Published by New Jersey Stage
originally published: 12/02/2024
Scene from The Prom, photo by John Posada
(RED BANK, NJ) -- Phoenix Productions, the community theatre of the Count Basie Center for the Arts, has received 48 nominations in BroadwayWorld.com's annual New Jersey Awards program.
“As a community theatre organization, our focus has always been on creating a space where talent can shine,” said James Grausam, Managing Artistic Director, Phoenix Productions. “To receive so many nominations from BroadwayWorld’s annual New Jersey theater awards proves we are creating a safe space for everyone no matter age, race, orientation, or heritage to share their theatrical talent.”
"I'd like to congratulate James Grausam, all of this year's nominees and everyone involved with creating Phoenix's exemplary brand of theatre," said Adam Philipson, President / CEO, Count Basie Center for the Arts. "This recognition exemplifies all of the hopes we had when our organizations merged four years ago and paints a bright future for what lies ahead."
BroadwayWorld.com’s Regional Awards programs honor regional productions, touring shows, and more which had their first performance between October 1, 2023 through September 30, 2024. For Phoenix, this includes productions of Evil Dead: The Musical, The Addams Family, Ragtime, Jesus Christ Superstar, The Prom, West Side Story and RENT – all of which received nominations.
The online publication’s local editors set the categories, with readers invited to vote through December 31. Winners will be announced in January. To vote, visit BroadwayWorld.com’s NJ Awards page.
“We are truly fortunate to have so many performers, designers, directors, choreographers, and theatrical artists share their talents with us at the Count Basie Center,” Grausam added. “The best of luck to all of our nominees!”
Phoenix Productions Nominees – BroadwayWorld.com 2024 New Jersey Awards
Best Choreography of a Play Or Musical
Nicole Ceballos (West Side Story, Jesus Christ Superstar)
Haley Schmalbach (The Prom)
Natalie Hayes-Scott (RENT)
Best Costume Design of a Play Or Musical
Frankie Confalone (RENT)
Gabe Bagdazian (Ragtime)
Joanne Penrose (The Prom, West Side Story)
Best Direction of a Musical
Natalie Hayes-Scott (RENT)
Justin Christopher Odon (The Prom)
James Grausam (Jesus Christ Superstar, Evil Dead The Musical)
Scene from Jesus Christ Superstar, photo by John Posada
Best Ensemble
RENT, Ragtime, West Side Story, The Prom, Jesus Christ Superstar
Best Lighting Design of a Play Or Musical
Emily Lovell (RENT)
Kyle Santopadre (Jesus Christ Superstar, Evil Dead The Musical)
Mary Garvey (The Prom)
Best Music Direction & Orchestra Performance
François Suhr (RENT)
Michael Gilch (The Prom)
Joe Wajda (Jesus Christ Superstar)
Jason Neri (Evil Dead The Musical)
Best Musical
RENT, Ragtime, The Prom, Evil Dead The Musical, Jesus Christ Superstar
Best Performer In A Musical
Nicholas Buonvicino (RENT)
Rebecca Grodek (The Prom)
Amanda Paige Philipson (West Side Story)
Michelle Elaine Lucey (Ragtime)
Cristian Rodriguez (RENT)
Rob Ryan (Evil Dead The Musical)
Best Scenic Design of Play Or Musical
Andrew Robinson (RENT)
Ashley Cusack (Ragtime, The Prom)
Kyle Santopadre (RENT, Evil Dead The Musical)
Scene from Ragtime, photo by John Posada
Best Sound Design Of A Play Or Musical
Mark Zuckerman (The Addams Family)
Best Supporting Performer In A Musical
Genesis Diaz-Hall (RENT)
Na’Jee Tariq (RENT)
Matt DeMarco (The Prom)
Fran Centofante Katz (The Prom)
Marisa Helene Mast (Evil Dead The Musical)
Favorite Local Theatre
Phoenix Productions
You can have your events appear here,
whenever someone reads an article about
Red Bank
click here for more information
EVENT PREVIEWS
Ritz Theatre Company presents 2026 One-Act Play Festival
(HADDON TOWNSHIP, NJ) -- The Ritz Theatre Company presents their 2026 One-Act Play Festival from August 28-29. The festival features one-act comedies from practicing and promised playwrights from around the world!
