Bruce Fessier|Palm Springs Desert Sun
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Three community theater companies featuring professional and non-professional artists lead the long list of Desert Theatre League nominations announced this week.
Tickets went on sale Wednesday, Aug. 1, for the DTL’s annual Desert Stars Awards ceremony honoring the best stage performances and behind-the-scenes work in the Coachella Valley and Morongo Basin for the 2017-18 season. The ceremony, recognizing a range of genres including dance, cabaret and youth theater, will be held Oct. 14 at Sun City Palm Desert. Only 360 seats are available and tickets traditionally sell out quickly.
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The Palm Springs-based Palm Canyon Theatre had the most nominations among the Desert Theatre League’s 34 producing organizations and 38 individual members, with 67. The Hi-Desert Cultural Center in Joshua Tree received 50 nominations and Desert Theatreworks, based in the Indio Performing Arts Center, had 39.
The Coachella Valley Repertory, which is based in The Atrium in Rancho Mirage but is moving to Cathedral City next year, received the next most nominations with 29, but they were all in professional categories. The other most-nominated companies had nods in professional and non-professional categories.
The McCallum Theatre, which primarily presents touring stage performances, is not a member of the DTL.
Earning the most individual nominations was the multi-talented Derik Shopinski of Palm Canyon Theatre and the CK Dance Company. He received nine nominations in five categories, including Outstanding Supporting Male Dancer in Ballet, Outstanding Director of a Musical/Opera/Pageant, Outstanding Choreographer of a Musical/Opera/Pageant, Outstanding Costume Design – Professional, and Outstanding Hair and Makeup Design – Professional.
Following Shopinski in individual honors were Howard Shangraw and Patti Williams with seven each, and Robbie Wayne and J.W. Layne with six nominations each.
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The DTL has been sending judges to performances by all member organizations and individuals in the desert since its founding in 1987. It annually awards $1,000 scholarships to youths pursuing the performing arts. The three 2018 scholarship winners are Maria Angulo of Rancho Mirage High School, Destany J. Briggs of Yucca Valley High School and Victoria Mendoza of La Quinta Christian Fellowship School.
The DTL also annually presents awards for special achievements. Thisyear, the Lifetime Achievement Award will go to professional actor Garnett Smith. Producer Paul Taylor and director Jim Strait of Desert Rose Playhouse will receive the Joan Woodbury-Mitchell and Sidney Harmon awards, respectively; actress Yo Younger will get the Michael Grossman Most Inspirational Award, and Abe Daniels will be presented the Bill Kuhlman Award.
The complete list of nominations, as provided by the Desert Theatre League, areas follows:
BALLET
Outstanding Production-Ballet
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory: The Ballet - Starlight Dance Center
The Nutcracker - CK Dance Company
The Nutcracker - Starlight Dance Center
Paquita - CK Dance Company
Outstanding Choreographer of a Ballet
Cynthia Kaye - The Nutcracker - CK Dance Company
Cynthia Kaye – Paquita - CK Dance Company
Patty Williams - Charlie and the Chocolate Factory: The Ballet - Starlight Dance Center
Patty Williams - The Nutcracker - Starlight Dance Center
Outstanding Director of a Ballet
Cynthia Kaye - The Nutcracker - CK Dance Company
Cynthia Kaye – Paquita - CK Dance Company
Patty Williams - Charlie and the Chocolate Factory: The Ballet - Starlight Dance Center
Patty Williams - The Nutcracker - Starlight Dance Center
Outstanding Lead Female Dancer in Ballet
Maria Angulo - The Nutcracker - CK Dance Company
Maria Angulo – Paquita - CK Dance Company
Cori Hart - Charlie and the Chocolate Factory: The Ballet - Starlight Dance Center
Riley Hart - The Nutcracker - Starlight Dance Center
Outstanding Supporting Male Dancer in Ballet
Casey Carnes - Charlie and the Chocolate Factory: The Ballet - Starlight Dance Center
Casey Carnes - The Nutcracker - Starlight Dance Center
Ceasare Orlando - The Nutcracker - CK Dance Company
Karlo E. Ramirez - Charlie and the Chocolate Factory: The Ballet - Starlight Dance Center
Derik Shopinski - The Nutcracker - CK Dance Company
Outstanding Supporting Female Dancer in Ballet
Kaya Carrier - The Nutcracker - CK Dance Company
Danielle Hjerpe - Charlie and the Chocolate Factory: The Ballet - Starlight Dance Center
Amber Wilcox - Charlie and the Chocolate Factory: The Ballet - Starlight Dance Center
Amber Wilcox - The Nutcracker - Starlight Dance Center
Sarah Zimmer - The Nutcracker - Starlight Dance Center
Outstanding Juvenile in a Ballet
Ciara Burke - Charlie and the Chocolate Factory: The Ballet - Starlight Dance Center
Bennett Creighton - Charlie and the Chocolate Factory: The Ballet - Starlight Dance Center
Amy DeKock – Paquita - CK Dance Company
Danielle Hjerpe - The Nutcracker - Starlight Dance Center
Ryan Madrigal - The Nutcracker - CK Dance Company
Kaitlin Vorpagel - The Nutcracker - Starlight Dance Center
YOUTH THEATRE
Outstanding Production - Musical - Youth Theatre
Bye Bye Birdie - Palm Springs High School
Disney’s Alice in Wonderland, Jr.- Palm Valley School
Guys and Dolls JR. - Palm Desert High School
Madagascar - A Musical Adventure, Jr. - Hi-Desert Cultural Center
Oklahoma! - Rancho Mirage High School
Outstanding Production - Comedy/Drama - Youth Theatre
