Celebrating Innovation: The 68th Obie Awards Honor Off-Broadway Excellence
Last night, the theater community tuned in to NY1’s On Stage, hosted by Frank DiLella on Spectrum News, as the winners of the 68th Obie Awards were announced. The ceremony, presented by the American Theater Wing, celebrated the best of off-Broadway and off-off-Broadway theater for productions that opened between September 1, 2023, and August 31, 2024.The Obie Awards, established in 1955 by The Village Voice, have long been a hallmark of recognition for boundary-pushing theater. This year’s event, co-hosted by 2024 Obie winners Marla Mindelle and Ryan J. Haddad, highlighted the creativity and innovation that define the off-Broadway scene.
A Season of Diverse Achievements
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This year’s awards expanded thier scope to include not only live in-person performances but also virtual, digital, and audio works presented during the 2023-24 season. The categories,intentionally informal,allowed for limitless possibilities in recognizing excellence. Notable exceptions to this adaptability included the lifetime Achievement Award, Best new American Play, the Ross Wetzsteon Award Grant, and the Michael Feingold Award.
The Ross Wetzsteon Award Grant is presented to theaters that nurture innovative new plays,while the Michael feingold Award recognizes contributions in criticism,dramaturgy,translation,scholarship,mentorship,and education.
Meet the Judges
The panel of judges for the 68th Obie Awards was a star-studded ensemble of theater luminaries. Among them were award-winning writer and director Aya Ogawa,playwright and actor David Greenspan,Playbill Editor-in-Chief Diep Tran,and actor Heather Alicia Simms.Multi-hyphenate artist Modesto “Flako” Jimenez, Nikiya Mathis, Ryan J. Haddad, and Obie-winning director Taylor Reynolds also lent their expertise.
Returning to the panel were scenic designer Wilson Chin and playwright Haruna Lee, who served as co-chairs. Their collective experience and passion for theater ensured that this year’s winners truly represented the best of the season.
A Legacy of Excellence
The Obie Awards continue to honor the bold and the groundbreaking in theater. With over 300 productions considered each season, the awards remain a vital platform for recognizing the people and performances that push the boundaries of the art form.
| Key highlights of the 68th Obie Awards |
|——————————————–|
| Hosts | Marla mindelle, Ryan J. Haddad |
| Broadcast | NY1’s On Stage on Spectrum News |
| Eligible Works | Live, virtual, digital, and audio performances |
| Notable Awards | lifetime Achievement, Best New American Play, Ross Wetzsteon Award Grant, Michael Feingold Award |
As the curtain falls on another season, the Obie Awards remind us of the power of theater to inspire, challenge, and transform. For a full list of winners and more details, visit the official Obie Awards website.
Stay tuned for next year’s ceremony, where the theater community will onc again come together to celebrate the magic of off-Broadway.
68th Obie Awards Celebrate Theater Excellence with $250,000 in Grants
The American Theatre Wing has announced the winners of the 68th Obie Awards, honoring outstanding achievements in theater.In a departure from tradition, the annual awards ceremony has been replaced with a private reception on February 10, where winners will be celebrated and awarded grants totaling $250,000. This innovative approach,made possible by an anonymous donation,ensures that funds go directly to the artists,supporting their continued growth and contributions to the theater community.
Outstanding New Play and Playwriting
This year’s Outstanding New Play award goes to Jeremy Tiang for Salesman, a production by Yangtze Repertory Theatre and Gung Ho Projects. Tiang’s work has been praised for its compelling narrative and cultural depth.
In the Playwriting category, Ife Olujobi was recognized for Jordans, presented at The Public Theater, while Ariel Stess took home the award for Kara & Emma & Barbara & Miranda, a production by The Tank and New Georges. Both plays have been celebrated for their innovative storytelling and bold themes.
excellence in Directing
the Directing category showcased a diverse range of talent. Zhailon Levingston and Bill Rauch were honored for their direction of Cats: The Jellicle Ball at the Perelman Performing Arts Center, with choreography by Arturo Lyons and Omari Wiles.
nicHi douglas received accolades for both direction and choreography in (pray), a collaboration between Ars Nova and the National Black theatre.Jack Serio was recognized for his work on The Animal Kingdom and On Set With Theda Bara, presented by Transport Group at the lucille Lortel Theatre.
