The annual theatre awards have once again highlighted the exceptional talents in the world of stage performances, with notable winners across various categories. The competition was fierce, showcasing an array of creativity and artistry in both plays and musicals. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the winners and nominees, emphasizing key categories such as Best Direction of a Play, Best Direction of a Musical, and others.
This year, the award for Best Direction of a Play went to Danya Taymor for her outstanding work in “Oh, Mary!” Other nominees included Knud Adams for “English,” Sam Mendes for “The Hills of California,” Kip Williams for “John Proctor Is the Villain,” and Sam Pinkleton for “The Picture of Dorian Gray.” Each nominee displayed remarkable directorial prowess, contributing to the richness of contemporary theatre.
In the category of Best Direction of a Musical, Michael Arden was honored for “Maybe Happy Ending.” Other contenders included Saheem Ali for “Buena Vista Social Club,” David Cromer for “Dead Outlaw,” Christopher Gattelli for “Death Becomes Her,” and Jamie Lloyd for “Sunset Boulevard.” The directors’ innovative approaches brought new life to their respective productions, making the competition especially exciting.
The award for Best Book of a Musical was awarded to Will Aronson and Hue Park for “Maybe Happy Ending.” This category included talented writers such as David Cumming, Felix Hagan, Natasha Hodgson, and Zoë Roberts for “Operation Mincemeat,” Itamar Moses for “Dead Outlaw,” Marco Pennette for “Death Becomes Her,” and Marco Ramirez for “Buena Vista Social Club.” The storytelling and narrative creativity in these musicals captivated audiences this season.
Winning the award for Best Original Score was “Maybe Happy Ending,” composed by Will Aronson. Other nominees included Erik Della Penna and David Yazbek for “Dead Outlaw,” Noel Carey and Julia Mattison for “Death Becomes Her,” David Cumming, Felix Hagan, Natasha Hodgson, and Zoë Roberts for “Operation Mincemeat,” and Joy Huerta and Benjamin Velez for “Real Women Have Curves.” The music and lyrics from these productions have resonated deeply with audiences, enhancing the overall theatrical experience.
The award for Best Scenic Design of a Play was won by Miriam Buether and 59 Productions for “Stranger Things: The First Shadow.” Other notable nominees included David Bergman and Marg Horwell for “The Picture of Dorian Gray,” Marsha Ginsberg for “English,” Rob Howell for “The Hills of California,” and Scott Pask for “Good Night, and Good Luck.” The imaginative set designs played a crucial role in bringing each story to life.
In the category of Best Scenic Design of a Musical, Dane Laffrey and George Reeve triumphed with “Maybe Happy Ending.” Other contenders included Rachel Hauck for “Swept Away,” Arnulfo Maldonado for “Buena Vista Social Club,” Derek McLane for both “Death Becomes Her” and “Just in Time.” The scenic designs in these musicals provided stunning visual backdrops that complemented the narratives beautifully.
The award for Best Costume Design of a Play went to Marg Horwell for “The Picture of Dorian Gray.” Other nominees included Brenda Abbandandolo for “Good Night, and Good Luck,” Rob Howell for “The Hills of California,” Holly Pierson for “Oh, Mary!” and Brigitte Reiffenstuel for “Stranger Things: The First Shadow.” The costumes not only defined the characters but also set the tone for each production.
Winning the Best Costume Design of a Musical was Paul Tazewell for “Death Becomes Her.” Other nominees included Dede Ayite for “Buena Vista Social Club,” Gregg Barnes for “Boop! The Musical,” Clint Ramos for “Maybe Happy Ending,” and Catherine Zuber for “Just in Time.” These designs showcased the unique styles and eras depicted in the musicals, enhancing the audience's immersion into the stories.
The Best Lighting Design of a Play award was given to Jon Clark for “Stranger Things: The First Shadow.” Other nominees included David Bengali and Heather Gilbert for “Good Night, and Good Luck,” Natasha Chivers for “The Hills of California,” Natasha Katz and Hannah Wasileski for “John Proctor Is the Villain,” and Nick Schlieper for “The Picture of Dorian Gray.” The lighting design in these plays set the mood and highlighted key moments throughout the performances.
Jack Knowles received the award for Best Lighting Design of a Musical for “Sunset Boulevard.” Other nominees included Tyler Micoleau for “Buena Vista Social Club,” Ben Stanton for “Maybe Happy Ending,” Ruey Horng Sun and Scott Zielinski for “Floyd Collins,” and Justin Townsend for “Death Becomes Her.” The creative use of lighting enriched the overall theatrical experience, drawing the audience deeper into the narratives.
The award for Best Sound Design of a Play was awarded to Paul Arditti for “Stranger Things: The First Shadow.” Nominees in this category included Palmer Hefferan for “John Proctor Is the Villain,” Daniel Kluger for “Good Night, and Good Luck,” Nick Powell for “The Hills of California,” and Clemence Williams for “The Picture of Dorian Gray.” The sound design contributed significantly to the atmosphere and emotional impact of each play.
Jonathan Deans won the award for Best Sound Design of a Musical for “Buena Vista Social Club.” Other nominees included Adam Fisher for “Sunset Boulevard,” Peter Hylenski for both “Just in Time” and “Maybe Happy Ending,” and Dan Moses Schreier for “Floyd Collins.” The soundscapes created in these musicals played a pivotal role in engaging the audience, further enhancing the theatrical storytelling.
The Best Choreography award was presented to Patricia Delgado and Justin Peck for their work in “Buena Vista Social Club.” Other notable nominees included Joshua Bergasse for “Smash,” Camille A. Brown for “Gypsy,” Christopher Gattelli for “Death Becomes Her,” and Jerry Mitchell for “Boop! The Musical.” The choreography in these productions showcased the physical storytelling and vibrant energy that dance brings to theatre.
The 2023 theatre awards not only celebrated the winners but also highlighted the incredible talent within the theatre community. As these productions continue to inspire and entertain, the future of stage performances looks brighter than ever.