Go Ask Alice - Palm Springs High School
Leading Ladies - Indio High School
Romeo and Juliet - Shadow Hills High School
The Crucible - Palm Valley School
The Iliad, The Odyssey, and All of Greek Mythology in 99 Minutes or Less - Indio High School
Outstanding Director - Youth Theatre
Sharon Deady/Kyle Russell - Romeo and Juliet - Shadow Hills High School
Craig Gahnz-Kuhar/Kim Phillips/Ken Sarkis - The Crucible - Palm Valley School
John Hadley - An Enemy of the People - Palm Desert High School
Britt Pannell - Leading Ladies - Indio High School
Allyson Sawyer - Bye Bye Birdie - Palm Springs High School
Outstanding Musical Director - Youth Theatre
Paul Bluto - Romeo and Juliet - Shadow Hills High School
Craig Gahnz-Kuhar - Disney’s Alice in Wonderland, Jr.- Palm Valley School
Brian Ingelson - Bye Bye Birdie - Palm Springs High School
Nelms McKelvain - Madagascar - A Musical Adventure, Jr. - Hi-Desert Cultural Center
Kyle Mearean - Guys and Dolls JR. - Palm Desert High School
Outstanding Choreographer - Youth Theatre
Alexis Acker - Bye Bye Birdie - Palm Springs High School
Adrian Batres/Sharon Deady - Romeo and Juliet - Shadow Hills High School
Natascha Behrens/Wendy Bystrzycki - Oklahoma! - Rancho Mirage High School
Monique Burke/Morgan Inderweische - Guys and Dolls JR. - Palm Desert High School
Kim Phillips - Disney’s Alice in Wonderland, Jr.- Palm Valley School
Outstanding Lead Actor – Comedy/Drama - Youth Theatre
Aidan Bosworth - The Crucible - Palm Valley School
Chris Brandt - The Nerd - Palm Desert High School
Kevin Giloni - Romeo and Juliet - Shadow Hills High School
Joseph Gonzalez - Leading Ladies - Indio High School
Carlos Valdez - The Iliad, The Odyssey, and All of Greek Mythology in 99 Minutes or Less - Indio High School
Carlos Valdez - Leading Ladies - Indio High School
Outstanding Lead Actor – Musical - Youth Theatre
Elijah Beverly - Bye Bye Birdie - Palm Springs High School
Erasimo Blue Luna - Scrooge, the Musical - John Glenn Middle School
Aidan Bosworth - Madagascar - A Musical Adventure, Jr. - Hi-Desert Cultural Center
Jonathan Calder - Heathers: The Musical - Desert Hot Springs High School
Montae Hopkins - Bye Bye Birdie - Palm Springs High School
Benjamin Ruiz - Oklahoma! - Rancho Mirage High School
Ian Tang - Guys and Dolls JR. - Palm Desert High School
Nathan Verdell – Godspell - Indio High School
Outstanding Lead Actress – Comedy/Drama - Youth Theatre
Shelby Armor - The Crucible - Palm Valley School
Raeloni Bender - Romeo and Juliet - Shadow Hills High School
Marianne Capetz - The Crucible - Palm Valley School
Rochelle Garcia - Romeo and Juliet - Shadow Hills High School
Melina Ginn - Go Ask Alice - Palm Springs High School
Eva Lab - An Enemy of the People - Palm Desert High School
Outstanding Lead Actress – Musical - Youth Theatre
Blaze Bautista - Bye Bye Birdie - Palm Springs High School
Keanna Garcia - Guys and Dolls JR. - Palm Desert High School
Melina Ginn - Bye Bye Birdie - Palm Springs High School
Jenelle Huezo - Guys and Dolls JR. - Palm Desert High School
Brooklyn Kettler - Madagascar - A Musical Adventure, Jr. - Hi-Desert Cultural Center
Jacqueline Merritt - Pirates of Penzance - Green Room Theatre Company
Kaiya Treash - Pirates of Penzance - Green Room Theatre Company
Kaiya Treash - Disney’s Alice in Wonderland, Jr.- Palm Valley School
Outstanding Supporting Actor – Comedy/Drama - Youth Theatre
Andres Castro - Leading Ladies - Indio High School
Connor Cook - The Crucible - Palm Valley School
Leo Milmet - The Crucible - Palm Valley School
Elijah Montez-Aceves - Romeo and Juliet - Shadow Hills High School
Jake Mule - The Crucible - Palm Valley School
Tazz Ross - The Nerd - Palm Desert High School
Nick Wyman - Romeo and Juliet - Shadow Hills High School
Outstanding Supporting Actor – Musical - Youth Theatre
Harold Caballero - Disney's The Little Mermaid Jr. - John Glenn Middle School
Gianpaolo Gutierrez - Oklahoma! - Rancho Mirage High School
Steffon Martindale - Guys and Dolls JR. - Palm Desert High School
Joseph Mason - Oklahoma! - Rancho Mirage High School
Kyle Mearean - Guys and Dolls JR. - Palm Desert High School
David Mendoza - Bye Bye Birdie - Palm Springs High School
Outstanding Supporting Actress – Comedy/Drama - Youth Theatre
Amanda Aguilera - The Iliad, The Odyssey, and all of Greek Mythology in 99 Minutes or Less - Indio High School
Megan Eslamboly - An Enemy of the People - Palm Desert High School
Victoria Jimenez - A Wonderful Carol - Rancho Mirage High School
Amanda Laule - The Crucible - Palm Valley School
Caroline Scheil - The Crucible - Palm Valley School
Elizabeth Shay - The Crucible - Palm Valley School
Outstanding Supporting Actress – Musical - Youth Theatre
Mia Alexander - Disney’s Alice in Wonderland, Jr.- Palm Valley School
Elizabeth Carver - Oklahoma! - Rancho Mirage High School
Marissa Dismuke - Oklahoma! - Rancho Mirage High School
Sara Habibipoor - Disney’s Alice in Wonderland, Jr.- Palm Valley School
Morgan Inderweische - Guys and Dolls JR. - Palm Desert High School
Megan Johnson - Heathers: The Musical - Desert Hot Springs High School
Natalia Martinez - Heathers: The Musical - Desert Hot Springs High School
Melanie Rivera - Heathers: The Musical - Desert Hot Springs High School
Chloe Rodriguez - Disney's The Little Mermaid Jr. - John Glenn Middle School
COMEDY
Outstanding Production - Comedy
The 39 Steps - Desert Theatreworks
Blithe Spirit - Palm Canyon Theatre
On Golden Pond - Desert Theatreworks
The Legend of Georgia McBride - Dezart Performs
Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike - Desert Rose Productions, Inc.
