Wright State Theatre productions saluted by Dayton Daily News as among area’s best in 2022–23

Wright State Theatre’s production of “On the Town” was named the Best Collegiate Production of a Musical. It was directed by Joe Deer, distinguished professor of musical theatre, who was honored for Best Direction of a Musical. (Photos by Erin Pence)

Wright State University Theatre students and faculty members were saluted for their excellent performances in a roundup of the best Miami Valley productions in 2022–23 by the Dayton Daily News.

In an article reviewing the theatre season, Russell Florence Jr., the Lifestyles team leader/coordinator for the Dayton Daily News and Dayton.com, included Wright State Theatre’s productions as among the best in the area.

“Wright State University fired on all cylinders with a range of material embracing feel-good fun (“Sister Act,” “On the Town”), sophisticated intellectualism (“Arcadia”) and timely drama (“The Laramie Project”),” said Florence, who received a bachelor’s degree in mass communications from Wright State.

Florence named Wright State Theatre’s productions of “Arcadia” and “On the Town” as the best area university productions in the 2022–23 season.

“Arcadia” was named the Best Collegiate Production of a Play. It was directed by Marya Spring Cordes, professor of acting and musical theatre and artistic director of the Wright State Theatre Program, who was honored for Best Direction of a Play.

Two students were also recognized for their work in “Arcadia.”

Acting major Julie Murphy was honored for the Breakthrough Female Performance in a Play for her portrayal of Thomasina Coverly, and design/technology major Sean Hannah was honored for Best Costume Design of the Play.

Wright State’s productions of “The Laramie Project” and “The Mousetrap” were also nominated for best collegiate play.

Acting major Julie Murphy was honored for the Breakthrough Female Performance in a Play for her portrayal of Thomasina Coverly in “Arcadia.”

“On the Town” was named the Best Collegiate Production of a Musical. It was directed by Joe Deer, distinguished professor of musical theatre, who was honored for Best Direction of a Musical.

Guest artist Josh Walden, a long-time Broadway performer who directs and choreographs across the United States, was honored for Best Local Choreography for his original choreography in “On the Town.”

“On the Town” featured Wright State Theatre’s largest musical ensemble and a 19-piece onstage orchestra that included students and faculty from the School of Fine and Performing Arts and local professional musicians.

Wright State’s productions of “Bright Star” and “Sister Act” were also nominated for best collegiate musical.

“An Evening of Sondheim,” a joint production of the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra and Wright State theatre and music programs, was named a runner-up for Best Special Theatrical Event.

The concert featured Wright State musical theatre majors and a School of Fine and Performing Arts Chorale, which was led by Nathan Nagir, D.M.A., director of choral studies at Wright State. Deer; Greg Hellems, head of musical theatre; F. Wade Russo, instructor of musical theatre; and Matt Ebright, staff music director, helped produce the concert.

Matthew P. Benjamin, professor of theatre and head of the Theatre Design and Technology Program at Wright State, was also honored for Best Lighting Design of a Musical for The Human Race Theatre Company’s production of “Indigo.”

Wright State Theatre’s production of “Arcadia” was named the Best Collegiate Production of a Play. It was directed by Marya Spring Cordes, professor of acting and musical theatre and artistic director of the Wright State Theatre Program, who was honored for Best Direction of a Play.

Wright State contenders recognized

Numerous Wright State students and faculty members also received nominations as contenders from the Dayton Daily News, including:

Best Leading Actor in a Play: Kyle Channell as Septimus Hodge, “Arcadia”; Theo Karras as Detective Sergeant Trotter, “The Mousetrap”; and Richard Yannotti as Bernard Nightingale, “Arcadia”

Best Leading Actress in a Play: Kathryn Carter as Mollie Ralston, “The Mousetrap”

Best Leading Actor in a Musical: Tanner Gleeson as Gabey, “On the Town”

Best Leading Actress in a Musical: Alexis Ariana as Deloris Van Cartier, “Sister Act”

Best Supporting Actor in a Play: Desmond Kingston as Valentine Coverly, “Arcadia” and Matthew Shanahan in multiple roles, “The Laramie Project”

Best Supporting Actress in a Play: Zavi Odetta in multiple roles, “The Laramie Project”

Best Supporting Actor in a Musical: Ben Ohnemus as Chip, “On the Town”

Best Supporting Actress in a Musical: Melissa Matarrese as Claire de Loone and Amy Van Dyke as Ivy Smith, “On the Town”

Breakthrough Male Performance in a Play: Ni-Ni Denker in multiple roles and Danny Dobbins in multiple roles, “The Laramie Project”

Breakthrough Female Performance in a Play: Julia Hoff in multiple roles, “The Laramie Project,” Elaine Mueller in multiple roles, “The Laramie Project,” and Alex Muhlenkamp as Lady Croom, “Arcadia”

Breakthrough Male Performance in a Musical: John Cuozzo as Ozzie, “On the Town”

Best Direction of a Play: Josh Aaron McCabe, “The Laramie Project,” and Jason Podplesky, “The Mousetrap”

Best Direction of a Musical: Greg Hellems, “Sister Act”

Best Local Choreography: Greg Hellems and Victoria Henwood, “Sister Act”

Best Scenic Design of a Play: Dick Block, “The Mousetrap,” and Michael S. Brewer, “Arcadia”

Best Scenic Design of a Musical: Pam Knauert Lavarnway, “Sister Act”

Best Costume Design of a Play: Caroline Wieland, “The Mousetrap”

Best Costume Design of a Musical: Zoe Still, “On the Town”

Best Lighting Design of a Play: Matthew P. Benjamin, “Arcadia” and “The Mousetrap,” and Alexander Markley, “The Laramie Project”

Best Sound Design of a Play: James Dunlap, “Arcadia” and “The Mousetrap”

Best Sound Design of a Musical: James Dunlap, “On the Town”

Best Orchestra: “Bright Star,” Music Direction: Matt Ebright; and “On the Town,” Music Direction: F. Wade Russo

Best Properties: John Lavarnway, “Arcadia”