The 2024 BroadwayWorld Regional Awards Highlight Local Talent

News Summary

The 2024 BroadwayWorld Regional Awards celebrated outstanding achievements in regional theater across North America, with special recognition for Jacksonville and Madison. Local stars like Kaitlyn McGee and Desiree Davar shone brightly among the winners, showcasing the vibrant talent present outside of Broadway. The awards highlighted exceptional productions, choreography, and direction, affirming the significance of regional theater in the performing arts community.

The 2024 BroadwayWorld Regional Awards: A Night to Celebrate the Stars of Regional Theatre

Jacksonville and Madison Make Their Mark

If you were in Jacksonville or Madison recently, you probably felt the buzz in the air. The 2024 BroadwayWorld Regional Awards have announced their winners, honoring some truly fantastic talents in regional productions and touring shows. Covering over 100 cities across the globe, these awards recognize the hard work and passion that shines bright outside of Broadway.

For the eligibility period that ran from October 1, 2023, to September 30, 2024, theaters across America, Canada, Central and South America, Europe, and even Asia showcased their best. It’s no small feat to be acknowledged among such talented competition. But, of course, the stars of the evening emerged from Jacksonville and Madison, each with their unique flair and style.

BroadwayWorld Jacksonville Awards

Jacksonville’s theater scene lit up with the announcement of winners, and there were some familiar names too. For those fans of exceptional choreography, Arienne Pogue took home the award for Best Choreography for her work in “In the Heights” at Gainesville Community Playhouse. Likewise, Loren Smyth bagged the award for Best Costume Design for “Cabaret” at Acrosstown Repertory Theater, proving that every stitch tells a story.

In the directing department, Calypso Haddad dazzled audiences as Best Director of a Musical for “Sweeney Todd” at the same theater that took home the award for Best Ensemble. Meanwhile, over at Limelight Theatre, Carl Liberatore‘s lighting design for “Tuck Everlasting” earned a well-deserved shoutout, alongside Jackie Collins‘ renowned music direction and orchestra performance in “Sweeney Todd,” landing both awards at Acrosstown.

The top honors in Jacksonville went to Limelight Theatre for Best Musical with “Tuck Everlasting.” And when it comes to performances, Kaitlyn McGee stole the show as Best Performer in a Musical, while a split win for Best Performer in a Play saw Noah Prebble and Elijah West sharing the glory for “Treasure Island.”

Other noteworthy mentions include “Little Women” at Acrosstown taking the title of Best Play, and a fun family-friendly show, “Spookley the Square Pumpkin,” claimed the Best Theatre for Young Audiences Production at Limelight Theatre. The community chose Limelight Theatre as their Favorite Local Theatre, proving that it holds a special place in the hearts of locals.

BroadwayWorld Madison Awards

In Madison, all eyes turned to the impressive winners of the BroadwayWorld awards. The acclaim for regional productions was palpable as Desiree Davar secured the Best Choreography award for her energetic work in “Jersey Boys” at the Fireside Theatre. The same theater featured prominently, clinching the Best Musical award for “Jersey Boys,” followed closely by Patrick Chounet receiving accolades for Best Performer in a Play for “Torch Song” at Bartell Theatre.

Moving onto the Best Direction of a Play, Roseann Sheridan garnered admiration with her execution of “The Diary of Anne Frank,” a classic that resonates deeply with audiences. And let’s not overlook Alexandra Schaller, who dazzled as Best Costume Designer with her eye-catching work in “Beautiful.”

Additionally, Fireside Theatre was recognized as the Favorite Local Theatre, which speaks volumes about its long-standing relationship with the community as a premier destination for enjoying spectacular performances.

Getting Ready for More Excitement!

As regional theaters shine brightly, we also look forward to the upcoming 2025 Tony Awards, scheduled for June 8, 2025, at Radio City Music Hall. With so many shows set to open between April 26, 2024, and April 27, 2025, the excitement continues to build as audiences await to see which shows will take center stage.

With the BroadwayWorld Regional Awards as a testament to talent across the stages, we can only anticipate the even greater expressions of artistry that lie ahead. Congratulations to all the winners and nominees; let’s keep supporting and celebrating the incredible world of regional theater!