Outstanding Production - Comedy - Professional
2 Across - Coachella Valley Repertory
The Cocktail Hour - Coyote StageWorks
Women Behind Bars - Desert Rose Productions, Inc.
Outstanding Director of a Comedy
Steve Fisher - On Golden Pond - Desert Theatreworks
Katie Fleischman - The Odd Couple - Theatre 29
Luke Rainey - Blithe Spirit - Palm Canyon Theatre
Outstanding Director of a Comedy - Professional
Deborah Harmon - 2 Across - Coachella Valley Repertory
J.W. Layne - The Importance of Being Earnest - Palm Canyon Theatre
Rosemary Mallett – Election Day – Desert Ensemble Theatre Co.
Lance Phillips-Martinez - The 39 Steps - Desert Theatreworks
Michael Shaw - The Legend of Georgia McBride - Dezart Performs
Michael Shaw - Motherhood Out Loud - Dezart Performs
Robbie Wayne - Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike - Desert Rose Productions, Inc.
Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy
Sean Timothy Brown - The Legend of Georgia McBride - Dezart Performs
Phillip Hubler - The Importance of Being Earnest - Palm Canyon Theatre
Ed Lefkowitz - The Last of the Red Hot Lovers - Desert Theatreworks
Tanner Lieser - The 39 Steps - Desert Theatreworks
Lee Padick - Jewtopia - Desert Theatreworks
Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy - Professional
Joel Bryant - 2 Across - Coachella Valley Repertory
Loren Freeman - Women Behind Bars - Desert Rose Productions, Inc.
Arnie Kleban - On Golden Pond - Desert Theatreworks
Michael Mullen - The Legend of Georgia McBride - Dezart Performs
Michael Pacas - Blithe Spirit - Palm Canyon Theatre
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy
Melanie Blue - Fifth of July - Desert Rose Productions, Inc.
Heather Brendei - Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike - Desert Rose Productions, Inc.
Theresa Jewett - Motherhood Out Loud - Dezart Performs
Adina Lawson - The Dixie Swim Club - Sun City Palm Desert
Leslye Martinez - The 39 Steps - Desert Theatreworks
Maricela Sandova - Election Day - Desert Ensemble Theatre Co.
Chandra Smith - Blithe Spirit - Palm Canyon Theatre
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy - Professional
June August - On Golden Pond - Desert Theatreworks
Judith Chapman - Blithe Spirit - Palm Canyon Theatre
Andrea Gwynnel - 2 Across - Coachella Valley Repertory
Haley Kooyman - Tune In For Christmas - Hi-Desert Cultural Center
Yo Younger - Women Behind Bars - Desert Rose Productions, Inc.
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy
Chet Cole - The Legend of Georgia McBride - Dezart Performs
Scott Cutler - Tune In For Christmas - Hi-Desert Cultural Center
Stephen McMillen - The 39 Steps - Desert Theatreworks
James Owens - Fifth of July - Desert Rose Productions, Inc.
Tobiah Wilhelm - The Importance of Being Earnest - Palm Canyon Theatre
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy - Professional
Shawn Abramowitz - Election Day - Desert Ensemble Theatre Co.
Hanz Enyeart - The Legend of Georgia McBride - Dezart Performs
Michael Pacas - The 39 Steps - Desert Theatreworks
Kam Sisco - Women Behind Bars - Desert Rose Productions, Inc.
Ron Young - On Golden Pond - Desert Theatreworks
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy
Melanie Blue - Motherhood Out Loud - Dezart Performs
Amanda Burr - Blithe Spirit - Palm Canyon Theatre
Desiree Clarke - Motherhood Out Loud - Dezart Performs
Alma Lacy - Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike - Desert Rose Productions, Inc.
Brianna Maloney - The Legend of Georgia McBride - Dezart Performs
Phylicia Mason - The Last of the Red Hot Lovers - Desert Theatreworks
Leanna Rodgers - Motherhood Out Loud - Dezart Performs
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy - Professional
Francesca Amari - Women Behind Bars - Desert Rose Productions, Inc., Inc.
June August - The Dixie Swim Club - Sun City Palm Desert
Dawn Davis - Tune In For Christmas - Hi-Desert Cultural Center
Bonnie Gilgallon - The Thespian Radio Hour - Desert Ensemble Theatre Co.
