Yes, it's about that time again - there's a lull in local production over the Memorial Day hump which makes this an ideal moment to look back at the outstanding achievements in local theatre for the second half of the spring season. Someday, these honorees may receive a plexiglass statue of Michael Phelps (above) holding a globe or lightning bolt or something; till then, however, they have to be satisfied with a piece of text on this blog - along with the knowledge, of course, that I refer to the Hubbies to generate my suggestions for next year's IRNEs.

So without further ado, let's get to it -

Best Ensembles

My Fair Lady, Stoneham Theatre -Michael Buckley, Neil A. Casey, Paul Farwell, Steve Gagliastro, Russell Garrett, Eric Hamel, Shannon Lee Jones, Robyn Elizabeth Lee, Jeff Mahoney, Angelo McDonough, Olivia Miller, Deb Poppel, Ilyse Robbins, Ann Marie Shea, Timothy John Smith, Meredith Stypinski, Scott Sweatt, directed by Caitlin Lowans


Robyn Elizabeth Lee is serenaded by Eric Hamel, Jeff Mahoney, Scott Sweatt and Angelo McDonough in My Fair Lady.

Great American Trailer Park Musical, SpeakEasy Stage - Leigh Barrett, Mary Callanan, Kerry A. Dowling, Santina Umbach, David Benoit, Caitlin Crosbie Doonan, Grant MacDermott, directed by Paul Daigneault

Hot Mikado, New Rep - Jordan Ahnquist, Edward M. Barker, Calvin Braxton, Cheo Bourne, David Costa, Michele A. DeLuca, McCaela Donovan, Aimee Doherty, Alaina Fragoso, Kennedy Reilly-Pugh, Lisa Yuen, directed by Kate Warner

Best Individual Performances

Paula Plum - Blithe Spirit, Lyric Stage

Jen O'Connor - Family Stories, Whistler in the Dark

Kerry A. Dowling, Santina Umbach (at left) - Great American Trailer Park Musical, SpeakEasy Stage

Karen MacDonald - The Blonde, the Brunette, and the Vengeful Redhead, Merrimack Repertory Theatre

Timothy John Smith, Robyn Lee, Russell Garrett, Paul Farwell - My Fair Lady, Stoneham Theatre

Nancy E. Carroll, Trad, Tir Na

Jason Bowen, Denise Marie - Othello, Actors' Shakespeare Project

Shelley Bolman, Bates Wilder - Opus, New Rep

Seth Fisher, Wendy Hoopes - Becky Shaw, Huntington Theatre

Best Direction

Jim Petosa, Opus, New Rep

Best Music Direction

Chauncey Moore (with Danny Holgate) - Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill, Lyric Stage

Best Design

James P. Byrne, scenic design - The Little Mermaid, Wheelock Family Theatre

Frances Nelson McSherry , costume design - Hot Mikado, New Rep

Cristina Tedesco, scenic design - Opus, New Rep