Rounding out the category, Tiffany Nichole Greene was celebrated for her direction of Covenant at the Roundabout Theatre Company.
Sustained Achievement in Directing
Sarah Benson was honored with the Sustained Achievement in Directing award for her work on Teeth at Playwrights Horizons and The Welkin at the Atlantic Theater Company. Benson’s consistent excellence and innovative approach to theater have solidified her as a leading figure in the industry.
A New Era for the Obie Awards
The decision to replace the customary ceremony with grants reflects the American Theatre Wing’s commitment to supporting artists directly. This shift, funded by an anonymous donation, ensures that the winners can continue to create impactful work.
Key Winners at a Glance
| Category | Winner | Production |
|———————————-|————————————-|—————————————–|
| Outstanding New Play | jeremy Tiang | Salesman |
| Playwriting | Ife Olujobi | Jordans |
| Playwriting | Ariel Stess | Kara & Emma & Barbara & Miranda |
| Directing | Zhailon Levingston & Bill rauch | Cats: The Jellicle Ball |
| Directing | nicHi douglas | (pray) |
| Directing | Jack Serio | The Animal Kingdom & On Set With Theda Bara |
| Directing | Tiffany Nichole Greene | Covenant |
| sustained Achievement in Directing | Sarah Benson | Teeth & The Welkin |
The 68th Obie Awards not only celebrate the best in theater but also pave the way for a more sustainable future for artists. By directly funding their work, the American Theatre Wing ensures that the magic of theater continues to thrive.
Stay tuned for more updates on the winners and their upcoming projects. For a deeper dive into the world of theater, explore the American Theatre Wing’s initiatives and support the arts in your community.
Celebrating Excellence in Theater: A Look at the Latest Achievements
The theater world continues to shine with remarkable performances, innovative designs, and sustained achievements across New York’s vibrant stages. From standout productions to the creative minds behind the scenes, here’s a closer look at the highlights that have captivated audiences and critics alike.
Standout Performances
Cole Escola’s portrayal in Oh, Mary! (Alchemation/Mike & Carlee Productions) has been a tour de force, earning widespread acclaim for its comedic brilliance and emotional depth.Gabby Beans’ performance in Jonah (Roundabout Theatre Company) has also been a standout,showcasing her versatility and commanding stage presence.In Scene Partners (Vineyard theatre), Dianne Wiest and johanna Day delivered a masterclass in acting, their chemistry and nuanced performances leaving audiences spellbound. Meanwhile, Nathan Lee Graham’s role in Orlando (signature Theatre Company) has been celebrated for its charisma and transformative energy.
sustained Achievement in Performance
The Bengsons, known for their composing and performing talents, brought their unique artistry to The Keep Going Songs (LCT3), further cementing their reputation as innovators in musical theater. Greg Keller’s performances in Dig (59E59),Pre-Existing Condition (Jesse Eisenberg/Charlie Kaufman/OHenry Productions/The Cohn Sisters/Jessica Chase/Taylor Williams),and Staff Meal (Playwrights Horizons) have demonstrated his remarkable range and dedication to the craft.
Design Excellence
Greg Corbino’s production design for Snatch Adams & Tainty McCracken Present It’s That Time of the Month (SoHo Repertory) has been praised for its creativity and bold aesthetic. Oana Botez’s costumes for Orlando (Signature Theatre Company) added a layer of visual storytelling,enhancing the production’s immersive experience.
Stacey Derosier’s lighting designs for Daphne (Lincoln Center Theater), On Set With Theda Bara (Transport Group/Lucille Lortel Theatre), The Animal Kingdom (Jack Serio), The Refuge Plays (Roundabout Theatre Company/New York Theatre Workshop), The Welkin (Atlantic Theater Company), and united States V. Gupta (JACK/New Georges) have consistently elevated the visual impact of these productions.