Yo Younger - The Cocktail Hour - Coyote StageWorks
DRAMA
Outstanding Production - Drama
Annapurna - Groves Cabin Theatre
The Bad Seed - Palm Canyon Theatre
The Diviners - Hi-Desert Cultural Center
My Old Lady - Groves Cabin Theatre
Rabbit Hole - Dezart Performs
Steel Magnolias - Sun City Shadow Hills
The Woman in Black - Desert Theatreworks
Outstanding Production - Professional
Dirty Blonde - Coyote StageWorks
The Goat, or Who is Sylvia? - Coachella Valley Repertory
The RED PRIEST (Eight Ways To Say Goodbye) - Hi-Desert Cultural Center
Venus in Fur - Coachella Valley Repertory
The Michael Cruickshank Award for Outstanding Director of a Drama
Steve Fisher - The Bad Seed - Palm Canyon Theatre
Phylicia Mason - My Old Lady - Groves Cabin Theatre
Daniela Ryan - The Woman in Black - Desert Theatreworks
Scott Smith - Rabbit Hole - Dezart Performs
Eddie Tucker – Annapurna - Groves Cabin Theatre
The Michael Cruickshank Award for Outstanding Director of a Drama - Professional
Ron Celona - Venus in Fur - Coachella Valley Repertory
Ron Celona - The Goat, or Who is Sylvia? - Coachella Valley Repertory
James W. Gruessing, Jr. - Dirty Blonde - Coyote StageWorks
Howard Shangraw - The Diviners - Hi-Desert Cultural Center
Howard Shangraw - The RED PRIEST (Eight Ways To Say Goodbye) - Hi-Desert Cultural Center
Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama
Andrew Accardi - The Diviners - Hi-Desert Cultural Center
Abe Daniels - My Old Lady - Groves Cabin Theatre
Adam Genesta - The Woman in Black - Desert Theatreworks
Richard Marlow – Dare - Desert Rose Productions, Inc.
Kurt Schauppner – Annapurna - Groves Cabin Theatre
Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama - Professional
Michael Pacas - The Woman in Black - Desert Theatreworks
Howard Shangraw - The RED PRIEST (Eight Ways To Say Goodbye) - Hi-Desert Cultural Center
Michael Shaw - Rabbit Hole - Dezart Performs
Sean Smith - The Goat, or Who is Sylvia? - Coachella Valley Repertory
Garnett Smith - The Bad Seed - Palm Canyon Theatre
Patrick Zelier - Venus in Fur - Coachella Valley Repertory
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama
Wendy Cohen – Annapurna - Groves Cabin Theatre
Eileen Heckel - Steel Magnolias - Sun City Shadow Hills
Brianna Maloney – Lydia - Encore Theatre District
Tyler Shelley - The Rimers of Eldritch - College of the Desert
Alden West - My Old Lady - Groves Cabin Theatre
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama - Professional
Bets Malone - Dirty Blonde - Coyote StageWorks
Angela Sauer - Venus in Fur - Coachella Valley Repertory
Sharon Sharth - The Goat, or Who is Sylvia? - Coachella Valley Repertory
Yo Younger - Rabbit Hole - Dezart Performs
Yo Younger - The Bad Seed - Palm Canyon Theatre
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama
Scott Cutler - The Diviners - Hi-Desert Cultural Center
Dan Graff - The Diviners - Hi-Desert Cultural Center
Bob Harrison - The Bad Seed - Palm Canyon Theatre
Jonathan Hatsios - Rabbit Hole - Dezart Performs
Matthew Hocutt – Dare - Desert Rose Productions, Inc.
Allan H. Jensen - The Bad Seed - Palm Canyon Theatre
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama - Professional
Arthur Hanket - The Goat, or Who is Sylvia? - Coachella Valley Repertory
Larry Raben - Dirty Blonde - Coyote StageWorks
Robbie Wayne – Dare - Desert Rose Productions, Inc., Inc.
Ian M. White - The Goat, or Who is Sylvia? - Coachella Valley Repertory
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama
Adriana C. Brenes-Rios – Lydia - Encore Theatre District
Jan Briggs - Steel Magnolias - Sun City Shadow Hills
Wendy Cohen - My Old Lady - Groves Cabin Theatre
Kathryn Ferguson - The Mousetrap - Theatre 29
Phylicia Mason - Rabbit Hole - Dezart Performs
Kylie Robinson - The Diviners - Hi-Desert Cultural Center
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama - Professional
Morgana Corelli - The Bad Seed - Palm Canyon Theatre
Dawn Davis - The Diviners - Hi-Desert Cultural Center
Deborah Harmon - Rabbit Hole - Dezart Performs
Marjory Lewis - The Bad Seed - Palm Canyon Theatre
MUSICAL/OPERA/PAGEANT
Outstanding Production - Musical/Opera/Pageant
Guys and Dolls - Sun City Palm Desert
Hello, Dolly! - Palm Canyon Theatre
In The Heights - College of the Desert
In The Heights - Palm Canyon Theatre
Little Shop of Horrors - Hi-Desert Cultural Center
Oliver! - Palm Canyon Theatre
Outstanding Director of a Musical/Opera/Pageant
John Abramson - Guys and Dolls - Sun City Palm Desert
Gary Daigneault - The Wizard of Oz - Theatre 29
Steve Fisher - The Great American Trailer Park Christmas Musical - Desert Theatreworks
Rebecca Havely - Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat - Theatre 29
Derik Shopinski - Hello, Dolly! - Palm Canyon Theatre
Scott Smith Priscilla, Queen of the Desert Palm Canyon Theatre
Outstanding Director of a Musical/Opera/Pageant - Professional
Se Layne - Damn Yankees - Palm Canyon Theatre
Se Layne – Oliver! - Palm Canyon Theatre
Howard Shangraw - Little Shop of Horrors - Hi-Desert Cultural Center
Jim Strait - Times Square Angel - Desert Rose Productions, Inc.
