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
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(LINDEN, NJ) -- Mystic Vision Players presents Seussical, the Musical across two weekends from July 24 through August 1, 2026 in the Susan L. Hudak Auditorium inside Linden High School. The musical features a Book by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty; Music by Stephen Flaherty; and Lyrics by Lynn Ahrens. It was Co-Conceived by Eric Idle and Based on the Works of Theodor Geisel (Dr. Seuss).
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(WILLIAMSTOWN, NJ) -- The Road Company presents The Wizard of Oz: Youth Edition from July 30 through August 1, 2026. This is a 60-minute, kid-friendly stage adaptation of the classic 1939 film. It follows Dorothy Gale and her dog Toto as a tornado sweeps them to Oz. Joined by new friends, Dorothy must outsmart the Wicked Witch to ask the Wizard for a way home.
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