians, Be More Chill, University of Memphis
• Anthony Pellecchia, Intimate Apparel, University of Memphis
• Sophia Deck, Rose and the Rime, Rhodes College

Best Music Direction
• Jacob Allen, Be More Chill, University of Memphis
• Eileen Kuo, I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change (2018 version), Rhodes College

Best Choreography
• Jill Guyton Nee, Be More Chill, University of Memphis
• I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change (2018 version), Rhodes College

Best Supporting Actress in a Drama 
• Ariona Campbell, Crumbs from the Table of Joy, Southwest Tennessee Community College
• Hiawartha Jackson, Fabulation or, The Re-Education of Undine, Rhodes College
• Eboni Cain, Intimate Apparel, University of Memphis

Best Supporting Actress in a Musical
• Erica Peninger, Be More Chill, University of Memphis
• Lea Mae Aldridge, Be More Chill, University of Memphis
• Marlee Wilson, Be More Chill, University of Memphis

Best Leading Actress in a Drama
• Jessica Jai Johnson, Fabulation or, The Re-Education of Undine, Rhodes College,
• Simmery Branch, Intimate Apparel, University of Memphis
• Grace Small, Rose and the Rime, Rhodes College

Best Leading Actress in a Musical
• Aly Milan, Be More Chill, University of Memphis
• Jess Brookes, Closer Than Ever, Southwest Tennessee Community College

Best Supporting Actor in a Drama
• Adrian Harris, Fabulation or, The Re-Education of Undine, Rhodes College
• Toby Davis, Intimate Apparel, University of Memphis

Best Supporting Actor in a Musical  (one nominee)

Best Leading Actor in a Drama
• Brandon Lewis, Imagination, Southwest Tennessee Community College
• Willis Green, Rose and the Rime, Rhodes College
• Christian Hinton, Shaming JANE DOE, University of Memphis

Best Leading Actor in a Musical
• Toby Davis, Be More Chill, University of Memphis
• Winston Mize, Closer Than Ever, Southwest Tennessee Community College

Best Featured Performer
• Riley Thad Young, Be More Chill, University of Memphis
• Jasmine Roberts, Intimate Apparel, University of Memphis
• John Ross Graham, Shaming JANE DOE, University of Memphis

Best Ensemble
• Be More Chill, University of Memphis
• Intimate Apparel, University of Memphis
• I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change (2018 version), Rhodes College

Best Direction
• Justin Braun, Be More Chill, University of Memphis
• Dennis Whitehead-Darling, Intimate Apparel, University of Memphis
• Joy Brooke Fairfield, I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change (2018 version), Rhodes College

Best Overall Production
• Be More Chill, University of Memphis
• Intimate Apparel, University of Memphis
• I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change (2018 version), Rhodes College

All Divisions

Best Original Script
• Shaming JANE DOE, University of Memphis
• Little Women, Next Stage, Theatre Memphis
• The Miraculous and the Mundane, POTS@TheWorks

Best Production of an Original Script
• Shaming JANE DOE, University of Memphis
• Little Women, Next Stage, Theatre Memphis
• The Miraculous and the Mundane, POTS@TheWorks