Shafik Wahhab - In The Heights - College of the Desert
Shafik Wahhab - In The Heights - Palm Canyon Theatre
Outstanding Musical Director of a Musical/Opera/Pageant
Bill Barrett - The Wizard of Oz - Theatre 29
Kathryn Ferguson – First Date, The Musical – Theatre 29
Donald Kelly – Grease - Desert Theatreworks
Donald Kelly The Great American Trailer Park Christmas Musical Desert Theatreworks
Analisa Pilecki - Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat - Theatre 29
Outstanding Musical Director of a Musical/Opera/Pageant - Professional
Jaci Davis/Steven Smith - Oliver! - Palm Canyon Theatre
Nelms McKelvain - Little Shop of Horrors - Hi-Desert Cultural Center
Steven Smith – Gypsy - Palm Canyon Theatre
Steven Smith - Hello, Dolly! - Palm Canyon Theatre
Scott T. Smith - In The Heights - College of the Desert
The Michele Gaines Awards for Outstanding Choreographer of a Musical/Opera/Pageant
Pamla Vale Abramson - Guys and Dolls - Sun City Palm Desert
Heidi Hapner – Grease - Desert Theatreworks
Dani Jara - The Wizard of Oz - Theatre 29
Anthony Nannini - Priscilla, Queen of the Desert - Palm Canyon Theatre
Derik Shopinski – Gypsy - Palm Canyon Theatre
Derik Shopinski - Hello, Dolly! - Palm Canyon Theatre
The Michele Gaines Awards for Outstanding Choreographer of a Musical/Opera/Pageant - Professional
Se Layne - Oliver! - Palm Canyon Theatre
Jacqueline Le Blanc-Wahhab - In The Heights - College of the Desert
Jacqueline Le Blanc-Wahhab - In The Heights - Palm Canyon Theatre
Howard Shangraw - Little Shop of Horrors - Hi-Desert Cultural Center
Robbie Wayne - Sister Ac - Palm Canyon Theatre
Outstanding Lead Actor in a Musical/Opera/Pageant
Scott Clinkscales - Little Shop of Horrors - Hi-Desert Cultural Center
Chris Fleischman - The Wizard of Oz - Theatre 29
Matt Sambrano - In The Heights - College of the Desert
Nicholas Sloan - Damn Yankees - Palm Canyon Theatre
Nicholas Sloan - Priscilla, Queen of the Desert - Palm Canyon Theatre
Bill Stephens - Guys and Dolls - Sun City Palm Desert
Tom Warrick - Oliver! - Palm Canyon Theatre
Outstanding Lead Actor in a Musical/Opera/Pageant - Professional
Christopher Carothers - Romance/Romance - Coachella Valley Repertory
Loren Freeman - Times Square Angel - Desert Rose Productions, Inc.
Paul Grant - Damn Yankees - Palm Canyon Theatre
Stan Jenson – Annie – Desert Theatreworks
Milt Oberman - Guys and Dolls - Sun City Palm Desert
Ben Reece - Hello, Dolly! - Palm Canyon Theatre
Robbie Wayne - Times Square Angel - Desert Rose Productions, Inc.
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Musical/Opera/Pageant
Allegra Angelo - Damn Yankees - Palm Canyon Theatre
Alisha Bates – Grease - Desert Theatreworks
Jaci Davis – Gypsy - Palm Canyon Theatre
Elizabeth Schmelling - Little Shop of Horrors - Hi-Desert Cultural Center
Karen Schmitt - Guys and Dolls - Sun City Palm Desert
Johnelle Walker - Oliver! - Palm Canyon Theatre
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Musical/Opera/Pageant - Professional
Morgana Corelli – Mame - Palm Canyon Theatre
Se Layne - Hello, Dolly! - Palm Canyon Theatre
Se Layne - Mame – Palm Canyon Theatre
Renee Solom - Guys and Dolls - Sun City Palm Desert
Nicole Tillman - Sister Act - Palm Canyon Theatre
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Musical/Opera/Pageant
Ben Bees - Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat - Theatre 29
Alden Dickey - Little Shop of Horrors - Hi-Desert Cultural Center
Adam Genesta - The Great American Trailer Park Christmas Musical - Desert Theatreworks
Al Greco - Guys and Dolls - Sun City Palm Desert
Anthony Nannini - Priscilla, Queen of the Desert - Palm Canyon Theatre
Jacob Samples - In The Heights - College of the Desert
Joey Wahhab - In The Heights - Palm Canyon Theatre
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Musical/Opera/Pageant - Professional
Eric B. Anthony - Romance/Romance - Coachella Valley Repertory
Barry Cutler - Little Shop of Horrors - Hi-Desert Cultural Center
Stan Jenson - The Great American Trailer Park Christmas Musical - Desert Theatreworks
Kam Sisco - Times Square Angel - Desert Rose Productions, Inc.
Robbie Wayne - Sister Act - Palm Canyon Theatre
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Musical/Opera/Pageant
Amanda Burr - Oliver! - Palm Canyon Theatre
Haley Izurieta - In The Heights - Palm Canyon Theatre
Analisa Pilecki - In The Heights - College of the Desert
Analisa Pilecki - Little Shop of Horrors - Hi-Desert Cultural Center
Elizabeth Schmelling – Mame - Palm Canyon Theatre
Suzie Thomas-Wourms - In The Heights - College of the Desert
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Musical/Opera/Pageant - Professional
Robyn Cohen - Romance/Romance - Coachella Valley Repertory
Morgana Corelli – Gypsy - Palm Canyon Theatre
Morgana Corelli - Sister Act - Palm Canyon Theatre
Cat Lyn Day - Times Square Angel - Desert Rose Productions, Inc.
