Kelsey Theater, located on Mercer College’s West Windsor campus offers a year-round season of community theater presented by 10 resident theater companies. The annual awards night is Saturday, August 11, at 7 p.m. at the theater. Be prepared for an evening of performances, cameos, song, and dance. Tickets are $12.
There will be performances by the casts of “Aida,” “Camelot, “A Chorus Line,” “Urinetown: The Musical,” the Kelsey Theater Dance Squad, and special vocal and comedy performances. The show is hosted by Kyrus Keenan Westcott and Dominick Sannelli.
Bob Terrano, a resident of West Windsor, is receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award. He is the coordinator of Mercer County Community College’s Entertainment Technology program and a frequent collaborator with resident Kelsey production companies. Terrano did the lights for “A Chorus Line,” “Pirates of Penzance,” and “Hairspray,” and sound design for Pirates.
“His knowledge of theatrical lights and sound are unmatched by any in the Kelsey community,” says Kitty Getlik, artistic director of the theater. “He has pushed the technical limit of theatrical productions his entire life, and the Kelsey Theater is quite fortunate to have such a talented lighting designer in their midst, dedicating his entire life to helping performers shine bright on the stage.”
The nominees with West Windsor and Plainsboro connections and their categories include:
Outstanding Sound Design for a Play or Musical: Dan Maurer, Matt Shoppas, and Laurie Gougher for “Aida”; Dan Maurer and John M. Maurer for “The Drowsy Chaperone”; and Bob Terrano and the E.T.T. Students for “Pirates of Penzance.”
Outstanding Costume Design for a Play or Musical: John M. Maurer, Diana Gilman Maurer, Tina Heinze, Kathy Slothower, and Laurie Gougher for “Aida”; Tina Heinze, Frank Ferrara, and the Cast for “A Chorus Line”; and Kathy Slothower, John M. Maurer, and Debbie Sills for “The Drowsy Chaperone.”
Outstanding Lighting Design for a Play or Musical: Bob Terrano for “A Chorus Line.”
Outstanding Set Design for a Play or Musical: John M. Maurer, Jeff Cantor, and Amy Bessellieu for “The Drowsy Chaperone”; and John M. Maurer, Jeff Cantor, and Amy Bessellieu for “Aida.”
Outstanding Young Lead Actor or Actress in a Play or Musical: Kristen Kane, Tracy Turnblad in “Hairspray.”
Outstanding Vocal Direction: Shannon Ferrara for “A Chorus Line.”
Outstanding Director of a Play: John M. Maurer for “Laughter on the 23rd Floor.”
Outstanding Director of a Musical: Frank Ferrara for “A Chorus Line”; Dan Maurer for “Aida”; and John M. Maurer for “The Drowsy Chaperone.”
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Play or Musical: Frank Ferrara, Officer Barrel in “Urinetown: The Musical”; Dan Slothower, Underling in “The Drowsy Chaperone.”
Outstanding Lead Actor in a Musical: Ethan Levy, Mickey in “Blood Brothers.”
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Musical: Meera Mohan, Aida in “Aida.”
Outstanding Production of a Play: “Laughter on the 23rd Floor,” Maurer Productions OnStage, Producer: John M. Maurer.
Outstanding Production of a Musical: “Urinetown: The Musical,” Pennington Players, Producer: Frank Ferrara; “Aida,” Maurer Productions OnStage, Producers: John M. Maurer, Diana Gilman Maurer, and Dan Maurer; and “The Drowsy Chaperone,” Maurer Productions OnStage, Producers: John M. Maurer, Diana Gilman Maurer, and Dan Maurer.
Award Night, Kelsey Theater, Mercer County Community College, 1200 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor. Saturday, August 11, 7 p.m. Award show that celebrates and recognizes shows and performances from the past season. Performances, skits, and awards. $12. 609-570-3333. www.kelseyawards.weebly.com.