George Street Playhouse presents "Laura Benanti: Nobody Cares"
(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- George Street Playhouse presents Laura Benanti: Nobody Cares - a comedy show with original songs from August 26-30, 2026. Direct from an acclaimed run at Edinburgh Fringe and two sold-out Off-Broadway engagements comes this one-woman comedy show from the mind of Tony Award® winner Laura Benanti.
Spring Lake Theatre Company presents "Last Out: Elegy of a Green Beret"
(SPRING LAKE, NJ) -- Spring Lake Theatre Company presents two performances of Last Out: Elegy of a Green Beret from August 29-30, 2026. This is a one-act play from the experiences of America's longest war, blending heartfelt storytelling with a unique cast of combat veterans and military family members.
Bell Theater at Bell Works presents Broadway Sings for Aaron Lazar on August 31
(HOLMDEL, NJ) -- In 2022, as the world was finally coming out of COVID-19, Aaron Lazar was invited to return to the stage to lead the cast of The Bridges of Madison County, playing opposite Kate Baldwin at the Axelrod Performing Arts Center in Deal. Just days into rehearsal, Lazar received a diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, a progressive neurological disease with no known cure. Thus began Lazar's "extraordinary" journey.
Light Opera of New Jersey to Hold Auditions for "Amahl and The Night Visitors"
(BASKING RIDGE, NJ) -- Light Opera of New Jersey will hold auditions for Amahl and the Night Visitors, a heartwarming holiday opera, on August 27th and September 3rd from 7:00pm to 10:00pm. Callbacks will be on September 5th from 2:00pm to 5:00pm. Auditions will be in Basking Ridge. Registrants will be advised of exact location after registering. All roles are opened and paid.
Haddonfield Plays & Players presents "Marrying George Clooney: Confessions from a Midlife Crisis"
(HADDONFIELD, NJ) -- What happens when fantasy meets 50-something reality? Find out when Haddonfield Plays & Players presents Marrying George Clooney: Confessions from a Midlife Crisis from September 4-6, 2026. This is a sharp-witted, satirical play written by Amy Ferris and adapted from her best-selling memoir.
Fifth Annual Broadway in the Park concert to Take Place September 7th
(MAPLEWOOD, NJ) -- SOMA Stage presents the fifth annual Broadway in the Park concert on Labor Day, Monday, September 7, 2026 at the Memorial Park Amphitheater in Maplewood. This year's concert, Broadway in the Park: Let's Rock!, features Broadway's biggest rock and pop hits from the 1950s through today. Showtime is 4:30pm.
East Lynne Theater Company presents the New Jersey Premiere of "Lunar Eclipse" by Donald Margulies
(CAPE MAY, NJ) -- East Lynne Theater Company presents the New Jersey Premiere of Lunar Eclipse by Donald Margulies from August 27 through September 20, 2026. In the play, George has been waiting for this night – the seven stages of a lunar eclipse are viewable from the farm that he shares with his wife Em – and she decides to join him in taking in the view.
Nutley Little Theatre presents "A Doll's House, Part 2"
(NUTLEY, NJ) -- Fifteen years after leaving her family and stagnant marriage, Henrik Ibsen's Nora returns home in Lucas Hnath's A Doll's House Part 2. Nutley Little Theatre presents this sequel to Ibsen's classic play across three weekends from September 11-26, 2026.
Center Players to present "The Realistic Joneses" at the Jersey Shore Arts Center
(OCEAN GROVE, NJ) -- Center Players of Freehold will present The Realistic Joneses by Will Eno as its first Signature Series production of the 2026-27 season. Directed by Center Players’ Artistic Director Michael Tota, the production will run from October 2-4 at the Herbst Theatre at the Jersey Shore Arts Center in Ocean Grove, marking the first time Center Players has performed in the venue.