Elyssa Guardino – Gypsy - Palm Canyon Theatre
The Bill Groves Award for Outstanding Juvenile
Raven Chavez - Mitigating Damages - Script2Stage2Screen
Angus Feath - On Golden Pond - Desert Theatreworks
Victoria Mendoza – Annie - Desert Theatreworks
Jake Mule - Oliver! - Palm Canyon Theatre
Ava Tethal - The Bad Seed - Palm Canyon Theatre
STAGED READING
Outstanding Production - Staged Reading
6 RMS RIV VU - Green Room Theatre Company
The Merchant of Venice - Green Room Theatre Company
Mitigating Damages - Script2Stage2Screen
One Nut Shy of a Fruitcake - Script2Stage2Screen
Shakespeare: Villainy and Vengeance - Green Room Theatre Company
The Vagina Monologues - Thought Theatre
Outstanding Production - Staged Reading - Professional
The Abraham & Larry - Show Coyote StageWorks
Adopt a Sailor - Hi-Desert Cultural Center
Our Mother's Brief Affair - Coyote StageWorks
The Understudy - Coyote StageWorks
The Velocity of Autumn - Coyote StageWorks
Outstanding Director of a Staged Reading
John Alex Houlton - The Merchant of Venice - Green Room Theatre Company
Jason Hull - One Nut Shy of a Fruitcake - Script2Stage2Screen
Adina Lawson - Shakespeare: Villainy and Vengeance - Green Room Theatre Company
Richard Marlow - 6 RMS RIV VU - Green Room Theatre Company
Daniela Ryan - Death of a Salesman - Desert Theatreworks
Outstanding Director of a Staged Reading - Professional
Gina Bikales - Mitigating Damages - Script2Stage2Screen
Howard Shangraw - Adopt a Sailor - Hi-Desert Cultural Center
Chuck Yates - The Understudy - Coyote StageWorks
Chuck Yates - The Velocity of Autumn - Coyote StageWorks
Chuck Yates - Our Mother's Brief Affair - Coyote StageWorks
Outstanding Lead Male Performer in a Staged Reading
Andrew Accardi - 6 RMS RIV VU - Green Room Theatre Company
David Brooks - The Merchant of Venice - Green Room Theatre Company
Brad Bryeans - Short Stuff - Script2Stage2Screen
Bill Hegarty - Fool for Love - Desert Theatreworks
Stephen Kauffman - Death of a Salesman - Desert Theatreworks
Richard Marlow - Shakespeare: Villainy and Vengeance - Green Room Theatre Company
Doran Ray - Freud's Last Session - Hi-Desert Cultural Center
Outstanding Lead Male Performer in a Staged Reading - Professional
Alex Best - Our Mother's Brief Affair - Coyote StageWorks
Barry Cutler - The Merchant of Venice - Green Room Theatre Company
Kurt Geiger - Adopt a Sailor - Hi-Desert Cultural Center
David Youse - The Understudy - Coyote StageWorks
David Youse - The Velocity of Autumn - Coyote StageWorks
Outstanding Lead Female Performer in a Staged Reading
Darci Daniels - Mitigating Damages - Script2Stage2Screen
Denielle Landon Farrington - 6 RMS RIV V - Green Room Theatre Company
Adina Lawson - Shakespeare: Villainy and Vengeance - Green Room Theatre Company
Diane Moore – Just Between Friends – Script2Stage2Screen
Ann Van Haney - The Vagina Monologues - Thought Theatre
Outstanding Lead Female Performer in a Staged Reading - Professional
June August - The Merchant of Venice - Green Room Theatre Company
Keisha D. - Mitigating Damages - Script2Stage2Screen
Jannae Kleban - Death of a Salesman - Desert Theatreworks
Robin McAlpine - The Understudy - Coyote StageWorks
Wendy Rolfe - Adopt a Sailor - Hi-Desert Cultural Center
Outstanding Supporting Male Performer in a Staged Reading
Stephen Blackwell - Death of a Salesman - Desert Theatreworks
Chet Cole - Pass Over - Script2Stage2Screen
Bill Hegarty - Death of a Salesman - Desert Theatreworks
Hal O'Connell - The Merchant of Venice - Green Room Theatre Company
Jarrod Radnich - Adopt a Sailor - Hi-Desert Cultural Center
Outstanding Supporting Male Performer in a Staged Reading - Professional
Don Amendolia - Our Mother's Brief Affair - Coyote StageWorks
Barry Cutler - Shakespeare: Villainy and Vengeance - Green Room Theatre Company
Stan Jenson - One Nut Shy of a Fruitcake - Script2Stage2Screen
Rupert Smith - Balcony People - Script2Stage2Screen
Ron Young - Death of a Salesman - Desert Theatreworks
Outstanding Supporting Female Performer in a Staged Reading
Desiree Clark - Mitigating Damages - Script2Stage2Screen
Theresa Jewett - Dada Woof Papa Hot - Coyote StageWorks
Phylicia Mason - Our Mother's Brief Affair - Coyote StageWorks
Elizabeth Schmelling - The Dianalogues - Hi-Desert Cultural Center
Cindy Snyder - The Dianalogues - Hi-Desert Cultural Center
Alden West - One Nut Shy of a Fruitcake - Script2Stage2Screen
Ronda Williams - Just Between Friends - Script2Stage2Screen
Outstanding Supporting Female Performer in a Staged Reading - Professional
Dawn Davis - The Vagina Monologues - Thought Theatre
Dawn Davis - Kennedy's Children - Project Sheba
Marcia Harp - Balcony People - Script2Stage2Screen
Miri Hunter - Tongue of a Bird - Hi-Desert Cultural Center
The Bill Groves Award for Outstanding Original Writing
Marilynn Barner Anselmi - Mitigating Damages - Script2Stage2Screen
Jason Hull - One Nut Shy of a Fruitcake - Script2Stage2Screen
Miri Hunter - Stand For Freedom Cabaret - Thought Theatre
Laurence Luckinbill - The Abraham & Larry Show - Coyote StageWorks
Ken Steele - Songs of Sarah - Life is a Cabaret
CABARET/REVUE/VARIETY SHOW
Outstanding Production - Cabaret/Revue/Variety Show
I Don't Look Good Naked Anymore - Sun City Palm Desert
Mother, Dearest! - Hi-Desert Cultural Center
Stand For Freedom Cabaret - Thought Theatre
The Big Broadway Sing-Along - Desert Theatreworks
Outstanding Production - Cabaret/Revue/Variety Show - Professional
Broadway On A Clear Day - Life is a Cabaret
Hello Again, The Songs of Allan Sherman - Life is a Cabaret
Here's To The Ladies - Desert Ensemble Theatre Co.
Songs of Sarah - Life is a Cabaret
Still Fabulous After the Follies - Life is a Cabaret
Outstanding Director of a Cabaret/Revue/Variety Show
Jerome Elliott - Here's To The Ladies - Desert Ensemble Theatre Co.
