Kent, OH – Local theatre critics recently honored Porthouse Theatre, 5X’s summer professional theatre, for achievements during the theatre’s 2015 season. The theatre’s 2015 productions were recognized in multiple categories including acting, directing, musical direction, choreography, and costume and scenic design.
Cleveland Jewish News critic Bob Abelman recognized associate professor Jonathan Swoboda as the year’s Best Musical Director for his work on “A Little Night Music.” In his “Best Theatre of 2015” article, Abelman applauded Swoboda’s “superb musical direction” and praised his ability to capture the production’s complex musical numbers using a string quintet.
The Cleveland Critics Circle recognized 9 members of the 2015 Porthouse Theatre company in their annual Cleveland Critics Circle Awards. The Awards recognize outstanding Cleveland area productions, performers, directors and designers who contribute to the professional theatre scene.
- 5X assistant professor Amy Fritsche won Best Actress in a Musical for her portrayal of Violet in “Violet.”
- Kent State associate professor Jonathan Swoboda won for Best Musical Direction for “A Little Night Music.” Swoboda also received Superior Achievement recognition in the Musical Direction category for “Hairspray.”
- Porthouse’s productions of “A Little Night Music” and “Violet” received Superior Achievement recognition in the Best Musical Production category.
- John R. Crawford-Spinelli, Dean of Kent State’s College of the Arts, received Superior Achievement recognition in the Best Choreographer category for “Hairspray.”
- Kent State assistant professor Jennifer Korecki received Superior Achievement recognition in the Best Musical Direction category for “Violet.”
- Kent State associate professor S.Q. Campbell received Superior Achievement recognition in the Best Costume Design category for “A Little Night Music.”
- Jared Dixon received Superior Achievement twice in the Best Actor in a Musical category for his performances in “Violet” and “Hairspray.”
- Lucy Anders received Superior Achievement in the Best Actress in a Musical category for her performance in “A Little Night Music.”
- Sean Morrissey received Superior Achievement recognition in the Best Direction of a Musical category for his direction of “A Little Night Music.”
- Steven C. Anderson received Superior Achievement recognition in the Best Direction of a Musical category for his direction of “Violet.”
Porthouse Theatre’s 2015 season was also recognized by American Critics Association critic and BroadwayWorld.com contributor Roy Berko in his “2015 Times Theater Tributes.”
- Porthouse Theatre’s production of “Violet” won in the Outstanding Musical Production category. The theatre’s production of “Hairspray” was also recognized in the category.
- Assistant professor Amy Fritsche won in the Outstanding Performance by a Female in a Musical category for “Violet.”
- Associate professor Jonathan Swoboda won in the Outstanding Musical Director category for “Hairspray.”
- Steven C. Anderson won in the Outstanding Director of a Musical Category.
- Professor and Porthouse producing artistic director Terri Kent was recognized in the Outstanding Director of a Musical category for “Hairspray.”
- Kent State professor and College of the Arts dean John R. Crawford-Spinelli was recognized in the Outstanding Choreography in a Theatre Production category for “Hairspray.”
- Assistant professor Jennifer Korecki was recognized in the Outstanding Musical Director category for “Violet.”
- Associate professor S.Q. Campbell was recognized in the Outstanding Costume Design category for “A Little Night Music.”
- Kent State alumnus Nolan O’Dell was recognized in the Outstanding Scenic Design category for “Hairspray.”
- Jared Dixon was recognized in the Outstanding Performance by a Male in a Musical category for “Violet” and “Hairspray.”
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Media Contact:
Joni Koneval, 330-672-0116, jkoneval@kent.edu