Wright State Theatre recognized among Miami Valley’s best

Wright State Theatre’s production of “1776,” directed and choreographed by Greg Helms, professor and head of musical theatre, was named Best Collegiate Musical by the Dayton Daily News for the 2025–26 season. (Photos by Erin Pence)

Wright State University Theatre students and faculty earned top honors in the Dayton Daily News’ annual roundup of the Miami Valley’s best theatre productions and performances of the 2025–26 season.

In his annual review of the theatre season, Russell Florence Jr., the team leader/coordinator of the Dayton Daily News Lifestyles, praised Wright State’s production of “Only in New York,” calling it an “incredibly catchy and promising R&B musical bolstered by a ‘Hamilton’ essence, and the “remarkably relevant, gender-swapped” production of “1776.”

Florence also selected Wright State’s “The History Boys” and “1776” as the Miami Valley’s area collegiate play and musical, respectively.

“Wright State Theatre strives to train the next generation of professional performers, designers and technicians in front of the eyes of our loyal patrons,” said Marya Spring Cordes, artistic director of theatre and dance and associate chair of the School of Fine and Performing Arts. “It is an honor to be recognized for our excellent standard amongst all of the theatre-makers telling stories in the Dayton region.”

The Dayton Daily News named musical theatre major Sarah Rowell the Best Leading Actress in a Musical for her portrayal of John Adams in “1776.”

Wright State Theatre’s top honors

Wright State Theatre students, faculty and productions received the following top awards:

• Best Collegiate Play: “The History Boys” (directed by guest director Jason Podplesky)
• Best Collegiate Musical: “1776” (directed and choreographed by Greg Helms, professor and head of musical theatre)
• Best New Work and Best Original Score: Ronvé O’Daniel, assistant professor of musical theatre, for “Only in New York”
• Best Leading Actress in a Musical: Sarah Rowell, senior musical theatre major, as John Adams in “1776”
• Best Local Choreography: Ashley Pabst, instructor of dance, for “The Wedding Singer”

Additional nominations

Wright State Theatre also received numerous nominations across the region:

Best Collegiate Musical: “Only in New York” and “The Wedding Singer”

Breakthrough Male Performance in a Play: Luke Niehaus, sophomore musical theatre major, as Scripps, “The History Boys”

Breakthrough Female Performance in a Musical: Miranda Morrissette, senior musical theatre major, as Julia Sullivan, “The Wedding Singer,” and Ainsley Smith, sophomore musical theatre major, as Benjamin Franklin, “1776”

Best Leading Actress in a Musical: Elisa Pacheco, senior acting major, as Kenya, “Only in New York”

The cast of “Only in New York,” named the Best New Work by the Dayton Daily News.

Best Supporting Actor in a Play: Aidan Edwards, senior musical theatre major, as Irwin, “The History Boys”

Best Supporting Actress in a Play: Kayleigh Gleeson, senior acting major, as Mrs. Lintott, “The History Boys”

Best Supporting Actress in a Musical: Grace Goodwin, senior musical theatre major, as John Dickinson, “1776,” and Elise Parks, musical theatre major, as Edward Rutledge, “1776”

Best Direction of a Musical: Marya Spring Cordes, artistic director of theatre and dance, “Only in New York”

Best Costume Design of a Musical: Zoë Still, instructor of design/technology, “1776” and “The Wedding Singer”

Best Orchestra: “1776,” F. Wade Russo, musical director

Best Lighting Design of a Play: Levi T. Fravel, junior design/technology major, “The History Boys”

Wright State Theatre’s production “The History Boys,” directed by guest director Jason Podplesky, was honored as Best Collegiate Play by the Dayton Daily News.