Heidi Hapner - The Big Broadway Sing-Along - Desert Theatreworks
Karen Schmitt - I Don't Look Good Naked Anymore - Sun City Palm Desert
Outstanding Director of a Cabaret/Revue/Variety Show – Professional
Miri Hunter - Stand For Freedom Cabaret - Thought Theatre
Janet Miller - Hello Again The Songs of Allan Sherman - Life is a Cabaret
David Ring - Songs of Sarah - Life is a Cabaret
Howard Shangraw - Mother, Dearest! - Hi-Desert Cultural Center
Outstanding Musical Director of a Cabaret/Revue/Variety Show - Professional
Wayne Abravanel- Still Fabulous After the Follies - Life is a Cabaret
Charles Creasy - Here's To The Ladies - Desert Ensemble Theatre Co.
Nick Fryman - Broadway On A Clear Day - Life is a Cabaret
Nelms McKelvain - Mother, Dearest! - Hi-Desert Cultural Center
Majorie Poe - Hello Again, The Songs of Allan Sherman - Life is a Cabaret
Outstanding Lead Male Performer in a Cabaret/Revue/Variety Show
Ben Bees - Mother, Dearest! - Hi-Desert Cultural Center
Scott Clinkscales - Mother, Dearest! - Hi-Desert Cultural Center
Earl Mitchell - I Don't Look Good Naked Anymore - Sun City Palm Desert
Outstanding Lead Male Performer in a Cabaret/Revue/Variety Show – Professional
Wayne Abravanel - Still Fabulous After the Follies - Life is a Cabaret
Charles Herrera - Here's To The Ladies - Desert Ensemble Theatre Co.
Dean Regan - Broadway On A Clear Day - Life is a Cabaret
Outstanding Lead Female Performer in a Cabaret/Revue/Variety Show
Theresa Jewett - Here's To The Ladies - Desert Ensemble Theatre Co.
Analisa Pilecki - Mother, Dearest! - Hi-Desert Cultural Center
Barbara Ward - I Don't Look Good Naked Anymore - Sun City Palm Desert
Outstanding Lead Female Performer in a Cabaret/Revue/Variety Show - Professional
Kesha D. - Here's To The Ladies - Desert Ensemble Theatre Co.
Marcia Harp - Still Fabulous After the Follies - Life is a Cabaret
Vicki Knight - Still Fabulous After the Follies - Life is a Cabaret
Haley Kooyman - Mother, Dearest! - Hi-Desert Cultural Center
Rose Mallett - Songs of Sarah - Life is a Cabaret
Linden Waddel - Hello Again, The Songs of Allan Sherman - Life is a Cabaret
Outstanding Supporting Male Performer in a Cabaret/Revue/Variety Show
Paul Allison - I Don't Look Good Naked Anymore - Sun City Palm Desert
Richard Cordobes - I Don't Look Good Naked Anymore - Sun City Palm Desert
Jerome Elliott - Here's To The Ladies - Desert Ensemble Theatre Co.
Bill Stephens - I Don't Look Good Naked Anymore - Sun City Palm Desert
Outstanding Supporting Female Performer in a Cabaret/Revue/Variety Show
Delores Hudson - I Don't Look Good Naked Anymore - Sun City Palm Desert
Adina Lawson - I Don't Look Good Naked Anymore - Sun City Palm Desert
Karen Schmitt - I Don't Look Good Naked Anymore - Sun City Palm Desert
ONE ACTS
Outstanding Production – One Acts
Clark and Bruce - Sun City Palm Desert
Cornered - Groves Cabin Theatre
Family Names - Sun City Palm Desert
Miss Pringle's Summer Session - Sun City Palm Desert
Mr. Lewis and Mrs. Wexler - Sun City Palm Desert
Two Cats No Dogs - Groves Cabin Theatre
Outstanding Director- One Acts
Pamla Vale Abramson - Mr. Lewis and Mrs. Wexler - Sun City Palm Desert
Abe Daniels - Two Cats No Dogs - Groves Cabin Theatre
Donna Huffor - Miss Pringle's Summer Session - Sun City Palm Desert
Sharon Michaels - Family Name - Sun City Palm Desert
Louise Tonti - Man at the Door - Sun City Palm Desert
Outstanding Lead Actor – One Acts
David Brende - Miss Pringle's Summer Session - Sun City Palm Desert
Richard Cordobes - Clark and Bruce - Sun City Palm Desert
Kevin Hayles - Two Cats No Dogs - Groves Cabin Theatre
Jerry Kress - Clark and Bruce - Sun City Palm Desert
Jericho McWilliams – Cornered - Groves Cabin Theatre
Garet Mouat - Man at the Door - Sun City Palm Desert
Outstanding Lead Actress – One Acts
Heather Brendel - Mr. Lewis and Mrs. Wexler - Sun City Palm Desert
Rebecca Havely - Two Cats No Dogs - Groves Cabin Theatre
Louise Knight - Family Names - Sun City Palm Desert
Linda Lyon - Family Names - Sun City Palm Desert
Alden West - Miss Pringle's Summer Session - Sun City Palm Desert
TECHNICAL AWARDS
Outstanding Set Design
Marlys Costello/Morris Stein - Steel Magnolias - Sun City Shadow Hills
Joyce Ehrenberg - Guys and Dolls - Sun City Palm Desert
John Hadley - The Nerd - Palm Desert High School
Ross Hawkins/Shafik Wahhab - In The Heights - Palm Canyon Theatre
Rory Pratt - Bye Bye Birdie - Palm Springs High School
Morris Stein - The Great American Trailer Park Christmas Musical - Desert Theatreworks
Eddie Tucker – Annapurna - Groves Cabin Theatre
Outstanding Set Design - Professional
Josh Clabaugh - The Cocktail Hour - Coyote StageWorks
Jimmy Cuomo - 2 Across - Coachella Valley Repertory
Jimmy Cuomo - Romance/Romance - Coachella Valley Repertory
Jimmy Cuomo - Venus in Fur - Coachella Valley Repertory
J.W. Layne - Blithe Spirit - Palm Canyon Theatre
J.W. Layne - Hello, Dolly! - Palm Canyon Theatre
J.W. Layne - Oliver! - Palm Canyon Theatre
Thomas L. Valach - Rabbit Hole - Dezart Performs
Robbie Wayne - Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike - Desert Rose Productions, Inc.
