For the second consecutive year, Loyola’s Department of Theatre Arts and Dance has won the 2018 Big Easy Entertainment award for “Best University Production,” this time for Loyola Theatre’s performance of The Christians by Lucas Hnath, directed by Assistant Professor of Theatre Arts and Dance C. Patrick Gendusa.
That’s not all! Loyola Theatre’s joint production with the Jefferson Performing Arts Society of Caroline, or Change by Tony Kushner and Jeanine Tesori was nominated this year for four awards. Guest artist Troi Bechet won “Best Actress in a Musical” for her performance in the titular role of Caroline. Bravo!
We’d also like to congratulate our thirteen other Big Easy nominees, including faculty, staff, alumni, and students of Loyola’s Department of Theatre Arts and Dance, on their achievements. A round of applause to you!
Nominations included Dr. Laura Hope, Department Chair, for Best Director of a Musical with Caroline, or Change, Donna Clavijo, Professor, for Best Musical Director with Caroline, or Change, Janet Shea, Professor, for Best Actress in a Play with the Tennessee Williams Theatre Company’s production of The Milk Train Doesn’t Stop Here Anymore, students Shelby Duhe and Josie Gautier for Best Ensemble in See ‘Em on Stage Productions’ Triassic Parq, Kali Russell, 2015 Alumnus, for Best Supporting Actress in a Play with See ‘Em on Stage’s Titus Andronicus, Rebecca Elizabeth Hollingsworth, 2007 Alumnus, for Best Ensemble in Rockfire Theatre and The Radical Buffoon’s Mr. Burns: A Post-Electric Play, Ronald Joseph, Staff, for Best Musical Director with The NOLA Project’s Urinetown, Helen Jackson, Professor, for Best Actress in a Play with Southern Rep’s Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberly, Idella Johnson, 2015 Alumnus, for Best Supporting Actress in a Musical with Le Petit Theatre’s Jelly’s Last Jam, Jessica Lozano, 2007 Alumnus, for Best Supporting Actress in a Play with Cripple Creek Theatre Company’s The Taming of the Shrew, Ian Hoch, 2006 Alumnus, for Best Actor in a Play with Southern Rep’s Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberly, and Josh Courtney, Staff, for Best Lighting Design in Cripple Creek Theatre Company’s Caligula. Congrats again to all the nominees!