The Desert Theatre League honors both Hi- and Low-Desert theaters annually with its Desert Star Awards. Although this theatrical season ended prematurely the majority of shows did go on and DTL judges attended enough to warrant issuing Desert Star Awards.
In a two-part story we unpack the 50 nominations garnered by the Hi-Desert community theatres. Today, part one breaks down the 38 total nominations for Theatre 29. In part two tomorrow, we share the nods awarded to both Thought Theatre and The Groves Cabin Theatre.
Here’s reporter Rebecca Havely…
Theatre 29 received 38 nominations in many categories including Youth Theatre; nods include Outstanding Production of a Musical for “Disney’s High School Musical Jr.” and several supporting actor nods going to Ben Amaral, Josh Thomas, Lillian Becker and Kathryn Villalobos.
“The Glass Menagerie” received nominations for Outstanding Production of a Drama; also director Katie Fleischman, lead actor Chris Fleischman and supporting actress Amy Fangmeyer are among the nominees.
“Company B, On The Air!” garners five nominations; two for Ben Costello for both director and lead performer. Supporting performer nods go to Janeen Duff, Charles Harvey and Dennis “Easy” Boos.
Three productions are recognized in the musical category. “Sister Act” has five nods, including Scott Clinkscales for his musical direction, choreography (along with Lisa Goldberg) and lighting design. Also receiving nominations are Cindy Daigneault for the supporting role of the rapping nun, and Emma Sanchez is up for outstanding juvenile for her role as the novice nun.
“Once Upon a Mattress” has eight nods: three for Kathryn Ferguson for direction, musical direction and costume design. Also, nominations for Cathy Inscore’s prop design, and lead actor nods go to both Princess Fred, Kylie Robinson; and The Queen, Kelly Ebsary; plus supporting actor the Mute Cruz Jimenez; and juvenile actor Adonai Patu.
“Little Shop of Horrors” received an impressive 11 nominations, including outstanding production. Director Gary Daigneault and musical director Scott Clinkscales are nominated, as are lead actors Laura Berry as Audrey, Charles Harvey as the Plant “Audrey 2” and for the supporting role of The Dentist, Christopher Schoonover. Five technical nominations include design of set, sound, lights, props and costumes.
The annual banquet event for the DTL Awards will not take place this year; however, the winners will be announced on October 4.
For the complete list of both the high and low desert nominees visit deserttheatreleague.org