Sustained Achievement in Design
Adam Honoré’s lighting work in The Lonely Few (MCC Theater), Cats: the Jellicle Ball (Perelman Performing Arts Center), and I Can get It for You Wholesale (Classic Stage Company) has been a testament to his skill and vision. Jian Jung’s set designs for Staff Meal (Playwrights Horizons), The Following Evening (Perelman Performing Arts Center/Talking Band/600 HIGHWAYMEN), zoetrope (Caborca/Abrons Arts Center), and 9 Kinds of Silence (PlayCo) have brought stories to life with striking originality.
Special Citations
The ensemble of Cats: The Jellicle Ball (Perelman performing Arts Center) received a special citation for their dynamic and cohesive performance.The cast includes Jonathan Burke, Baby byrne, Tara Lashan Clinkscales, Antwayn Hopper, André De Shields, Sydney James Harcourt, Dava Huesca, Dudney Joseph Jr.,capital Kaos,Junior LaBeija,robert “Silk” Mason,Shereen Pimentel,“Tempress” Chasity Moore,Primo,Xavier Reyes,Nora Schell,Bebe Nicole Simpson,Emma Sofia,Phumzile Sojola,Frank Viveros,Kendall Grayson Stroud,Garnet Williams,Teddy Wilson Jr., Shelby Griswold, and Dominique Lee.Raja Feather Kelly, creator and director of The Fires (SoHo Rep), along with the ensemble—Beau Badu, Sheldon Best, Phillip James Brannon, Janelle McDermoth, Ronald Peet, Jon-Michael Reese, Jason Veasey, and Michelle Wilson—were also recognized for their extraordinary work.Milo Cramer and Morgan Green’s collaboration on School Pictures (Playwrights Horizons) was celebrated for its innovative storytelling and heartfelt performance. Normandy Sherwood’s production design and concept for Psychic Self Defence (Here/Dream Music) added a unique and imaginative dimension to the production.
| Category | highlights |
|———————————-|——————————————————————————-|
| Performance | Cole Escola (Oh,Mary!),Gabby Beans (Jonah),Dianne Wiest & Johanna Day (Scene partners),Nathan lee Graham (Orlando) |
| Sustained Achievement | The Bengsons (The Keep Going Songs),Greg Keller (Dig,Pre-Existing Condition,Staff Meal) |
| Design | Greg Corbino (Snatch Adams & Tainty McCracken),Oana Botez (Orlando),Stacey Derosier (Daphne,On Set With Theda Bara,the Animal Kingdom,The Refuge Plays,The Welkin,United States V. Gupta) |
| Sustained Achievement in Design | Adam Honoré (The Lonely Few, Cats: The Jellicle Ball, I Can Get It for You Wholesale), Jian Jung (Staff Meal, the Following Evening, Zoetrope, 9 Kinds of Silence) |
| Special Citations | Ensemble of Cats: The Jellicle Ball, Raja Feather Kelly & Ensemble of The Fires, Milo Cramer & Morgan Green (School Pictures), Normandy Sherwood (Psychic Self Defense) |
These achievements highlight the incredible talent and creativity driving New York’s theater scene. Whether through captivating performances, innovative designs, or sustained contributions, these artists continue to push the boundaries of what theater can achieve.For more insights into these productions and their creators, explore the links embedded throughout this article.Let us know your thoughts on these standout performances and designs in the comments below!
Celebrating Excellence in Theater: Lifetime Achievements, Grants, and Awards
The theater world recently celebrated its brightest stars and most innovative projects at a prestigious awards ceremony.From lifetime achievements to groundbreaking grants, the event highlighted the creativity and dedication of artists and organizations shaping the industry. Here’s a closer look at the winners and their remarkable contributions.
Lifetime Achievement Honors
Charles Busch, the acclaimed writer, was recognized for his work on Ibsen’s Ghost: An Irresponsible Biographical Fantasy. Produced by Primary Stages, George Street Playhouse, and a team of notable producers including Daryl Roth, Ted snowdon, and jamie deRoy, the play has been praised for its imaginative take on Henrik Ibsen’s legacy.