Outstanding Sound Design
Joe Antillon - Little Shop of Horrors - Hi-Desert Cultural Center
Miguel Arballo - On Golden Pond - Desert Theatreworks
Mark Bennett - Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike - Desert Rose Productions, Inc.
Justin Brakebill/Frances Wright – Annapurna - Groves Cabin Theatre
Joshua King - The Nutcracker - CK Dance Company
Tanner Lieser - The 39 Steps - Desert Theatreworks
Roy Rede - Steel Magnolias - Sun City Shadow Hills
Outstanding Sound Design - Professional
Clark Dugger - Rabbit Hole - Dezart Performs
David Engel - Dirty Blonde - Coyote StageWorks
Kate Fechtig - 2 Across - Coachella Valley Repertory
Randy Hansen - Romance/Romance - Coachella Valley Repertory
Randy Hansen - Venus in Fur - Coachella Valley Repertory
Outstanding Lighting Design
James Ernst - The RED PRIEST (Eight Ways To Say Goodbye) - Hi-Desert Cultural Center
Aaron Farrell - Bye Bye Birdie - Palm Springs High School
Ron Newhouse - Oklahoma! - Rancho Mirage High School
Jarrod Radnich - The Diviners - Hi-Desert Cultural Center
Lynn Schwimmer - Disney's The Little Mermaid Jr. - John Glenn Middle School
Outstanding Lighting Design - Professional
J.W. Layne - Oliver! - Palm Canyon Theatre
Keith Smith - Charlie and the Chocolate Factory: The Ballet - Starlight Dance Center
Keith Smith - In The Heights - College of the Desert
Moira Wilkie Whitaker - Dirty Blonde - Coyote StageWorks
Moira Wilkie Whitaker - Venus in Fur - Coachella Valley Repertory
Outstanding Costume Design
Mark Demry - Times Square Angel - Desert Rose Productions, Inc.
John Hadley - An Enemy of the People - Palm Desert High School
Lisette Sanchez - Bye Bye Birdie - Palm Springs High School
Stacey Wessman - The Crucible - Palm Valley School
Patty Williams - Charlie and the Chocolate Factory: The Ballet - Starlight Dance Center
Outstanding Costume Design - Professional
Amy Angel/Sheri Bay-Hardy - Madagascar - A Musical Adventure, Jr. - Hi-Desert Cultural Center
Kara Harmon - The Legend of Georgia McBride - Dezart Performs
Peter Mins - Oliver! - Palm Canyon Theatre
Derik Shopinski - Blithe Spirit - Palm Canyon Theatre
Derik Shopinski - Hello, Dolly! - Palm Canyon Theatre
Derik Shopinski/Mat Tucker - Priscilla, Queen of the Desert - Palm Canyon Theatre
The Ron Hamm Award for Outstanding Hair and Makeup Design
Sandy Bock/Sandy Bolek/Leslie Scheil - The Crucible - Palm Valley School
Toni Molano - Times Square Angel - Desert Rose Productions, Inc.
Toni Molano - Women Behind Bars - Desert Rose Productions, Inc.
James Rodriguez - Charlie and the Chocolate Factory: The Ballet - Starlight Dance Center
Lisette Sanchez - Bye Bye Birdie - Palm Springs High School
Karen Schmitt - Guys and Dolls - Sun City Palm Desert
The Ron Hamm Award for Outstanding Hair and Makeup Design - Professional
Lauren Frances - Madagascar - A Musical Adventure, Jr.- Hi-Desert Cultural Center
James Geier/Timothy McIntosh - The Legend of Georgia McBride - Dezart Performs
Lynda Shaeps - Venus in Fur - Coachella Valley Repertory
Mado Nunez/Derik Shopinski - Hello, Dolly! - Palm Canyon Theatre
Derik Shopinski - The Nutcracker - CK Dance Company
Outstanding Props and Special Effects
Daniel Graff - Tune In For Christmas - Hi-Desert Cultural Center
Casey Carnes/Matthew Creighton/Randy Keil - Charlie and the Chocolate Factory: The Ballet - Starlight DanceCenter
Michael Mora - The Diviners - Hi-Desert Cultural Center
Allyson Sawyer - Bye Bye Birdie - Palm Springs High School
DJ Briggs/MacKinley Stewart - Little Shop of Horrors - Hi-Desert Cultural Center
Dylan Noe/Aubrey Robinson - A Wonderful Carol - Rancho Mirage High School
Outstanding Props and Special Effects - Professional
Doug Morris - 2 Across - Coachella Valley Repertory
Doug Morris - The Goat, or Who is Sylvia? - Coachella Valley Repertory
Doug Morris - Romance/Romance - Coachella Valley Repertory
Doug Morris - Venus in Fur - Coachella Valley Repertory
Chuck Yates - Dirty Blonde - Coyote StageWorks
Awards ceremony
What: The Desert Theatre League's Desert Stars Awards Show.
When: Sunday, Oct. 14. Reception and check-in 4 p.m., program begins 5:15 p.m.
Where: Sun City Palm Desert,38180 Del Webb Blvd., Palm Desert.
Tickets: $45 general admission, including three-course dinner, $50 VIP seating.
Information:deserttheatreleague.org
