Back row, from left, are “Hairspray” cast members Joe Philipoom, Mike Cash, Michael Clendenin and Taylor Young; in middle, from left, are Madeline DeFreece, Chaz Coffin, Amanda Mason, Cathy Arnold and Ellen Woodstock; and front row, from left, are Cole Smith, Brittany Washington and Taylin Frame. Photo by Bonnie Hobbs.
Centreville — Two musical productions of the Centreville-based, community-theater company, The Alliance Theatre — “Hairspray” and “Little Shop of Horrors — have been nominated for a number of WATCH awards for last year's season.
WATCH stands for the Washington Area Theatre Community Honors.
Judges from the area's community theatres attend and critique each show and, last year, they attended 127 shows from 32 area theaters.
“This is The Alliance Theatre’s first year in WATCH, so receiving a number of nominations is really amazing,” said “Hairspray” Director Annie Ermlick. “TAT is thrilled and honored to have been nominated for these awards during our first year — and with two musicals.”
“We thank everyone involved for their support, and we congratulate all who brought their passion, talents and hard-work ethic to TAT and these show,” she continued. “We also thank all the WATCH judges and the WATCH members and board.”
The awards ceremony will be held March 11 at The Birchmere in Alexandria. Nominations are as follows:
“Hairspray” – Outstanding Musical; Director - Annie Ermlick; Outstanding Featured Actor - Chaz Coffin; Costumes - Michelle Bogert; Sound - Bill Johnson; Hair - Maureen Clum, Julie Perez and Derek Critzer.
“Little Shop of Horrors” – Outstanding Lead Actor - Anthony Ingargiola; Outstanding Lead Actress - Laura Fontaine; Outstanding Featured Actor - Alex Bedont (the voice of the plant); Props - Derek Critzer and Dawne LeKang; and Set Decoration - Dawne LeKang.
For tickets and information about the Awards Ceremony, go to the WATCH website at www.washingtontheatre.org. A small group of the “Hairspray” cast will perform a number at the ceremony.