Kristin Marting, Founding Artistic Director Emeritus of HERE, was also honored for her decades of leadership in fostering experimental and interdisciplinary theater.The collaborative trio of Paul Zimet, Ellen Maddow, and Tina Shepard received accolades for their works The Following Evening and Shimmer and Herringbone. These productions, presented by Perelman Performing Arts Center, Talking Band, and 600 HIGHWAYMEN, showcase their commitment to innovative storytelling and ensemble-driven performances.
Theater Grants Supporting Diverse Voices
Several organizations received grants to further their missions of amplifying underrepresented voices in theater. The Criminal Queerness Festival, presented by National Queer theater, continues to champion LGBTQ+ stories and artists. Out of the Box Theatrics and Braata Productions were also recognized for their dedication to inclusive and diverse programming.
The 1/52 Project and Tectonic Theater Project were awarded grants for their efforts in pushing the boundaries of theatrical form and content, ensuring that the stage remains a space for bold, thought-provoking work.
Special Awards
The Ross Wetzsteon Award was presented to Theater Mitu, a company known for its experimental and global approach to theater-making. Meanwhile, 3Views On Theater received the Michael Feingold Award, celebrating their contributions to theater criticism and discourse.
Catch the Festivity
The awards ceremony will be re-aired on NY1 and available online at NY1.com and the Spectrum News app. Tune in on Saturday, February 1, at 10:30 pm, or Sunday, February 2, at 7:30 and 10:30 pm, to relive the inspiring moments.| Category | Winner(s) | Work/Organization |
|—————————-|——————————————————————————|————————————————————————————–|
| Lifetime Achievement | Charles Busch | Ibsen’s Ghost: An Irresponsible Biographical Fantasy |
| | Kristin marting | Founding Artistic Director Emeritus of HERE |
| | Paul Zimet, Ellen Maddow, Tina Shepard | The Following Evening and Shimmer and Herringbone |
| Theater Grants | Criminal Queerness Festival | National Queer Theater |
| | Out of the Box Theatrics, Braata Productions, The 1/52 Project, Tectonic Theater Project | |
| Ross Wetzsteon Award | Theater Mitu | |
| Michael feingold Award | 3Views On Theater | |
Congratulations to all the winners for their outstanding contributions to the world of theater!
Exploring the 2024 Theater awards: Honoring excellence in Theater
Editor: Let’s dive into the recent theater awards. Could you provide an overview of the highlights?
Guest: Absolutely! The 2024 theater awards celebrated a range of groundbreaking contributions to the theater world. From recognizing lifetime achievements to honoring innovative companies, the ceremony was a testament to the vibrancy of the theater community.Notably,charles Busch was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award for his work on Ibsen’s Ghost: An Irresponsible Biographical Fantasy. Additionally, Kristin Marting was honored for her role as Founding Artistic Director emeritus of HERE.
Editor: what about the special awards? Could you elaborate on those?
Guest: Certainly! the Ross Wetzsteon Award was presented to Theater Mitu, a company renowned for its experimental and global approach to theater-making. This award highlights their dedication to pushing the boundaries of theatrical form and content. Conversely, 3Views On Theater received the Michael Feingold Award, which celebrates their exceptional contributions to theater criticism and discourse. Both awards underscore the importance of innovation and thoughtful engagement in the theater world.
Editor: Were there any notable theater grants awarded?
Guest: Yes, several organizations were recognized for their efforts. The Criminal Queerness Festival, organized by the National Queer Theater, received a grant for their impactful work. Other recipients included Out of the Box Theatrics,Braata Productions,The 1/52 Project,and Tectonic Theater Project. these grants support organizations that are fostering bold, thought-provoking work on stage.
Editor: How can audiences relive the ceremony?
Guest: The awards ceremony will be re-aired on NY1 and available online at NY1.com and the Spectrum News app. Viewers can tune in on Saturday, February 1, at 10:30 pm, or Sunday, February 2, at 7:30 and 10:30 pm. It’s a fantastic prospect to experiance the inspiring moments and celebrate the winners’ achievements.
Editor: What’s the key takeaway from this year’s awards?
Guest: The 2024 theater awards underscore the diversity and creativity thriving in the theater community. From honoring lifetime achievements to supporting innovative projects, these awards remind us of the power of theater to challenge, inspire, and provoke thought. Congratulations to all the winners for their outstanding contributions!